How to prepare for a divorce in NY

Going through a divorce can be one of the most challenging and difficult situations that someone will have to deal with. Not only will a divorce signal the end of a very important personal relationship, but it will also result in a division of assets, will have an impact on child custody, and will continue to affect your future for a long time. Due to this, it continues to be very important that you are properly prepared for the divorce proceedings. There are several tips that you can follow that can help you to prepare for your divorce in New York. 

Research and Know Laws and Common Practices

It continues to be very important that anyone going through a divorce fully understand divorce laws, processes, and best practices in their state. Divorce laws and common practices in New York can differ from other states across the country. These laws can impact how assets are split, how child custody is determined, and how alimony or child support will be in most cases. This can give you a clearer picture of what impact the divorce agreement will have on your case.

Speak Civilly with Spouse First

The last thing that you will want to do is completely surprise your spouse with divorce papers. This could lead to a very emotional response and anger and make the divorce process more difficult for everyone to go through. Due to this, it is almost always advisable that you discuss your relationship with your spouse first and notify them of your intentions to file for divorce.

Take Accounting for Assets

As you are moving forward with your divorce, taking an accounting of all assets and liabilities held by both parties is important. You should try to get a recent statement of all bank and investment accounts, retirement funds, and college savings plans. You should also write down a list of other assets including vehicles, cars, and other valuables. You should also make sure that you have a list of all debts owed by either party. Ensuring that you have an accurate listing will help ensure that you get a fair share when it comes to split assets in the future.

Start Looking for Source of Income

If you are pursuing a divorce and do not currently have a source of income, it is important that you start putting yourself in a position in which you can support yourself and your children. While child support and alimony payments could get figured out later in the future, it can take time to get to that point. Further, the money you do receive may not be enough to continue the lifestyle that you want. Instead, you should focus on finding a job and source of income that you could rely on until the divorce is finalized.

Getting Living Arrangements in Place

When you are going through a divorce, finding a separate place to live from your spouse is typically a good idea. Due to this, you should work with your spouse to figure out where both parties should live. This could include selling your primary residence and finding two new homes or having just one party move out. It is important that you get an arrangement in place that both you and your spouse will agree upon.  

Think About What you Want

During the preparation process for a divorce, it is very important to think about what you want out of the agreement. Too many people go into a divorce without a goal or plan in place. When the negotiations and settlement discussions begin, it is important that you have a clear request and goal for what you want out of the proceedings. Some factors to consider can include who gets access to the residence, how major assets will be split, how custody is handled, and if an alimony or child support is paid. You should spend time considering all of these factors to come up with a final request. 

Discuss Resolution Amicably with Spouse

In any divorce, it is always in everyone’s best interest that the case be handled amicably and with respect. This is particularly true when there are children involved as a messy and heated divorce could be traumatic for the kids. Due to this, you should always try to be respectful with your spouse when you are getting divorced. You should make sure that you make your full intentions known, which can prevent surprises when you complete a formal divorce submission. This can also help to expedite the process and reduce the stress that can come with any type of divorce. 

Ensure Documentation Filed and Processed the Right Way

Ultimately, a divorce is a significant legal transaction that can have a big impact on your life. Similar to any other state in the country, there are processes that need to be followed when you are going to file for divorce in New York. It is important that you do follow these processes the right way as it can ensure your notification is filed and recorded properly. This ensures that the divorce process will continue to move forward. 

If you receive a divorce notification from your spouse, it is important to have it reviewed by a legal professional. This way, you will understand clearly what the other party is looking for, and you will be able to comply with the requirements set forth. 

Get Domestic Help

While most divorces can be civil and move forward, it is a highly stressful and challenging situation that can lead to domestic violence. If you have been a victim of domestic violence in the past, or are experiencing violence as a result of the divorce filing, getting the support that you need is very important. You should call a local Divorce Violence Hotline in New York to learn more. They can help you find aid and shelter if your area if you fear for your safety or the safety of your children.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Physical Health

A divorce is going to be among the most stressful situations that someone can deal with. Unfortunately, a lot of the stress that is caused by a divorce can last well after it is over as well. Due to this, you need ot ensure that you are focused on your mental and physical health as well. One of the ways that you can do this is by meeting with a therapist to discuss your situation. This can also be a good idea for your children that will be experiencing a range of emotions during the divorce process.

It is also important that you think about your physical health. A divorce can take a major toll on your body and mind. Due to this, you should make plans and preparations to ensure you can live a healthy lifestyle. This can include avoiding excess alcohol use, getting the right amount of sleep, and exercising regularly.  

Avoid Drastic Actions

The last thing that you will want to do is take drastic actions that could hurt your chances of receiving a favorable outcome during a divorce proceeding. Some examples of these drastic actions can include taking your kids out of the state or country without consent of the other spouse or taking a significant amount of money out of joint bank accounts. All of these actions will likely violate any form of separation agreement and could even be considered illegal. Due to this, you need to act civilly and not take any drastic actions that will hurt your chances. 

Get Proper Legal Support

One of the most important tips on preparing for divorce is that you should hire legal representation. The divorce process is a major change from both a personal and legal perspective. When you are going through a divorce, assets will be split, child custody will be determined, and other major changes will arise. Due to this, you will want to know that you have someone by your side that you can depend on.

The team with the Levoritz Law Firm can offer all the legal support that you need for your case. This can include providing a consultation, handling negotiations with the other parties, and ensuring that your rights are properly represented. Ultimately, this can help you receive the most favorable outcome possible in your situation. They can also handle any appeals and future changes to your divorce or custody agreements that may be necessary based on changing circumstances.