Divorce can never be easy. Whether you fight in the court or settle the conflicts peacefully in the yet family circle, it is always emotionally hard. And quite expensive, for that matter. While there is no way to avoid the exhausting bureaucracy and emotional pain, you can still make it less overwhelming – by preparing for the divorce beforehand.
Why Should I Get a Divorce Checklist?
A Divorce Checklist usually includes the tasks you have to complete before the trial and the list of the documents you need to submit. It may also contain important information to help you reach the desired divorce outcome and have a fresh start afterward. Otherwise stated, a divorce checklist helps you stay organized and focused during the entire process.
What My Divorce Decision Checklist Should Contain?
Steps to Negotiate an Out-of-court Divorce
To start with, consider if you can resolve your conflicts out of the court. Lawyer-assisted divorces are usually extremely expensive. Uncontested divorces, on the other hand, have a simpler procedure and they may cost as little as court fees.
Normally, the issues to be settled include child custody, alimony, property rights, visitation rights, pet custody, and distribution of debts. If you and your spouse can reach an agreement as to these matters, most likely you will go on with your divorce without legal assistance. After you complete the Marital Settlement Agreement, you will only have to put your signatures, and file it with the court.
That said, note down the list of questions you want to discuss with your partner. Also, make sure that you can offer solutions to some or most of the issues.
A Consideration of Hiring a Lawyer or a Mediator
No law can oblige you to hire a lawyer for your divorce process. However, it’s best to have a backup plan in case things go south. If you and your spouse can’t agree on any issue, hiring a professional legal assistant might be the most reasonable option. Undoubtedly, this will add up to your divorce expenses but also releases you from most of the legal hassle. Including this bullet in your divorce checklist before actually starting the process can help you find a good professional in advance and be prepared when the hearing starts.
Alternatively, you can try mediation. This option is good for couples who can’t agree on some issues and need qualified advice. Unlike hiring a lawyer, it’s also cheaper.
The List of the Necessary Documents
The list of the documents may vary depending on the divorce case. A lawyer will know which of those you may need if you decided to hire one. However, if you are going through a divorce without legal assistance, you need to make sure that you have the right package of documents.
You can download Florida divorce forms pdf online but you will still have to do some reading to know which forms are necessary for your exact divorce case. For example, if you have minor children, the court may require your Support and Parenting Plan, as well as a Uniform Child Custody Affidavit. Start preparing sooner to avoid delays and unnecessary stress.
To keep things organized, put down the documents that need to be obtained on your divorce checklist and keep track of the progress. This way you will know what papers are missing and what should be done to get them.
When Should I Get a Divorce Checklist?
There is no official day when you should get a divorce checklist. However, the sooner you start preparing for your divorce, the more solid your case will be, and the less time will be wasted.
Ideally, start building your divorce checklist a few months before you inform your spouse of your decision to part. Then, you will have time to accumulate savings, secure your assets, find a good lawyer (if you choose to hire one), and decide what to do with your life after you become single.
Final Thoughts
The decision of getting divorced can be hard. But you shouldn’t make it any harder by letting things take their course. Instead, start preparing for divorce as soon as possible. This way you will have time and energy to consider your strategy, collect all the necessary information and documents, secure your assets, and settle the conflicts. A preparation for divorce checklist will help you stay organized and be in control of your divorce process.
