Divorce is a Process That Takes Time, Pace Yourself.
Once two spouses have decided that they cannot save their marriage and that divorce is inevitable, many divorcing couples want to “just get it over with”. While you do not want to prolong the process when you don’t need to, moving through each step thoughtfully and carefully can save you significant trouble in the future. Living arrangements, financial matters, and any children involved all require patience and thoughtful consideration. Keeping detailed lists, taking notes or journaling your challenges and successes are all recommended.
After the Divorce Papers are Signed, It’s Not Over…(Emotionally)
People think divorce is mostly a legal process – once child custody, alimony, and asset division are settled, the divorce can be “finalized”. However, these are just the items that a family court expects you to have in line. The fact is, you may need to deal with a new job, new schools, a new daycare provider and a new place to live. Make sure you are keeping an accurate inventory of the issues that have been resolved and what still needs to be done. Just because your divorce is final does not mean that the transition into your new life is final.
Understand your finances and living expenses ASAP
Marriages, where one spouse runs all of the financial matters while the other spouse does not have access or information to household finances, can be challenging. To make fair, accurate financial arrangements that comply with the instructions and requirements of Florida family law court, you first need the current, correct information about your finances. You need a strong handle on your current living expenses, and what it’s going to take to live in your new situation. Financial literacy does not happen overnight; be prepared. A suggested first step is understanding your current monthly income and expenses. Do not overlook retirement accounts, savings accounts, home equity loans, and credit cards. Keep a daily journal for three months of all income and expenditures which will allow you to see the whole picture.
Have a transition plan.
Take some time to make a realistic list of things that need to be done to transition to your new life after divorce. You may have new living arrangements, a different schedule and will likely have some financial issues to work through. You may be thinking about re-entering the workforce and finding a new job. For those with young children, sharing time requires heavy doses of coordination and consideration. You may be staying with a friend or relative temporarily, make sure you are clear on your expectations on the timeline and how day to day things like groceries and bills will be handled. You don’t want to “wear out your welcome” or become a financial burden to the person you’re staying with.
Having an experienced Florida Family Law Attorney on your side can make a huge difference
Many people make the mistake of hiring a lawyer they know or who handled some other matter in the past instead of hiring an attorney with extensive experience in family law matters. An attorney who has handled complex divorces and custody issues in the past, like Craig Vigodsky in Pensacola, can help you understand how Florida Family Law applies to your situation and your options for moving forward. An experienced family law attorney will be far more familiar with what it takes to get a divorce plan approved, uncover hidden assets and ensure that your divorce ends in the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Divorce is a huge transition. Being emotionally prepared for the fact that it’s much more a marathon than a sprint can not only help you manage your stamina through the process, but also ensure that things go much more smoothly. If you have questions about a family law issue in Florida, contact Craig Vigodsky for a consultation today.