Category : Divorce Rights

Home»Archive by Category "Divorce Rights"

Is it Possible for a Man to get a Cheap Divorce?

This is the one million dollar question for men, and it is not always about the money.

As we all know, most divorce attorneys only care about themselves and their hourly rates.  This usually causes a divorce to drag out for a long period of time.  Depending on where you live, there are some very good alternatives.

If you have $15,000 to $25,000 to throw away, well then take the conventional route and get yourself an attorney.  But, are there other options?  You bet.  So most of your money does not go to an attorney, here are some different choices on how to seek a cheap divorce.

  • Using a good Mediator is a way to spend about one third of the regular cost of a divorce.  A mediator can decrease the cost of a divorce although it will still cost you a good amount of money.  If you have the funds and do not know your divorce rights, this is a route to take.
  • In most cases checking in with your county clerk’s office is another good way to receive information on how to file for  a divorce or how to file for a legal separation until you and your spouse decide what kind of action you will take.  If your assets are high, this may not be a sensible route to take.  If you are a regular Jo blow, the county clerk will lead you in the right direction to obtaining a cheap divorce.  Remember, you are dealing with a government office so don’t expect friendly smiles and courteous assistance.  However,these are your rights.
  • Depending on your state and your situation, there are Online Divorce Kits and divorce websites that assist you in obtaining the correct divorce forms.  Make sure you do some research and that you use a reputable site with customer service such as www.mydivorcedocuments.com.
  • Divorce Un-bundling.  This allows you and your spouse to maintain control and make decisions on ending the marriage on your own without the help of a neutral third party assisting you.  This includes the filing of any legal forms.  Again, I recommend you research this topic carefully.
  • In just about any state, you can hire a paralegal that will assist you in preparing the documentation necessary to file for a divorce at a much cheaper rate than an attorney.   Using a paralegal is useful when you and your spouse can agree on terms of the divorce.  But if that is already the case, why do you need a paralegal?  Right?
  • A divorce attorney is an option you have if you can afford to pay for your divorce and possibly pay for your spouses’ attorney as well.  An attorney is also good to have if you have large assets, you know your wife is going to play hardball and if you probably don’t want much contact with her.  If an attorney is absolutely necessary, save yourself some money by doing as much work as you can on your own, ask what you can do to save billable hours and explain you do not want to spend much time and money on your divorce.  A good attorney will assist you on this request.

It is not necessary to waste a lot of money on an attorney.  If you can communicate with your spouse and take the time to figure out what you both want, using a cheaper method for a divorce is very possible.  Remember to go online and look for divorce forms already available at www.mydivorcedocuments.com

Important Steps to Divorce!

DIVORCE PREPARATION – CRUCIAL INITIAL STEPS

Planning

The planning of a divorce can be very difficult.  Be completely sure that you are 100% that you want a divorce before getting started.  Giving up on your marriage can be very overwhelming.  Be sure you have explored other resources such as marriage counseling or communication exercises before you commit to a divorce.  If possible, you and your spouse should work together and do your best to save your marriage before making any drastic decisions.

If all fails and you still are certain regarding the decision then, it is time to tell your spouse.  You must be prepared for the outcome, this can be the most emotional and difficult conversation you may ever have.  Get support from your family and friends and have them ready in case you are concerned your spouse may have a reaction that could lead to danger to either you or your children.  Be honest and upfront unless there is a security or custodial related need to not do so.

Inform your children.  If both parents can do this together, an honest explanation will provide reassurance and support to the children.  Consider researching other educational resources that will assist you to understand how to best communicate these difficult news.  It is recommended to do this before announcing the divorce to your children.

Records

Gathering records is very important.  You will need to try and gather as many official copies of financial information about your spouse as possible.  This information can be legal, government, joint assets, joint debts, income records, employment records, insurance information and credit reports.  For your children, gather birth dates, current and past address records and social security numbers.

Obtain proof of ownership on all joint and personal assets and records of all joint debts.  Get copies of past tax returns, marriage license and any existing prenuptial agreements.

All of this information will be necessary when applying for a divorce either through an attorney or if you are using a “do it yourself kit”.

Divorce Preparation

You will need to decide if you are going to use an attorney or if you are going to use other methods to file for a divorce.  Divorce documents are available online and are a great way to keep costs low.  There are educational resources to assist you in understanding a divorce process.  You can look into other media such as MyDivorceDocuments.com, books, DVD’s or pamphlets to help you prepare for your divorce.  Take time to understand each step of the divorce process.

Custody arrangements are very important so begin to keep track of the time you spend with your children.  Make sure you log in all efforts in taking care of your children.

Prepare for a life apart

Speak to your spouse about all the accounts, debts and assets you share.  Make sure you close all credit accounts and joint bank accounts as early as possible.  Be sure to close all accounts in writing.  Speak to a professional about the negotiation process of dividing debts and assets.  Apply for your own credit cards and open your own bank accounts.  If needed, update your last will and testament as early as possible.

Use the address of your new residence or establish a secondary mailing address.  If sharing a home with your spouse for some time, store and save any sensitive information separately without access from your spouse.

A divorce does not have to be a difficult and stressful time.  Make sure to prepare and educate yourself in the initial steps to begin the divorce process.  By simply going to www.mydivorcedocuments.com you can find several forms and kits as well as information to help you start your divorce process.

Use a Divorce Kit Today!

My Divorce Documents is one of the most trusted names in divorce documentation online today.  We pride ourselves in creating complete divorce kits that help our customers to file their divorces by offering on site downloadable divorce forms, restraining orders, child support and custody documents, and everything you need to complete our divorce papers, including name change forms.

Our downloadable divorce forms allow you to fill out the papers with our step by step guides in the comfort and security of your home or office when it is convenient for you.

Divorce can be a very frustrating and trying time.  If you and your spouse have come to the conclusion that divorce is the only answer, this kit will not only save you time, but dollars in legal fees and pain.

No-fault divorce is just as it sounds, neither party is at fault.  Some states call no-fault divorce “dissolution.  It simply states that there are “irreconcilable differences” between the two and they wish to terminate the marriage.

In the Do-It-Yourself Kit the following details will be covered for you:

  • Personal property and real estate
  • Child custody, support and visitation
  • Alimony
  • Debts and other obligations
  • Change to former name for the wife
  • Income taxes

Both Spouses Must Agree on the Following:

Both parties must agree entirely on the following listed details or this kit will not work for you.  Legal advice is recommended if you cannot agree on all aspects of ending the marriage.  If you and your spouse can agree entirely on the following few items, you are a perfect fit for this kit:

1) You must meet residency requirements for your state.  In most states, that is 6 to 12 months. The residency requirements for all states are listed in this kit.

2) Both of you must agree on all aspects of ending your marriage.

3) No pregnancy involved.

4) You must know the whereabouts of your spouse. He/she will need to sign the documents later. He/she will not need to appear in court, however, the person filing will.

5) You must be aware that there will be court fees you’ll pay directly to the court when you file. The fees vary in each state vary depending on where you live.  You can find out by contacting your county clerk’s office.

If you are able to agree on these items, it’s possible to save yourself lots of money in legal fees.  If you cannot agree, we suggest you seek legal advice.

Divorce is usually a very trying time, but if you and your spouse have agreed to all matters in regards to ending your marriage, this kit will definitely save time, heartache and hundreds of dollars.  Be sure to go over all situations, even real estate and children.  In addition to the cost of the kit, you will need to pay court fees.  These vary from state to state, even county to county.  You pay these fees directly to the court.  You can contact your county clerks’ office for actual fees.

To begin this low-cost downloadable specific state divorce process, please go to www.mydivorcedocuments.com and see what we have to offer you now.

Options of a Divorce!

A divorce legally suspends a marriage.  Courts in the United States at this time acknowledge two types of divorces:

1) Absolute/Fault Divorce: To obtain an absolute divorce, courts require some type of verification showing of wrongdoing on one spouse’s behalf.  An absolute divorce is an official termination of a legal marriage.

2) Limited Divorce: Limited divorces are typically referred to as a legal separation Limited divorces result in termination of the right to separate but the court refrains from officially dissolving the marriage and the parties status remain unchanged.

A limited divorce is a legal action in which the court obverse’s a couple’s separation.  It is generally used by people who

  • Do not have any grounds of an absolute divorce
  • Need financial relief
  • Unable to settle their differences privately

During a limited divorce, the parties are to reside separately.  However, they remain legally married.

  • Although the parties are still married, neither has the right to have sexual relations with the other spouse.
  • In addition, neither spouse may remarry, nor have sexual relations with another person.  If so, this is considered adultery.
  • The court determines which party is at fault, if either, is at fault.  The court may grant support to one spouse based on need.
  • The limited divorce can also resolve questions of:
  • child custody
  • child support
  • health insurance coverage
  • dividing of personal property & assets

If spousal support is not required, and there is no property to divide, there is generally no need for a limited divorce.

If one spouse dies after a limited divorce the other spouse may still inherit property.  Also the form of ownership for any property you own as husband and wife will stay the same.

3) Conversion Divorce:

Some states permit conversion divorce.  Conversion divorce changes a legal separation into a legal divorce after both parties have been separated for a necessary amount of time.

4) No-Fault Divorce:

Many states have passed a no-fault divorce.  A no fault divorce does not require a fault or a substantial reason to divorce.  In today’s day, not all states have passed a no fault divorce.

The Court may find the following:

  • the relationship is no longer possible
  • that irreconcilable differences have caused a breakdown of the marriage
  • conflict of personalities have destroyed the legit ends of the marital relationship and prevents any reasonable possibility of reconciliation
  • Marriage is irretrievably broken

Property Division

During a divorce the court must divide the property between both spouses.  Courts today recognize two separate types of property during property division proceedings

  • Marital Property
  • Separate Property

Marital property is any property that the husband and wife obtained individually or jointly during the course of the marriage.  Separate property is any property that one spouse purchased and possessed prior to the marriage and that did not change in value during the course of the marriage.  If the separate property owning spouse trades the property for other property or sells the property, the newly obtained property or funds of the sale stay separate property.

Current Division

Current division of property strives for a reasonable division of marital assets.  By dividing the assets equitably, a judge endeavors to effect the final separation of the parties and to enable both parties to start their post-marital lives with some degree of financial status.

Most courts at least recognize the following factors:

  • Contribution to the accumulation of marital property
  • Respective parties liabilities, whether one spouse received income-producing property while the other did not
  • the duration of the marriage
  • age and health of the partners
  • the earning capacity and employability of the respective parties
  • the value of each party’s separate property
  • the pension and retirement rights of each party
  • whether one party will receive custodial and child support provisions
  • the tax consequences of the allocations
  • whether one spouse’s marital misconduct caused the divorce

Most jurisdictions also give the family court judge broad jurisdiction by providing judges with the right to consider any other just and proper factor.

When assigning property, judges cannot transfer the separate property of one spouse to another spouse without the legislature having previously passed an enabling statute. Whether such an enabling statute exists varies between jurisdictions.

Alimony

Alimony refers to payments from one spouse to the other.  A court can order one spouse to pay three different types of alimony:

  • Permanent Alimony
  • Temporary Alimony
  • Rehabilitative Alimony

Permanent alimony requires the payer to continue paying either for the rest of the payer’s life or until the spouse receiving payments remarries.  Temporary alimony requires payments over a short amount of time so that the payment receipt can stand alone once again.

Similar to temporary alimony, rehabilitative alimony requires the payer to give the recipient short-term alimony after the property division proceedings have ended.

Rehabilitative alimony is to help a spouse with lesser employ ability or earning capacity become adjusted to a new post-marital life.

Courts allocate alimony with the intention of permitting a spouse to maintain the standard of living to which the spouse has become accustomed.  Factors affecting whether the court awards alimony include the marriage’s length, the length of separation before divorce, the parties’ ages, the parties’ respective incomes, the parties’ future financial prospects, the health of the parties, and the parties’ respective faults in causing the marriage’s demise.

If a couple had children together while married, a court may require one spouse to pay child support to the spouse with custody, but one should note that alimony and child support are totally different.

In a nutshell, if you are certain you want a divorce you can simply start the process yourself by going to www.mydivorcedocuments.com and begin your do it yourself divorce now.

Stages of a Divorce!

One of life’s most difficult decisions to make is if you should end a marriage or not.  Many people are unsure as to whether they will pursue a divorce or want to understand the process for acquiring one.  Knowledge is empowering and can help you think more clearly as to how you wish to handle the issues within your marriage.  This article gives a general overview of the stages of a divorce case.

In some cases you may not automatically want to file your Divorce Complaint, although there may be reasons you wish to do so.  In this case you may want to try and resolve the issues that are relevant to considering ending your marriage.  If you have come to the final decision of moving forward with a divorce and feel there is no hope left then you need to start your divorce process.  During this time, you will likely exchange whatever information needed to have disclosure on financial issues.  You can even work with mediators or care professionals, if necessary, in order to resolve any conflicts with regard to custody and parenting time of your children.  Once the settlement is reached, it is reduced to writing and executed by the parties and counsel.  At this time, the parties can file the pleadings to obtain a divorce and seek enforcement of the agreement they have reached.

In the event that the circumstances of your case force you to file your divorce pleadings immediately rather than pursue pre-filing settlement options as discussed above, then your case will proceed differently.  The filing of the Divorce Complaint has an important impact.  Generally speaking, it establishes the termination date of your marriage and is the date by which assets of a marriage are identified and valued.  The filing of the Divorce Complaint also triggers many court deadlines for moving your case forward.  For example, your spouse will have thirty-five days to respond to the pleading that you filed.  From there, you and your spouse will prepare financial disclosure forms called Case Information Statements.  These forms will be filed with the court.

You will also begin a process called “discovery” in which you and your spouse will have a certain fixed period of time to respond to formal requests for information. These demands are called “Interrogatories,” which are written questions, to which you must respond, and a “Notice to Produce,” or a demand for documents, to which you will also have to respond by producing the documents requested in the demand.  Depositions may also occur during this discovery period.  Depositions consist of a series of questions that you and your spouse answer under oath. The attorney representing your spouse asks you the questions; your attorney questions your spouse.  Furthermore, if there are contested issues of custody and parenting time and/or if there are assets that need to be valued, such as real estate or a business, those evaluations occur during this time period with the assistance of experts.

Once discovery is completed there are certain initiatives organized by the court to assist you in trying to reach a settlement of your case.  One such initiative is called Early Settlement Panel, where approximately two attorneys volunteer their time to sit as panelists and hear from your counsel the merits of your positions in your divorce.  At the conclusion of that presentation, the panelists will offer a non-binding and confidential assessment of how they would resolve your case based on their experience.  If your case does not settle at Early Settlement Panel, then you are provided the opportunity to go on to Economic Mediation.  During Economic Mediation, attorneys who are qualified mediators volunteer approximately two hours of their time to again hear from you and your counsel and try to help you reach a resolution of your open issues.  With both Early Settlement Panel and Economic Mediation, your spouse and his/her attorney also present their position. At the conclusion of Economic Mediation you report back to the judge assigned to your case to advise the court of the status of your case.  If at the end of Economic Mediation your case is still not settled, then the court will likely schedule an in-court settlement conference and/or a trial date.

The above offers a quick summary of the general process of a divorce.  Subjective circumstances of an individual case can certainly cause a case to evolve in a variety of different directions.  A complicated custody dispute can also make a divorce more involved, although courts do prioritize custody matters and try to expedite those cases, preferably within a six month period of time tolling from the filing date of the Complaint for Divorce.  It is also important to keep in mind that with the assistance of counsel and cooperation from the parties, even complicated matters can be solved expeditiously.  Every divorce varies according to your situation.

If you have read the divorce process and realize that you can have an amicable divorce and come to agreements to resolve this divorce quickly.  Then I encourage you to simply go to www.mydivorcedocuments.com where you can download your specific state low cost forms and kits today.

Inexpensive Divorce Tips!

Divorce can be a very expensive procedure and challenging time for divorcing couples.  Divorce is a very exhausting event which can burn you emotionally as well as financially.  Getting through with the terms in regard to divorce is time consuming.  While filing for a divorce you should always keep in mind: are you able to afford a divorce?

Divorce involves a lot of requirements and trips to the court.  You would have to pay for a number of things including fees for the attorney, legal documents and divorce papers. You should keep in mind every procedure which involves divorce, would make you pay some amount of money.  There are several other options of a divorce other then hiring an attorney.

Are you able to afford a divorce?

You should select an affordable lawyer who would help you with all the legal documents required in your state and would also assist you with various formalities.

With an affordable attorney, you can make sure that your divorce process is smooth sailing.  If you have children you would have to take into account the following aspects- visitation rights, child support and child custody arrangements.

If you want to gain custody over your child, you would have to make sure that your finances are secure and sound. You would have to prove in the courts that you would be able to support your child in all aspects pertaining to medical care, dental care and schooling or further education.

It would be essential to protect your rights while going in for divorce.  If your finances are not sound, the judge would probably entitle you with visitation rights.

Some tips in regard to finances and divorce

Try and be realistic during your divorce to avoid a strain on your finances.  While being married all your financial duties were shared with your spouse but after divorce you would have to take hold of your finances.  You should be aware of what you own as an individual.

Be sure to calculate individual finances.  When you calculate your worth and your ex-husbands worth, you can know where you stand individually.

Try and get help from a financial adviser.  Your financial advisor would help you with your finances and keep the finances in order. During the entire process you should be aware of the joint accounts, individual accounts and have copies of bank statements.  With a financial advisor you would be aware of the financial implications of a divorce.

To avoid unnecessary expenditure, try and end your divorce as soon as possible.  By doing do so you can avoid unnecessary expenditure on attorney fees.  Lawyer fees are extremely high and expensive.  While hiring a lawyer, make sure you ask about the fees in advance and how long the divorce procedure would take.  When you know the fees and the duration of your case, you would be aware of your expenses.

Refrain from making your divorce a long drawn process.  Try not to talk down your partner and make your marriage dissolution a bitter episode.  You can avoid unnecessary expenditure when you are more realistic about your financial backing and the costs involved in the entire divorce procedure.  It would be wise to pay up all debts in advance if you are able to.

If you and your spouse are able to come to an agreement and you would like to find out more options about an online divorce you can simply go to www.mydivorcedocuments.com and begin your low cost specific state downloadable kit and form today.

Rights of My Property During a Divorce!

Division of property is usually part of the divorce process.

Here are some legal terms and concepts that are good to know when speaking to an attorney.

Before speaking to an attorney, it is helpful to become familiar with a few legal concepts and legal terms such as:

  • Division of Property
  • Community Property
  • Separate Property
  • Equitable Distribution.

People should consult a family law attorney early in the divorce process as this may preserve an individual’s financial well being. Keep note that this article does not constitute legal advice.

While internet research is helpful, everyone should understand that each state has different divorce laws and legal terms.. There are, however, basic similarities in divorces, and though the terminology may be different, the basic principles in the divorce process are relatively uniform.

Division of Property

In simple terms, community property can be thought of as “all property and profits acquired during marriage.  Yet, there are other factors which can affect whether or not something really is community property.

In a short-term marriage, with no children and little community property, it can often be easy to obtain a quick divorce.

However, long-term marriages can often bring more complex issues into the divorce, such as:

  • Personal Property (jewelry, clothing, cars, and other things)
  • Real estate
  • Children
  • Businesses
  • Large or concealed debts
  • Trust funds
  • Investments
  • Pensions
  • Joint and separate accounts

In complex situations, a husband and wife may be unable to agree upon a division of assets without the help of a divorce specialist who deals with these issues on a daily basis.

Equitable Distribution of Community Property

Equitable distribution means a “fair” distribution.  Many states start with the presumption that “equitable means equal” but “other factors may contribute to an unequal distribution that is still considered equitable.

Though every state has their own divorce laws, many states consider factors like the following when making a fair division of community property assets:

  • How many years the couple has been married
  • Prenuptial agreements
  • Ability of each person (usually the wife) to earn their own living after the divorce
  • Age and health
  • What each person has contributed to the marriage
  • Tax consequences of the division
  • Debts and liabilities

There are many other considerations that may affect distribution.

Separate Property

What is separate property? Separate property is any asset that is owned by just one spouse and is usually not divided between the spouses during the divorce process.

Sometimes, separate property becomes co-owned and might be considered community property.  Divorce lawyers will be able to explain these special circumstances.

Few Examples of Separate Property:

  • Gift or Inheritance given to one spouse
  • Personal injury settlements given to one spouse
  • Things that were owned by one spouse before the marriage, such as a business, a home, or a pension
  • Property purchased during the marriage by one spouse with their own (separate) money

When large assets, debts, or children are involved, it is important that each spouse has their own attorney to represent their interests.

Other Division of Property Issues

Division of property involves the distribution of money and other assets associated with the time span of the marriage.

Here are some of the other issues that must be settled during the divorce process, but are related to life after divorce:

  • Alimony or spousal support
  • Child custody and visitation
  • Child support payments

It is important for each spouse to retain a rational and businesslike temperament throughout the divorce process. There are always many compromises which must be made on the part of both the husband and the wife.

Understanding some of the terms and concepts associated with division of assets may make the divorce process easier for everyone.

Keep in mind if you and your spouse are able to have an amicable divorce and can come to an agreement on your own.  I highly recommend you visit www.mydivorcedocuments.com and download a low-cost specific state do it yourself kit and forms.

Know your Facts of a Divorce!

Divorce is very painful and can be an extremely difficult process.  Knowing how divorce laws function and understanding the court’s role in a divorce can help to make this transition smoother and easier.

Divorce laws govern the dissolution of a marriage.  Every country has its own laws regarding divorce and, in fact, divorce laws can vary from state to state or province to province within a nation.  Knowing your jurisdiction’s divorce laws can keep a bad situation from becoming worse, and save you future turmoil.

In the United States, divorce laws, in general, provide two basic forms of divorce: fault and no-fault divorce.  However, even in some jurisdictions whose divorce laws do not require a party to claim fault of their partner, a court may still take into account the behavior of the parties when dividing property, debts, evaluating custody, and support.

In a no-fault divorce, the dissolution of a marriage does not require a reason or proof of fault of either party.  Forty-nine states have adopted no-fault divorce laws, with grounds for divorce including incompatibility, irreconcilable differences, and irremediable breakdown of the marriage.  New York is the sole exception divorce laws there still require a proof of fault.

Studies show that about 95 percent of divorces in the United States are “uncontested,” because the two parties are able to work out an arrangement concerning property, debt, children and support issues.  When the parties can agree and present the court with a fair and equitable agreement, approval of the divorce is almost guaranteed.  If the parties can’t work out their differences, divorce laws govern the fair and equitable disposition of these issues.

Divorce laws generally recognize two types of property during property division proceedings – marital property and separate property.  Marital property consists of property that the spouses acquire individually or jointly during the course of marriage.  Under divorce laws, separate property represents any property that one spouse purchased and possessed prior to the marriage and that did not substantially change in value during the course of the marriage because of the efforts of one or both spouses.  Under new divorce laws, separate property is returned to its original owner, while marital property is divided according to negotiated settlement and what the court deems equitable.

In cases involving children, divorce laws attempt to ensure the matter does not spill over into the family court system.  In many jurisdictions, divorce laws require divorcing parents to submit a parenting plan documenting out each party’s rights and responsibilities.

Divorce laws also provide for the establishment of alimony, often depending on the length of the marriage and other factors.  Spousal support is becoming less common, however, as more women are entering the workforce and earning their own income.

With this in mind if you and your spouse are able to come to an agreement and you wish to save money and time simply go to www.mydivorcedocuments.com and begin your low cost specific state divorce process now.

Organization Tips for a Divorce!

Once you have made the final decision to get a divorce, attached are some tips you can do to prepare for a divorce.

1) Take Note

You will need to use your own money for divorce, not your spouses.  You will have to maintain yourself and your children for a while if you are dependent on your spouse and your spouse makes the decision to cut you off support.

You will also probably need funds to hire a lawyer.  If there is anyway to begin a separate account to guard against future financial possibilities, now is the time to do it.  If you need to borrow money from a relative or friend, be sure to sign a promissory note so the court will look at this as a loan that you have to repay and not as a gift.

2) Log a Divorce Calendar

If you are currently using a desk calendar or day planner, you will now need to include your divorce events.  There will be meetings with your lawyer and court deadlines to keep track of.  It may be helpful to keep track of discussions with your spouse.

A divorce Calendar may be used as evidence in your case when your spouse does not keep an appointment or violated an agreement or court order.  Visitation dates with children need to be calendared.  You will also want to keep track of appointments with your children’s teachers, doctors, coaches and tutors.  This may become evidence of your participation in your children’s lives in your divorce.

3) Create a To Do List

Be sure to stay organized and set your priorities straight during the divorce.  This is the easiest way to do it.  List all the items you have to accomplish and mark them off as you go through them.

4) Prepare a Divorce Folder or Binder

A divorce produces a lot of paperwork and may become a storm.  The simplest way to keep track of all these papers is with a three ring binder and a three-hole punch.  Put papers in chronological order and be sure to make an index for your own benefit.

5) Set up a Divorce File

You may prefer to set up individual files for various categories of divorce papers.   Some examples are correspondence with your attorney, drafts of agreements, financial information and pleadings.  Files with brads and a two hole punch will help you keep papers neat and organized.

6) Cut Expenses

If you have debt in your name, like credit cards or student loans, you will want to pay those debts down as much as possible before a divorce.  If your family is like most American families, you have been spending close to your entire income, if not more, and when one household becomes two, there will not be enough money to pay the expenses of both unless something changes.

You may have to cut your current expenses, sell the car and get a less expensive model, or maybe sell the house.  If your spouse does not voluntarily support you and the children, your remedy is to ask the Court to order support.  You will not have a good prediction of any of this and you will not know the answers for sure until the agreement is signed or the judge makes a ruling.  But, the point is to think about it, and identify problems and possible solutions. Then take the actions that you can take and avoid missteps.

7) Stay with a Consistent Routine

It will help if you try to keep things as normal as possible in your life.  Do not skip meals or change sleeping habits.  Positive routines like using you’re to do list and calendar will help you keep focus.  Exercise is always a great way to relieve stress.  Try to maintain friendships and daily routines as normal.

8) Be Constructive

Try to maintain a positive outlook and do not let yourself get involved with unnecessary conflicts with your spouse.  You will need his signature on a settlement agreement before your divorce is over.  You will still be parents together for years after the divorce.

9) Make a Plan

Take it one day at a time.  Focus on the present and not the past.  Try to control only those things within your control.  Many things in a divorce are outside of your control.  Try not to blow those things out of proportion.  Make a plan. Then keep working your plan.  That is how you will take control of your divorce and not let it take control of you.

10) Gather Financial Information

The more you can organize your own financial documents, the more you will reduce your attorney fees and improve your chances of success.  You are going to have to gather and organize a lot of information for your attorney or your case.  A good way of organizing the information you find is a financial statement which can be used as a checklist.

Many courts have a form financial statement available at the court clerk’s office and sometimes online. If you can obtain this form and fill it out, it will help you gather and organize your financial information.  Give it to your lawyer at the first meeting to save time and expense.

11) Do Your Research

It is valuable for you to learn everything you can about divorce early in the process.  If you know little or nothing about the process, you may not make the best decisions or choices.  Most people are uncomfortable with the unknown. You can raise your comfort level and your odds of success by finding out what is going to happen before it happens. The Internet is a convenient way to obtain summary and detailed information about divorce.

Of course there are other ways to research the subject.  You can start your research at a library or bookstore.  There are seminars and support groups.  Talk to friends who have been through divorce.  But, keep in mind that every divorce is different. It’s a good idea to learn about the basics of divorce law in your state early in the process.

With this is mind, if you and your spouse are able to come to an agreement without any hassle you are able to do an online divorce with a do it yourself specific state divorce process.  You can begin this low cost process by simply going to www.mydivorcedocuments.com and begin your easy and quick divorce today.

A Few Tips on Divorce!

1.  Safety First

First basic steps are to try and keep yourself and your family safe.  If you are in a situation where safety is an issue, be sure to contact the police and immediately consult with a lawyer.

2. If you are looking to seek full custody of your children do not leave the residence without the kids

If you do not take your children with you when you leave, you may most likely lose the chance of seeking full custody of your kids.

3. Consult with a family law attorney if necessary

If you have made your final decision to divorce then you may want to consult with attorney to get more information on the proper steps to take for the divorce process.  Keep in mind that consulting with an attorney involves legal fees and expenses.  Be sure to ask the attorney immediately on specific charges.

4. Even if your spouse requests that you move out of the family residence, you have the right to stay

Maybe you should suggest that your spouse move out of the residence if she or he wants to be separated so badly.

5. Play Fair

Keeping a civil relationship with your spouse is very important.  Do not go and play games with disconnecting or canceling memberships or accounts.  It is very important to realize the same judicial officer will most likely be presiding over your face from start to finish.  You want that judicial officer to respect you.  If you do not play fair, the judicial officer in your case will remember that you were unreasonable and this may affect determinations of future decisions regarding custody, support, etc.

6. Do not fight over objects that have no real sentimental reasons just because

Unless you are fighting over an heirloom or something that is irreplaceable, ask yourself how much the attorney’s fees and emotional grief will cost you, and determine if it would be less expensive to purchase a new or used item.

7. Documents

At the official meeting with an attorney if you decide to use one you are asked to provide accurate information and documentation.  The faster you obtain this information, the faster they will be able to proceed with your dissolution.  If they are required to obtain documents through formal discovery, it will be expensive.  If you do not have bank records, order them.  If the accountant has your taxes, obtain the copies and get them to to the attorney’s office.

8.  Acknowledge your feelings / Consider Counseling

Divorce can be a very difficult time.  Be sure to acknowledge this fact.  If you find that your decisions regarding custody and visitation and/or property division are made out of anger, try and seek some counseling immediately.  The quicker you handle your emotions, the faster you will be healthy and can be a better parent and person.
9. Photograph your possessions

If you fear that your spouse may take your possessions, photograph them to show their condition and value.

Attached were just a few tips for you to know going into a divorce.  Now if you and your spouse are able to come to an agreement and make decision together then hiring an attorney is unnecessary.  Today most divorcing couples are taking the opportunity to do there own divorce.  You can find out more information by simply going to www.mydivorcedocuments.com to begin your low cost do it yourself online divorce today.