No one said that divorce is ever easy, but by knowing how to best prepare for it ahead of time, you can get through the process as smoothly as possible. It can become emotionally taxing and financially worrying , and then comes the division of assets. If you face a divorce, knowing what to do before the process begins can help you sidestep potential mistakes and make the process more manageable. Here’s what you need to know before shit gets real, especially if you’re contemplating a divorce in Long Island.
Comprehend the Grounds for Divorce
In New York, a divorce can be granted on several grounds, both fault-based and no-fault. For a no-fault divorce, you just need to say that the marriage has broken down irretrievably for at least six months. Fault-based grounds may include adultery, cruel treatment, abandonment, imprisonment, etc. If you’re not sure which grounds apply in your case, then you should reach out to a divorce attorney in Long Island who can help you understand the best path forward for your situation.
Preparing Financially Is Critical
Financially, divorce may be an exhausting process, with legal fees, potential alimony, and the splitting of assets. Before you even start a divorce, you need a clear picture of your finances. That includes knowing the value of all marital property — bank accounts, retirement accounts, properties, and debts. A divorce attorney Long Island can help you make sure you understand your finances completely and that you’re making sure your best interests are being preserved in the asset division process.
Custody and Support Issues Under New Jersey Law
If there are children, custody and child support will be among the most important matters in your divorce. The New York court will deal with custody issues based on what is in the best interest of the child. There are various custody arrangements, such as joint and sole custody. Child support will come into play as well since New York State uses state guidelines to find out how much support will be paid. Having a Long Island divorce lawyer who specializes in family law and who knows the law that governs custody and support agreements can help you in asserting that the agreements are minimal and beneficial for your child.
A divorce attorney is much like a family lawyer, except their focus is on the divorce itself.
An experienced Long Island divorce lawyer can be your most important ally at every stage of the divorce process. Their role will be as your advocate, protecting your rights and walking you through the legal issues. Whether filing the proper paperwork or negotiating the terms of the settlement, an experienced attorney will walk you through every step. Also, they can help you mediate disputes and come to solutions out of court, saving time, money, and emotional stress.
What Divorce Does to Your Mind and Body
Divorce is more than a legal process — it’s an emotional experience. The end of a marriage can stir up feelings of sadness, anger, and anxiety. It could be worth finding time and space to work through these feelings — whether it’s getting a counselor or talking to a support group. A divorce attorney can help you with those negative emotions, too, by providing sound legal advice and reassurance. You are dealing with the single most stressful experience of your life, and your choices- conscious or otherwise- will affect your future and that of your children, so you must do your best to remain calm and collected.
Mediation Process Guide
Not every divorce needs to be resolved in a courtroom. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR), including mediation or collaborative divorce, can be a less adversarial and less expensive way to resolve disagreements. Mediation occurs when a neutral third party assists both spouses in agreeing on issues such as asset distribution, child custody, and support. In a collaborative divorce, both spouses work together, often with the support of divorce attorneys, to resolve their case outside of court. A Long Island divorce attorney will advise you whether ADR is appropriate in your matter.
Keep Records and Be Organized
What is the number one best thing you can do during a divorce? Keep records of all communications and financial documents and any interaction you have with your spouse. If there are to be any disputable proceedings, this documentation will be very useful. Your divorce lawyer can work to help ensure that all essential paperwork is filed properly and promptly.
Conclusion
Divorce is a difficult and often emotional process, but with the proper preparation, it doesn’t have to be a messy one. There are several things to think about before filing, from understanding divorce grounds — the legal reasons you can use to file for divorce — to making sure you’re financially set. You must seek professional help. Hiring an experienced divorce attorney in Long Island is one of the finest steps you could take to protect your interest. Whether it’s a complex custody arrangement or a painstaking asset division, a divorce attorney will make sure you make informed decisions and that you have a guide through this difficult chapter of your life.
