The end of a significant relationship, be it a divorce or separation, can be one of the most seamless, emotionally wrenching life experiences.
No matter how long you have been married or in a long-term partnership, the course of untangling your shared life can be daunting.
An array of considerations can come into play, from dividing up joint assets to arranging for custody visits.
The legal process can seem daunting, and the right steps must be taken carefully to ensure the best outcome. For that reason, during this period, it’s important to know what you expect and how to preserve its future.
But there are some major legal steps you should be mindful of as you carve out life after a significant relationship change:
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
When a major relationship change occurs, the first step should be to understand your legal rights and obligations.
You need to be aware of how the law will protect you in terms of issues such as property distribution, alimony you may be entitled to, and child custody, whether you are pursuing a divorce or separation.
In most states, marital property is divided equitably, meaning the assets and debts that were gained during the marriage are divided fairly, though not always equally.
Alimony or spousal support may be ordered based on the specific circumstances of the marriage (duration of marriage, need, and standard of living during the marriage).
If there are children, child custody and support will also have to be addressed. Knowing how these decisions are made legally and what is best for the children is so important.
Seek Advice From a Legal Expert
One of the first steps to take is to consult a divorce lawyer Long Island and/or your local area.
An experienced divorce attorney can help you navigate these complex legal waters. They will explain your options and potential outcomes and defend your rights in the legal process.
A divorce lawyer will help you settle, create the right paperwork, and, if required, represent your interests in court. They can also help you in emotionally volatile situations and help you make clear-headed decisions.
Get Your Financial Records in Order
It’s no surprise that money is so often at the center of divorce and separation. One of the most important legal steps is cleaning up your financial house. The first step is to collect all of your financial paperwork, such as:
- Bank account statements
- Tax returns
- Pay stubs
- Mortgage and loan documents
- Retirement account statements
- Credit card statements
You will need these documents to know how to divide up your assets and debts. This will save you time and ensure that you do not face any delay because of the lack of documents.
Draft a Parenting Plan (If Children Are Involved)
Be sure to devise a thorough parenting plan that covers things like child custody, visitation, and parenting after the divorce when kids are involved. That plan will detail how the children’s education, health care, and overall welfare will be addressed.
Is there an existing parenting plan in place that is against the child’s best interests and maintains an adversarial co-parenting environment?
Parents are very much encouraged to agree to a settlement outside of court, but if a court has to intervene, then that mediation process will ultimately decide what is best for the children.
Get Ready for the Emotional Roller Coaster
It is important to acknowledge the emotional journey that accompanies a big relationship transition. The pressure and emotional burden may feel overwhelming, but taking some time to talk to family, friends, or a counselor may help navigate through some of the transition.
As we find our way through this difficult moment, remember that it’s OK to ask for help. For many, professional counseling or therapy can be an invaluable resource for working through the emotions of a divorce or separation and moving on to the next chapter of their lives.
Seek Alternative Dispute Resolution
Not all divorces or separations need to be settled in a court of law. Other methods of resolving divorce conflicts, like mediation and collaborative divorce, can be less divisive and less expensive.
This enables both parties to set and work towards a resolution collaboratively with trained professionals without extensive litigation.
But if negotiation is impossible or one side is evasive, litigation is required. A Long Island divorce lawyer can provide you with guidance about the best way for you to proceed given your situation.
Plan for the Future
After the legal processes are over, make plans for the future. Maybe you’re reentering the workforce, heading back to school, or just establishing a new routine: Take some time to set
goals. Financially and emotionally, it is wise and necessary to look forward and establish a new life.
Conclusion
Ask the right professionals what your specific options are and how you should go about it. Seeking guidance from a divorce lawyer in Long Island is crucial as it can help you make informed decisions and protect yourself through this process.
Armed with the right support and preparation, you can confidently step toward the next chapter of your life, feeling like you’ve done what you need to do to protect yourself and your future.
