This is the next post in my series on issues which Las Vegas spouses should consider prior to filing for divorce. My last article discussed why couples may wish to attend counseling prior to filing for divorce. It is not uncommon for spouses to be able to resolve their differences and save their marriage. Also, even if reconciliation is not possible, it may be possible to settle your case amicably after attending counseling. In this article I will discuss another important topic – the need to plan and consider your future prior to initiating legal proceedings. If you have questions or are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
The first thing someone should consider prior to filing for divorce is the well-being of their children. Quite often, people initiate proceedings without honestly considering how it will impact their kids. When thinking about your children, there are several issues which you must consider. First, it is generally important that you have a plan in place to ensure that they will maintain a relationship with their other parent. This means you will have to consider time sharing arrangements, pick ups and drop offs, from whom’s home the child will attend school, etc. When considering such issues, you must be realistic about what is, and what is not, possible. You must also be realistic about what compromises you will, or will not accept.
The second issue one should consider is how getting divorced will impact their financial well-being. In today’s world, households increasingly operate off of two incomes. It is not uncommon for people to become accustomed to one standard of living and then find that they cannot maintain their lifestyle after they get divorced. Unfortunately, one can be in a “super charged” emotional state when their marriage is coming to an end. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and beliefs when a person is planning their post-divorce finances. It is absolutely crucial that you be honest with yourself in terms of what you believe your income will be, what your financial needs will be, and what you will actually be able to afford.
Finally, and very important, is the fact that you must be prepared for the time it will take to adjust to being single. Many people feel that they are ready to “move forward” out of anger and do not stop to think that there will be a significant amount of time in which they must devote themselves to the time it will take to get over the end of a relationship. Not being honest with yourself, in this area, can lead to a prolonged period of heartache.
If you have questions about your situation, or if you need to discuss your options, then contact my office today to speak with a Las Vegas divorce attorney.