How to Plan for Divorce in Florida

The decision to get divorced is often one you consider carefully. Once you make the decision, you might think that the hard work is over, but in reality, it is only the beginning. The divorce process is governed by Florida law, and you must meet requirements and take certain steps to legally end your marriage. While the process can be stressful, there are some things you can do to prepare for your divorce case and help it go as smoothly as possible. If you have questions about your specific situation, contact a Daytona Beach divorce attorney.

Decide Who Will Live Where

Some people decide to get divorced and immediately want to live separately. Others will be unsure of how to best proceed. Can you afford two housing payments? Are you ready for your children to know? These are all questions you should answer to help you decide who will move out of the home or not.

Gather Information

You need a lot of information for your divorce lawyer to prepare or respond to a divorce petition. Your attorney will also need to know all of the details of your situation to best advise you on how you might resolve important issues, such as property division or alimony. You should gather the following and anything else relevant to your marriage or divorce:

• Identifying documents for you and your children
• Proof of residency
• Statements and account numbers for all your financial accounts and debts
• Titles and deeds to vehicles and real property
• Inventory of your personal property
• Business information if you or your spouse owns a company
• Any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements

When you present this information to your attorney, it gives them the whole picture of your situation, so they know how to best approach your divorce case.

Address Your Finances

Whether or not you separate, divorce can wreak havoc on your finances. You should prepare in advance for your post-divorce financial situation. This can mean following a strict budget, avoiding large or unnecessary purchases, and protecting your credit score so you can obtain credit in your own name if necessary. The more work you put into your finances now, the better you might be after a divorce. 

Tell Your Children (When You are Ready)

The decision of when and how to tell your children about your upcoming divorce is a highly personal one. You might want to seek advice from a professional regarding the best way to protect your children’s well-being when it comes to breaking the news. Parents should try to have a united front when possible and never put their children in the middle of a contentious situation.

Start by Speaking with a Daytona Beach Divorce Attorney

The Law Office of Jeffrey A. Klein helps clients take the necessary steps before and during their divorce cases. This is a stressful time, and our Daytona Beach divorce lawyer is ready to provide the assistance you need. Contact us online or call 386-252-3061 to set up your appointment.