Blog | Ball Morse Lowe

10 Steps to Prepare for Divorce Before You Hire Divorce Family Law Firm

Written by Ball Morse Lowe | February 14, 2024

Divorce is a major life move that demands thorough planning and preparation. Individuals can prepare for the legal process ahead of time. In this user-friendly article, we'll go over ten critical measures to take before selecting a family law firm, with a focus on divorce lawyers in Norman and divorce attorneys in Norman, to ensure a smoother and more educated process.

Section 1: Assess Your Finances

1.1 Gather Financial Documents:

Begin by gathering necessary financial papers, such as tax returns, bank statements, investment accounts, and property records. This information will be critical in determining assets and liabilities during the divorce process.

1.2 Establish Individual Financial Accounts:

To keep your funds separate from your spouse, consider obtaining independent bank accounts and credit cards. This phase aids in the management of personal spending and achieving financial independence.

Section 2: Organize Important Documents

2.1 Compile Legal Documents:

Collect key legal documents such as prenuptial agreements, wills, and any current court orders governing child custody or support. Organizing these documents will provide clarity on existing legal arrangements.

2.2 Create a Personal Inventory:

Make a detailed inventory of your personal and joint assets, such as real estate, vehicles, precious goods, and debts. This inventory will be a useful tool during property partition talks.

Section 3: Prioritize Your Goals and Needs

3.1 Identify Priorities:

Determine your divorce priorities and goals, such as child custody, spousal support, and property division choices. Clearly defining your goals can help direct your discussions with your divorce attorney.

3.2 Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution:

Investigate other dispute resolution options, such as mediation or collaborative divorce. These approaches have the potential to cut legal expenses and encourage more peaceful conversations.

Section 4: Evaluate Child Custody and Support

4.1 Understand Custody Arrangements:

If there are children involved, become familiar with various custody arrangements and visitation dates. Assess your choices and be ready to share them with your divorce lawyer.

4.2 Estimate Child Support Needs:

Calculate probable child support payments depending on your income condition and your children's needs. This information will be critical in determining fair and reasonable child support agreements.

Section 5: Consult with Professionals

5.1 Seek Therapeutic Support:

Consider receiving emotional help from a therapist or counselor. Divorce can be emotionally difficult, and expert counsel can help you manage these intricacies.

5.2 Consult a Financial Advisor:

Consult with a financial counselor to better understand the long-term financial ramifications of different settlement possibilities. Their experience can provide vital insights for making sound decisions.

Section 6: Secure Your Digital Presence

6.1 Change Passwords and Security Settings:

Change your email, social networking, and financial account passwords to secure your digital presence. Adjust your privacy settings to protect sensitive information during the divorce process.

6.2 Monitor Joint Accounts:

Monitor joint financial accounts and transactions to guarantee transparency and avoid any unexpected financial changes.

Section 7: Develop a Support System

7.1 Build a Support Network:

Create a solid network of friends, family, and professionals who can offer emotional and practical support during the divorce process.

7.2 Discuss the Situation with Children:

If there are children involved, discuss the impending changes in an open and age-appropriate manner. Please remind them of your continuous love and support.

Section 8: Research Divorce Lawyers in Norman

8.1 Explore Law Firm Websites:

Look into local family law businesses, especially divorce lawyers in Norman. Visit their websites to learn more about their experience, client testimonials, and approach to divorce cases.

8.2 Schedule Consultations:

Schedule consultations with potential divorce lawyers to discuss your case, assess their suitability for your needs, and learn their legal strategy.

Section 9: Plan for the Practicalities

9.1 Establish Temporary Living Arrangements:

If required, make plans for temporary housing to ensure stability during the divorce process.

9.2 Create a Co-Parenting Plan:

Create a preliminary co-parenting plan with your husband, including visiting schedules, communication strategies, and child decision-making processes.

Section 10: Develop a Budget

10.1 Outline a Post-Divorce Budget:

Create a post-divorce budget based on your own financial position. This will allow you to make more informed judgments concerning spousal support, alimony, and ongoing expenses.

10.2 Save for Legal Costs:

Set aside funds for legal bills and other expenses to ensure that you are financially prepared for the legal parts of the divorce.

Conclusion:

Divorce involves practical, emotional, and legal problems. Individuals in Norman can approach the procedure with greater clarity and readiness if they follow these ten steps while engaging the services of a family law firm. Establishing a solid foundation allows for collaborative engagement with your selected divorce lawyer at Ball Morse Lowe PLLC, assuring effective navigation of divorce issues. Call us at 405-701-5355 to begin a holistic strategy to achieve an outcome that is perfectly aligned with your objectives and needs.