3 Things You Need To Know Before Starting The Divorce Process
If you are starting the divorce process, you might be wondering what you should expect from it. Even though divorces are quite common, to many people the process is still unclear and unknown. Here are some things that you should know about going through a divorce.
1. You Will Have To Pay Your Own Legal Fees
One of the most important things you need to think about when divorcing is the money. Although money shouldn't hold you back from getting a divorce if it is the best thing in your situation, you need to be sure that you have thought through how you are going to pay for it.
Most attorneys will require that you put down a retainer before they will start working on your case. Then as they put hours towards your case, they will withdraw money from the retainer to pay for your legal bills. Your spouse will hire their own attorney and they will be responsible for their own legal bills. This is why you need to have money saved up to pay for the divorce. If you don't have the money for the retainer, it could delay the proceedings.
2. You Should Try Mediation First
Mediation is generally the best solution for a divorce. Mediation is when both parties sit in separate rooms and a mediator goes back and forth, working out a compromise until both parties are satisfied. It can take a short amount of time to complete mediation or all day and into the night. It simply depends on how willing both parties are to compromise and find a solution.
Mediation is the ideal solution in most situations. In fact, since the courts are so bombarded with divorces, in many cases you will be required to try mediation before a judge will even hear your case. Mediation is the ideal solution because it saves you money on litigation fees, resolves the divorce quicker, and is a compromise so both parties can feel good about the outcome.
3. Once The Divorce Is Final, There Will Still Be More To Do
Once you have the final divorce agreement, don't think that you are done. Many times you will have to complete the stipulations of the agreement. For instance, if you had a home together, you may be required to sell it together and then split the income. You may have additional child custody hearings and much more.
Divorce is a long process, which is why it is important that you are prepared for it before you start. For more information, contact professionals like Grenadier, Starace, Duffett & Levi, P.C.
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