Before you file

Before you file for divorce you should know what a divorce entails. You should know what you'll need to know, what decisions you'll need to make, what you'll need to ask and what you're about to get yourself into.

As my first boss used to tell potential clients, a divorce can be broken down into four parts:

1. Division of property
2. Custody and parenting time
3. Child Support
4. Spousal maintenance or alimony

Your first step is to figure out which of these components applies to your individual situation and which do not. This is where a consultation with a lawyer would be beneficial. Breaking a divorce down into these four simple components often helps to feel less overwhelmed with the process. When you start to feel overwhelmed and maybe even lost bring your focus back to these four items. You can then focus on a small piece of the divorce puzzle rather than the whole thing.

In the next four posts, I will discuss each one of the above components in turn to help give more insight into what these things mean and what you need to consider.

And remember...
While you may find helpful insights or bits of information in this blog as it progresses, keep in mind that this is only being provided as general information to help you and others get started in this process. My first and best advice is to consult a lawyer knowledgeable in the area of family law. This is the only way to truly obtain advice directly pertinent to your situation. I am available for consultation by calling (928) 458-5026 to schedule an appointment.