How Should You Proceed During a Divorce?

If you are approaching a divorce, chances are you feel overwhelmed, anxious, scared, or some combination of all three. Our firm’s collective experience in guiding clients through this new and intimidating process has led us to a few simple truths that anyone approaching a divorce should keep in mind. Let these simple tips reduce your anxiety, because you can be secure in the knowledge that they will put you on the right footing for the coming legal proceedings.

What to do During a Divorce

• Be honest with your attorney, and be responsive to your attorney’s requests for information.
• Make an inventory of all marital and separate real and personal property with approximate values.
• Prepare a package of financial information including but not limited to: tax returns, bank statements, securities account information, credit card statements, loan documents, real estate transactions, etc.
• List all the activities you participate in with your children.
• Prepare a budget of your and your children’s monthly expenses.
• Clarify for yourself, before you see an attorney, your own important needs, interests and priorities.

What to Avoid During a Divorce

• Do not involve your children in the divorce proceedings.
• Try not to argue with your spouse.  If unavoidable, do not argue in front of your children.
• Do not say negative things about your spouse to your children, or to someone else within hearing range of your children.
• Try not to get overly emotional around your children about your divorce or your life after divorce. You may risk increasing their insecurity and fear about the future.
• Do not deny your spouse access to the children, unless there is a good reason to do so (i.e. domestic violence, abuse, etc.), and then only on the advice of counsel.
• Do not change the locks to the residence unless advised to do so by counsel.