The calendar has turned once more and with your shiny new planner and new workout routine perhaps you are also considering unloading your spouse? It is not uncommon. A University of Washington study that assessed monthly divorce rates over the past few decades found a 33 percent increase in filings in January. Our office definitely sees an increase in inquiries every year around this time (though sometimes people don’t pull the plug until those tax returns come in around February and March).
If you are considering a New Year, New You divorce here’s a couple things to consider:
- Be certain this is what you want. It’s costly and emotionally painful to start a divorce you do not end up finishing. If you think you’re going to want to give it another shot, seek out the advice of a good marriage counselor and do what you can. We’ll always be here if that doesn’t work out.
- Prepare your financial information. An overwhelming amount of financial data is going to be needed to settle your divorce, get started now in preparing for that so your divorce lawyer can best assist you in presenting the best case.
- Get your Board of Directors ready. You should have an accountant, a therapist if you feel you need one, a financial advisor, and MINIMALLY a support system of friends who are not going to tell you what you should do but ARE going to listen.
- Have a plan. Talk to a lawyer first about the likely financial implications on the long and short term and have a plan for dealing with both to protect you and, if you have them, your children.
- Be Brave. If you know this is what you want, there may be some hardship but you can do this! You’ve got this! Many have done it before you and with the help of a good team and a healthy dose of self love, you’re on your way!
Call for a free consult at 856-227-7888!