{"id":4328,"date":"2020-01-15T12:37:18","date_gmt":"2020-01-15T12:37:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.just-family-law.com\/blog\/?p=4328"},"modified":"2020-05-07T13:11:52","modified_gmt":"2020-05-07T13:11:52","slug":"considering-divorce","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.just-family-law.com\/blog\/index.php\/2020\/01\/15\/considering-divorce\/","title":{"rendered":"Considering Divorce? Six Things You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"considering<\/a><\/p>\n

Considering divorce? Here are some quick pointers to set you off in the right direction.<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0Everyone\u00a0will have an opinion<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yes, that’s your family and friends, your neighbours and your colleagues at work. Even your Facebook friends. This can be distracting if you’re trying to figure out what to do. Struggling to see the wood for the trees? Time to get advice\u00a0from an experienced family lawyer<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Try not to make a drama out of the divorce petition<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A\u00a0divorce petition\u00a0can simply be a means to an end. You want to get divorced? – filling out the paperwork is how\u00a0to go about it.\u00a0Only you, your ex and the Court are ever likely to see\u00a0the divorce petition, so try if you can not to fall out about it. If possible, agree which one of you is\u00a0going to issue it and agree what it’s going to say. See my blog,\u00a0Grounds for Divorce, 5 Things you Need to Know<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

There are so many other more important things to focus on right now.<\/p>\n

However if there’s been domestic abuse, or you believe the children are at risk, please seek immediate advice from an\u00a0experienced family lawyer<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n

3. Address the finances<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You can’t just leave things hanging, not indefinitely, because you will both be moving on.\u00a0Important decisions need to be made about the assets – who gets what – and about child maintenance. See my blogs How do you Split Assets in a Divorce<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0What are your Child Maintenance Options?<\/a>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

The\u00a0divorce and the finances can run in parallel, see my blog\u00a0What Comes First, Divorce or Settlement<\/em><\/a>.\u00a0<\/em>If you can agree it all between you, that’s great. But please get legal advice<\/em><\/a>\u00a0on your rights\u00a0– a one off appointment won’t cost much. After all, this is the rest of your life.<\/p>\n

You both need closure and certainty when it comes to the finances. This means a Court order. But this doesn’t mean you have to attend at the Court, or that it will cost you a fortune – it can be a simple process. See my blog\u00a0How to get a Consent Order? A Simple Guide<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

4.\u00a0The lawyers don’t have to win<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Try to talk to your ex even if it’s really hard. If you fall out you may have to put everything into the lawyers’ hands. Worst case scenario, it all ends up in Court<\/em><\/a>. This could cost you a great deal. Try these alternative approaches:<\/p>\n