4 Things to Consider Before Getting a Divorce

The decision to divorce is incredibly difficult. Evaluating what’s best for you, your spouse and your children before you decide to start proceedings is crucial. Knowing why you want a divorce and what you might expect can make the process less stressful and provide a clearer picture of your path.
Here are four things you should consider before proceeding.

1. Reason. One of the first things to consider before filing for divorce is the reason you’re doing it. There are a range of questions you should be able to answer before seeking to start divorce proceedings.

• Do you still love your spouse?
  
• Have you communicated your frustrations? Was he or she receptive?
  
• Have you tried counseling?
  
• Will you be truly happier without your spouse?
  
• Do you have a realistic plan of what your life will look like post-divorce?
  
• Would some time separate from your spouse give you some space to think things through more carefully and give you a better understanding of what life might be like?

 
2. Process. You should also consider the process of divorce before diving in. If you’ve never been through a divorce, you may have a false idea of what it might be like. Divorce brings about a lot of changes and can be incredibly stressful. Divorce will cause financial changes, create intense responses among your family, friends, and children, create insecurity in your future and more. The hard truth is that you must be prepared for very significant life changes. 

3. Legal support. If you’re looking to end your marriage, how will you go about it? Will you go through the standard legal system? Or is working with a mediator a better option? There’s much to consider before a divorce but figuring out how to go about it is key. “Lawyering up” and going through the courts can be painful, impersonal, expensive and create hostile feelings.  In contrast, working with a mediator offers a less expensive, more empowering, personal and amicable option. Research both options before you commit. 
 
4. Manage your outcome expectations. What do you expect the outcome of your divorce to be? If you have children, do you envision full custody? Shared? Do you hope to keep the family home or move into a new place? Are you prepared to share holidays? Takeover all the daily household and childcare tasks? Will you be able to afford all the same things you can now afford? Sometimes, people have mistaken ideas of what the outcome of their divorce and custody agreement will look like.

Despite these potential obstacles, Divorce may be the right solution for you.  Concerns aside, divorce can also bring future happiness and peace and open up doors for you and your family.

If you’re looking for help sorting through all this and understanding your options—whether to understand the process, get legal support or have a better picture of the likely outcome- let Vener Family Law and Mediation help.  You can get advice about Divorce and Custody Mediation or Divorce and Custody Law in Media, PA and the surrounding areas.