Divorce can be an intimidating process. Breaking it down into tangible portions can help make it more manageable.
Divorce is essentially composed of three pillars: splitting assets, putting together a child custody agreement and finalizing the legal paperwork. Having a basic understanding of each of these pillars can help those who are considering moving forward with or who recently filed for a divorce.
Pillar #1: Splitting assets
The asset division portion of the divorce can be contentious. This is particularly true in cases involving high-asset couples. These couples often have a number of complex assets like business interests or inheritances.
All assets must be accounted for and properly valued to better ensure an equitable split.
Pillar #2: Putting together a child custody agreement
Custody agreements are much different now than they were in previous generations. It is much less likely today for one parent to receive sole custody with the other only seeing the children for short periods of time than it once was. Courts have shifted to encourage joint custody. Today, both parents are genreally encouraged to play an active role in raising the children.
As noted in a piece by The Huffington Post, putting together a parenting plan can help to better ensure that this joint parenting arrangement goes smoothly. This document can outline details like when and where the parenting exchange occurs and how parents communicate changes in the children’s schedule, medical issues or school concerns. It also provides a written record of what the parents agree to, better ensuring a successful co-parenting situation for the children as well as the parents.
Pillar #3: The legal paperwork
It is important to keep in mind that marriage is more than just a relationship between two people, it is a legal agreement that involves the state. As such, legal paperwork must be completed for a divorce to be finalized.
This paperwork can be complex and must address all areas of the divorce. Navigating any one of these pillars may lead to uncertainty and frustration. This can be mitigated by contacting an experienced family law lawyer. Your attorney will help you through the divorce process while better ensuring your interests are protected.