Divorce Preparation Basics: 5 Tips to Follow Before Consulting an Albany Divorce Lawyer

The perspective of a divorce is often terrifying. You are ending a relationship that was supposed to last a lifetime. Perhaps there are children involved, or your financial situation is not that great. If your case involves cheating, domestic violence, or mental disease, things are even worse. A divorce lawyer in Albany can help you with everything. However, before consulting one, there are a few things that you should consider, as they can definitely ease the process. We will discuss them in the following lines.

5 Tips to Follow Before Hiring a Georgia Divorce Lawyer

Here are 5 steps you should take before hiring a divorce lawyer in Albany, Georiga.

1. Make Sure that Getting Divorced Is What You Want or It Is Imminent

Many couples file for divorce and then reconcile, wasting considerable energy, time, and money. Before filing for divorce, take the time to think things through. Talk to your spouse. If there is a chance to save your marriage, exploit it.

They say that you only realize what you have after you’ve lost it. Therefore, make sure you are aware of what you are giving up on and ready to do it. Sure, you can get back together again even after the divorce. However, divorces can get really ugly, painful, and costly. Why go through one if you do not have to?

2. Understand the Implications of the Divorce

A divorce affects not only the relationship between spouses but also their finances, living arrangements, tax filing. Its implications are huge when the spouses have children, and the latter are the ones who suffer the most.

Before going through with the divorce, ask yourself what will happen after it:

  • How will you support yourself?
  • Where will you live?
  • How will you take care of your children and other defendants?
  • How will your share your marital assets and debts?
  • Will your spouse agree with your decisions?

Your spouse may deny you alimony or fight for custody. They may refuse to leave you the house, the car, or any other assets you wish to keep. Sure, you can fight them in court and maybe even win, but are you ready for the upcoming battle and its consequences?

3. Document and Evaluate Your Financial Situation

Georgia law supports equitable division of marital property. However, keep in mind that marital property refers to both assets and debts. Moreover, they need to be acquired during the marriage and not before, inherited, or earned as a prize for individual performances unrelated to the marriage.

Check what assets and debts you and your spouse have, to what names they are registered, and whether or not they qualify as marital property. Gather evidence to prove the existence of those assets, just in case your spouse tries to deny it or sell them before the divorce.

4. Talk to Your Spouse and Try to Reach an Agreement

It is better to settle the terms of your divorce beforehand and just make the settlement official than to let a judge decide for you. No fault divorces end sooner and in better terms than at-fault ones. They are also less painful for the other parties involved.

While an at-fault divorce could help you obtain some financial benefits, it could also mean exposing intimate details about your marriage to the public. Consider all options and implications before initiating the divorce procedures.

5. Always Discuss Your Plans with an Experienced Albany Divorce Lawyer

Many people mistakenly believe that acting on their own will save them time and money. Quite a few of them find themselves dragged into ugly divorce processes or tricked into accepting unfavorable divorce settlements.

Many divorce lawyers in Albany provide free preliminary consultations. This means that you can assess your situation and receive legal advice for free. If you then decide that you need legal help, you can hire them. If not, you are free to continue on your own.

If you and your spouse have reached an agreement, working with a divorce lawyer can be beneficial for both of you. The attorney can take over all formalities. They will help you save significant time and resources and let you move on with your lives sooner.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Divorce Lawyer in Albany, GA!

Have you followed the above tips and come to the conclusion that your separation from your spouse is imminent? At Joe Durham Jr. P.C., we can help you secure a convenient and trouble-free divorce process. Schedule a free consultation with our Albany divorce attorney now to find out more about what we can do for you!

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