Divorce proceedings are unquestionably one of the most challenging legal encounters you will experience if you are going through a marital breakdown. Although this is a very emotionally demanding and challenging time for all parties involved, it is imperative to engage with a divorce solicitor early on to ensure you are in the best possible position from the outset. On a personal level managing your emotions is key in achieving the outcome intended and therefore a strong network of empowering friends and/or family around you is important.
- Know what you really want
It is critical that you know exactly what you want, what you need and what you can let go of. This is vital as many people do not seriously consider what they want and therefore wander mindlessly through the divorce. Keeping your solicitor informed is important so they are in a stronger position to negotiate.
- Manage your emotions and know the law
It is important to manage your emotions. Although you may have been married, this is a legal contract which is intended to be broken whereby martial assets and responsibilities are to be legally divided. While it’s also critical to acknowledge and process your emotions with the appropriate people, you must remember that this is the legal dividing of your marital assets and responsibilities, governed by laws. It is imperative that you act with maturity, integrity and respect without engaging in ‘tit-for-tat’ arguments as you will have to maintain the relationship beyond the divorce, particularly, where children are involved.
- Get your financial records in order
Research your credit rating. Gather your tax returns, bank statements, pension details, credit card status, all your assets and debts. This is required for a financial affidavit required by the court.
- Build an empowering team
Friends and family may cause confusion and stress during an emotionally chaotic time. You need to be in a position of power and make your own decisions with integrity and clarity. You will need a solicitor who specialises in family law and who can advise you properly. There are three ways of dealing with issues which have benefits and drawbacks to include: mediation, collaborative or litigation. Your solicitor will discuss these options with you.
- Precise clarity of a permanent deal
Although you want an amicable divorce process, it is very important to sign off on a deal which you are happy with and as you do not want to agree to one which goes against what you truly want. Once the agreement is made a martial settlement agreement will be issued by your solicitor. It is important to read over this document a few times to ensure you are happy with all the details as this document holds legal enforcements if not adhered to. This will include re-titling of deeds, assets and removing names from debt.
At H McPartland & Sons we understand it is a very daunting experience to begin divorce proceedings for the first time but we will can ensure that you will supported at every step of the process.
Contact H McPartland & Sons today in Lurgan or Lisburn to have a chat with a member of our team and find out how we can help you with your divorce that that ensures the best possible outcome for you. Our solicitors will be familiar with family law and will be able to help you make the most effective choices.