Practical Steps to Prepare Yourself for Divorce

Sometimes it feels like everyone you know is breaking up, separating or getting divorced. It’s as if everyone got the same memo: the time to make a move is now. You’re anxious to begin divorce proceedings too, but you’re not sure you’re ready to deal with the questions, changes and negotiations coming your way. With this list, you can be.

Let’s start with financial steps

Make sure you know where your important documents are now, so that you can easily access them: old loan applications, current 401K statements, mortgage statements and income tax returns, for example. Anything relating to your net worth is important. Make copies of documents and store them at work or at a friend’s house, just in case things get contentious later on.

Make sure you have your own checking and savings accounts and have established yourself on credit reports. Check your credit report and clear up any discrepancies. If you don’t have a credit card in your own name, then get one now. You’ll need it as you transition to handling money as a single person instead of one-half of a couple. Even something as simple as buying a tank of gas could get difficult if your future ex gets vindictive and hoards or hides assets.

Get a good idea of where you stand, financially. You’ll be dealing with conversations about large amounts of money. If you’re not comfortable with that now, you need to get there-and quickly. Ask yourself questions like: What is my standard of living? What can’t I live without? Make a list and be prepared to advocate for it.

Prepare yourself emotionally

If you don’t already have a support network, begin building one. If you do have one, reach out and let everyone know what’s going on and that you may need extra support in the coming days and weeks. Don’t be ashamed or afraid to ask for help. Everyone goes through tough times.

Put yourself and your kids first. You might be thinking of how you can make this easier on everyone involved. You may be waiting for the holidays to be over, not wanting to subject your family to the awkward moments a pending divorce would no doubt produce. But waiting will not make the situation better for you or your kids, and that’s what matters.

Look for outlets where you can have fun and blow off steam, whether it’s dinner with friends, a movie with the kids or training to run a 5K. (Or all three.) You need to stay physically and mentally healthy throughout the process.

Lastly, decide who will represent you when you file for divorce. An attorney whose main practice area is family law will be able to present you with the best options for your particular situation.

Initiating a divorce takes emotional energy, courage and financial readiness. You’ll get there-in fact, you may be closer than you think.

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Nathaniel Garrabrandt and Brown Family Law is where I send people who are seeking Divorce. Highly professional and compassionate. Thank you!
I cannot say enough good about my experience with Brown Family Law. Ray Hingson and paralegal Carren did an excellent job with my case. I will definitely use this firm again for any legal issues.
I have worked with Andrew Christensen many times in a variety of situations. I am very impressed with his friendly demeanor in a difficult situation. I would highly recommend him to you without any reservations.
Highly recommend Brown Family Law. Life is hard, divorce is harder, and Andrew Christensen is your guy to help you through to the other side.
When you’re going through a tough time and need legal help, this firm isn’t just a one-person operation. It’s a team of attorneys who work together to support you every step of the way. So you’re not just getting a lawyer, you’re getting a legal team behind you.

Navigating the legal system was a steep learning curve for me, and my situation was fairly complex. What stood out about this law firm was the way multiple attorneys collaborated to address my case. It wasn’t just one person working in isolation, but a team supporting each other to find the best path forward. That kind of collective effort is a real strength, especially in hard out complex situations like mine.

There was one issue I felt should have had a different outcome with the court. When I brought it up, the team responded in a very professional and respectful manner, which I truly appreciated. It came to my understanding that the legal system sometimes works in a way that is distant than I thought. This was presented to me in a way that someone outside of the legal system could understand.

In my experience, this firm takes the time to not only assist you, but also help you understand why things are happening. That made a big difference for me, and it’s something that really sets them apart.
Response from the owner:David, thank you for our conversation and taking the time to leave this review.
My experience with Jennifer and Brown Family Law was nothing short of amazing. From the very beginning of my initial consultation all the through until my case was settled, I was well taken care of and updated every step of the way. I felt like my team genuinely cared about the outcome of my case, which was refreshing. You get what you pay for, and Brown Family was worth every penny. To say I highly recommend this group is an understatement.
Response from the owner:Thank you very much, Steve. Glad Jennifer took good care of you.
Andrew Christensen was a great divorce lawyer. He is very experienced, professional, and was great to work with during this difficult process.
Response from the owner:Casey, thank you and so glad Andrew served you well.
Made my divorce quick and painless. 5 months ago I was feeling very overwhelmed. There was legal issues with protective orders, my ex wife had taken my kids to another country without my consent, I was in way over my head. After speaking with brown law they calmed my nerves took over my case. A few video calls and 5 months later my divorce is finalized with a fair outcome for everyone. It was easy and stress fee, it didn’t even feel like I was going through a divorce.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Brian. Sorry you went through all of that, but glad we were able to help.
Jennifer was excellent! She was always responsive and kept me updated on my case. while the billing was a little different from what I expected, her expertise was invaluable. I highly recommend her. And I appreciate everything she's done for me and may case.
Response from the owner:Jennifer, thank you and glad Jennifer was able to help you and kept you updated.
Going through the divorce process can be overwhelming, exhausting and emotionally draining.
I did my homework to find the perfect lawyer to represent me knowing I could have peace of mind throughout the process.
Leilani Whitmer and her paralegal Idania did not disappoint. Their professionalism and dedication to my case was outstanding and fair.
Leilani had just had surgery a few days before mediation and showed up on crutches and ready to go. That’s dedication!!!
I am highly recommending them to anyone looking to feel at ease during a difficult time.
Response from the owner:Lesia, glad Leilani and Dani took such good care of you.
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