{"id":3001,"date":"2023-01-31T03:58:44","date_gmt":"2023-01-31T10:58:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/scoresbyfamilylaw.com\/blog\/?p=3001"},"modified":"2023-01-31T16:00:10","modified_gmt":"2023-01-31T23:00:10","slug":"divorce-where-do-i-start","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scoresbyfamilylaw.com\/blog\/2023\/01\/31\/divorce-where-do-i-start\/","title":{"rendered":"Divorce: Where do I Start?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Just the thought of getting divorced can be overwhelming. \u00a0It has been said that divorce is as or more stressful than even the death of one’s spouse. \u00a0After years of marriage, it can be difficult to imagine being<\/em> divorced, let alone how to get the legal process started. \u00a0This article will briefly outline what should be done\u00a0before\u00a0<\/em>filing divorce and will provide an overview of the divorce process.<\/p>\n

Reconsider Reconciliation<\/strong><\/span>. \u00a0As I wrote in my\u00a0Seven Deadly Sins\u00a0<\/em>article http:\/\/scoresbyfamilylaw.com\/the-seven-deadly-sins-in-divorce\/<\/a>, everyone should genuinely consider reconciliation before determining to divorce. \u00a0If you have already thought about reconciling, think again. \u00a0 With hard work, forgiveness, and with marriage counseling when appropriate, many marriages can be saved.<\/p>\n

Plan and Investigate<\/strong><\/span>. \u00a0When reconciliation fails, you should carefully plan and thoroughly investigate before rushing to file for divorce. \u00a0If you are not already separated from your spouse, arrange for alternative housing in case you are the one forced to relocate. \u00a0Consider the lives of those who will be affected by your decision and plan the right time to file. \u00a0Make sure you have access to funds to pay your bills, including legal expenses. \u00a0Perhaps most importantly, thoroughly investigate what assets and debts you and your spouse have. \u00a0 Gather your tax returns. \u00a0Collect bank, investment, and debt account statements. \u00a0Inventory your property. \u00a0Prepare to help your attorney get you the best possible outcome.<\/p>\n

Hire an Attorney<\/span><\/strong>. \u00a0When I have a problem with my car or my plumbing, I don’t try to fix it myself. \u00a0I hire an expert. \u00a0It’s no different with a divorce. \u00a0If you represent yourself, you’re much more likely to have problems than if you hire a good, experienced attorney. \u00a0When children, real-estate and retirement plans are involved, it’s especially important to have a lawyer.<\/p>\n

Basic Steps in the Legal Process<\/strong><\/span>. \u00a0Not having to navigate the courts and legal process alone is precisely the reason to hire a good lawyer. \u00a0Although I admit it is a gross over-simplification, following are the basic steps or phases of an Arizona divorce case:<\/p>\n