Facing the end of your marriage can be a tumultuous time in your life, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be a horrific experience. The American Psychological Association estimates that between 40 and 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce, but not all of them are acrimonious in nature. Here are four tips for making your parting as easy as possible so that both you and your ex can move on.
Do Preliminary Sorting with Your Spouse
If you are still able to have civil conversations with your spouse, sort your minor possessions and items. You shouldn’t have to pay an arbitrator or lawyer to decide who gets the good linens or the lamps you bought at Sears. While you may want to get high-value items appraised so they can be divided equally, less-valuable belongings should be agreed upon by the couple.
Be Open and Honest
Attempting to hide goods, money, retirement accounts or other investments is a terrible idea. Doing so can open you up to more litigation in the future should your ex discover your deception, and you can also have trouble with filing your taxes. For a speedy and fair divorce, be open and honest concerning all of your assets and income.
Get a Lawyer
While you may be tempted to try to save some money and file your own divorce, this is a terrible idea. Even if you and your spouse have made all the major decisions and know exactly what you want from your divorce, hiring an experienced and compassionate lawyer can help you get all of the paperwork to hammer out any wrinkles in the agreement. A lawyer such as Iain T Donnell in Markham or one from a firm near you will also be able to advise you both on your new tax situations.
Avoid Pettiness at All Costs
When a couple decides to split, friends and family may encourage both parties to be vindictive and petty. This is terrible advice. The goal of a successful divorce is equitable division of assets so that both of you can move on with your lives. Whenever possible, be fair and forgiving. Your lawyer will make sure that both parties get their fair share.
A divorce can be a nightmare. By keeping these tips in mind, you will be able to navigate the separation with a clean break. This will allow both of you to move on with your single lives without making costly mistakes or getting mired in pettiness and drama.
