Do you count yourself among spouses in Maryland who are sick and tired of fighting with their partners? Many people have stuck it out as long as they could and now feel like the final straw on the camel’s back has snapped. Is that you? On the other hand, you might relate more to the spouses who have slowly drifted apart until they felt like they were living with a stranger. In either case, you might be considering filing for a divorce.
There are several key issues to keep in mind when filing an action to divorce. The decision to end a marriage may have implications in many aspects of your life, such as your financial status, your children’s well-being, and physical, emotional and spiritual issues, as well.
You must try to prepare for financial changes after divorce
Especially if you were married for many years, you might be accustomed to a dual-income household or to comingling all of your finances with your spouse. Many people go through a significant period of adjustment when they transition to a single lifestyle after divorce. It is a good idea to compile a list of your assets and liabilities, as well as your projected financial needs moving on in life, after divorce.
This will enable you to determine what you and your children need and whether you should make any specific requests during proceedings.
Take care of your emotional, physical and spiritual health
Some friends or well-meaning family members might advise you to jump right back into the social scene or take a vacation, etc., as soon as you finalize your divorce. However, proceedings can take time and may be quite stressful. It’s best to take one day at a time and make sure that you are eating healthy foods and getting exercise and adequate sleep.
It is also wise to take time to meditate or nurture your spirit in whatever way suits you best. Not only is this not selfish, it can be helpful to calm you if you have had a rough day in court. You or your children might also benefit from talking with a counselor, in order to learn how to process your emotions and cope with the changes divorce is bringing to your life.
Don’t forget to get your documents in order
If you think of divorce proceedings like a business transaction, you’ll understand why it’s important to have all of your paperwork organized and easily accessible. Such documents should contain information about your bank accounts, taxes, additional financial issues and other matters of importance that might be relevant to divorce proceedings.
If you are unsure about what type of information you should compile in preparation for a divorce, you might want to discuss the issue with someone who is experienced in navigating the Maryland family court system.
