The process of getting a divorce can be quite complicated if you have no idea what you are doing. The length of your case is dependent on the state and county you are filing in. Here are a few guidelines to the process of getting a divorce.

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Gather Paperwork

In order to prepare yourself for the divorce process, you will need to gather all your important paperwork together. Important paperwork that you need regarding your assets and debts includes:

• Names
• Account numbers
• Addresses
• Phone numbers

Other important paperwork for basic information that you may need includes:

• Bank accounts
• Credit cards
• Loans
• Stocks
• Bonds
• Mortgages
• Title information
• Tax statements for the last 3 years
• Pay stubs
• Employment information
• Deeds
• Prenuptial agreement
• Wills

If there was a business you and your spouse created together or owned during the marriage. You will need any paperwork regarding that business including:

• Copy of tax records
• Assets
• Debts

Analyze Your Finances

After reviewing all of your paperwork, analyze the net worth of your marital estate. You can estimate the net worth of your marriage by subtracting all debts acquired within the marriage form the total value of all assets of the marriage. This will help you determine what you are entitled to after the divorce is finalized. It is important that you keep a budget of income and expenses during the divorce process.

Seek Legal Guidance

It is essential that you consult a lawyer to guide you throughout the divorce process. Your lawyer will help you to realize what your options are and help you handle your case.

Summons and Petition

The divorce process is initialized by serving your spouse with a summons and a petition for divorce. The summons is a document declaring the commencement of the divorce. The petition contains a statement declaring the basic information on both parties involved and discusses matters such as custody, child support and alimony.

Replying To The Petition

The opposing party usually has 30 days to reply to the petition. Their answer consists of a statement including their basic information and their request for relief.

Temporary Hearings

Temporary hearings are intended to resolve issues such as:

• Temporary custody
• Temporary alimony
• Usage of assets during divorce process

Divorce Mediation

Divorce mediation is a communicative process that occurs between the spouses and a neutral third party called a mediator. Mediation is an important process that helps bridge the communication gap between the spouses and helps them to form an agreement.

Settlements

The settlement occurs when the parties have reached an agreement. After agreeing, the spouses both sign the Marital Settlement Agreement.

Trial

If the spouses are unable to reach an agreement, they will go to trial. The judge and sometimes a jury hear both sides and make a decision. If all goes your way, you are then considered legally divorced.

While divorce can be a lengthy process, with the help of a great attorney and with careful precautions taken, your divorce can be quick and easy.

Are You Getting a Divorce?

Find Out How To  Get Divorced At Divorces.com