The Most Effective Way to File for a Divorce
- 1). Consult a lawyer who specializes in family law. A lawyer who handles mostly divorce cases will be most prepared to lead you through the legal issues and obstacles, and to guide you toward a division of assets that is in your best interest.
- 2). Keep your interactions with your spouse amicable. It is ultimately in your best interest to keep negative interactions to a minimum for both practical and emotional reasons.
- 3). Gather asset documentation, including financial statements on retirement accounts and insurance policies with a cash value; tax records for the last five years; home valuation; and personal assets worth a significant cash value including cars and jewelry.
- 4). Negotiate a parenting plan if you and your spouse have children. Determine who will keep the children and how visitation will be arranged. Schedule holidays and make decisions about schooling and education.
- 5). Research state laws on relations after divorce, including the ability to move out of state and alteration of child support and alimony.
- 6). Try to settle as many issues as possible in arbitration out of court to save on court costs. Anything that can be settled out of court, including custody arrangement and division of assets, will save you money in the end.
- 7). End the process in a reasonable time frame. Take time enough to settle your affairs completely, but don't drag out the process longer than necessary.