Happily ever forever is what you promised, however, sometimes forever can grow dramatically shorter when things don’t work out. No one gets married thinking they’ll one day need a divorce attorney. Sadly, it does happen and when it does, you need the right information to come to a quick resolution.

Keep reading to learn tips for filing for a divorce.

Make Certain You Want a Divorce

This might seem obvious, but getting a divorce is a very emotional decision and should never be made when emotions are running high. You need to be certain about your decision and only file for divorce if you feel like there is no way to reconcile with your spouse.

Keep in mind that once you’ve given your spouse the divorce papers, it’s not something you can take back so easily. A court can approve the divorce even if it isn’t a collaborative divorce. Before searching through the abundance of Tampa divorce attorneys, try going to marriage counseling first.

Interview Various Lawyers

It’s in your best interest that you interview multiple divorce lawyers before filing for divorce. You’re going to need a lawyer who empathizes with your situation and can help you dissolve your marriage quickly without adding unnecessary drama.

Refrain from going to lawyers who give solutions rather than fully listening to the facts about your divorce case. Many divorce attorneys have different price rates as well as levels of experience. If you feel like you’re going to have a messy divorce, make sure that the attorney you hired is well-equipped to handle such a case.

Organize Documentation

Some divorce cases rely heavily on documentation. This means that your phone records, mortgages, car notes and account records may be relevant to your divorce case. Just to be on the safe side, gather all of the necessary documents before you file for divorce. If you have shared records with your spouse, copy everything before you meet with your lawyer. It’s also in your best interest that you acquire the records of any accounts you may share.

A lot of spouses won’t take getting divorce papers lightly, and some will go so far as to make it difficult to access specific documents. Spare yourself from another headache caused by your spouse and get the documents before giving them divorce papers.

Think About Custody

If you and your spouse have children, who get custody of them will be your first concern. It’s important you understand that it’s possible for both of you can have custody of the children. Take a look at your work schedule, the schedule of your children and other obligations you may have. This will make it easier for you to create a new schedule for when you have custody. If you’re able to, you and your spouse can come up with an agreement that gives both of you time with the children.

Consider Your Living Situation

Are you planning on staying in the same house as your spouse? Or are you looking to move somewhere else? You’ll need to think about what your goals are in regards to your living situation. Keep in mind that how you behave in the days leading up to your divorce can have a significant impact on winning the use of the marital residence.

For instance, staying with a friend or family member isn’t going to increase your chances of staying in the house during the divorce. Make sure to ask your attorney for advice on the best option for you when it comes to your living situation.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of whether a divorce is contested or uncontested, it’s never a pleasant experience. Having an attorney who can help ease some of the emotional toll is the key to ending your marriage amicably