Unfortunately, divorce is pretty common in the United States. Some people get married and divorced several times before they either settle down or give up on dating.
No matter how common divorce may be, it doesn’t make it any easier for the people involved. If you have children, divorce can get even more complicated.
Choosing divorce is a huge decision, and it’s wise to think it through before you file. Take a moment now to read through a few things you should consider before getting a divorce, and make an educated decision for your future.
Consider the children
If you have kids, getting a divorce means something different. You have to consider how your choices will affect the kids. Where will your kids spend the majority of their time?
Will there be split custody, or do you want to seek out full custody of the kids? You’ll have to take the time to consider every angle, so your kids don’t get the rough end of the deal.
Consider everyone’s living situation
Now that you have thought about the kids, think about yourself and your soon to be ex-spouse. Who will get to keep the house in the divorce? You likely already know how that situation will go down once you file for divorce.
If you’re likely to be the one without the house, then you will need to make sure you have the funds to get your own place. You don’t want to live in the same house throughout the course of your divorce.
Consider your tangible assets
Your and your spouse likely have more to fight over than just the house. If you’re considering filing for a divorce, you need to take a thorough inventory of how you might split up the assets between the two of you.
You and your spouse will have to agree on how to split up the tangible assets you have accrued, and come to a final agreement on paper. It helps to start thinking about it all before you actually make the move to file.
Consider your relationship
If you’re considering divorce, you have to consider your relationship. Before going to extremes, give it a good thought. You and your spouse may have a chance to reignite the spark. There may still be hope for your relationship.
Consider a separation
Divorce isn’t always the only answer to the struggle in your relationship. You may need time apart, but you don’t have to choose divorce from the beginning. You can try working through a legal separation, first.
Consider your credit score
When you get a divorce, it affects your credit score. It seems like a weird connection, but you’re canceling a legal commitment when you get a divorce. Divorce affects your financial reliability.
