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Going through with a divorce is one of the most difficult decisions a couple can make. Not only is it emotionally draining, but dealing with family law can also be an expensive and confusing process. Many people are unsure about the first steps to take when they're ready to separate legally from their partner, but if a separation really is the healthiest option, then there are a few things you should make sure you do to prepare. Copy Your Documents Go through your records and make copies of everything important, like tax returns, bank statements, insurance policies, mortgage documents, credit card statements, automobile titles, wills, etc. Scan these documents and preserve them digitally if you can. Inventory Your Possessions When it's time to split up the property, you'll want to make sure you're aware of everything you're splitting up. Create a list of valuables, and don't forget to include anything that might be in storage or in a safe deposit box. Be Realistic About Your Earning Potential In many marriages, one spouse ends up staying out of work for a while to hold down the fort at home. If this is the case, it may be difficult to get back into a job. You might consider furthering your education. Be Aware of Your Own Credit History Make sure you have credit cards in your name and that you know your credit score. If you have poor credit history, try to start building it up as soon as you can. Know How Much Your Spouse Earns If your spouse has a salary, look at pay stubs. If he or she owns a business, is self-employed, or earns a living in cash, do your best to keep an idea of how much money is coming in. Consult a Family Attorney Family law can be overwhelming. Make sure you understand your legal rights and responsibilities, and don't hesitate to ask a lawyer before making any kind of move. Make Your Kids Your Top Priority It's often easy to overlook your children during a separation, but a divorce can be traumatic for your kids. Try to keep their routine as normal as possible, and do your best to avoid fighting with your spouse in front of them. If it's impossible to be around each other, set up a schedule of separate times for each of you to be with the children. Do not say bad things about your spouse to your children, and try to remain as active in their lives as you can be. Take care of yourself, but don't neglect your kids in the process. Separating from your spouse is one of the hardest decisions you'll ever have to make, and it's a decision that shouldn't be rushed, but sometimes a divorce really is the healthiest option for you and your family. If that is the case, try not to be too bogged down by the logistics of family law, and do what you need to do to make sure you and your children are comfortable. When considering family law, Massachusetts residents visit http://mrichardslaw.com/index.html.
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