28 Jul What to Do After Receiving Divorce Papers
No one ever imagines they’ll get a divorce. Married couples believe they’ve made a lifelong commitment to one another. However, sometimes separation is the healthiest option for everyone. There’s no point in staying in a relationship that’s detrimental to your mental health. Even though it’s a smart solution, dealing with the reality of a divorce is overwhelming. Follow this guide on what to do after receiving divorce papers if you ever find yourself in this situation.
Read Through the Papers
You should read through the divorce papers the minute you receive them in the mail. Take a deep breath so that you can get your emotions in check. Once you’re level-headed, flip through the papers to get a better handle on the situation. Think about highlighting any passages that may be confusing to you. This way, you can go back and reread them later. This practice will also help you when you meet with a lawyer. Again, try not to let your emotions get the best of you. Divorce is an incredibly heartbreaking experience. There is no right or wrong way to handle it. Let yourself process your feelings after the initial reading before you move on to the next step.
Meet with a Lawyer
Everyone who’s going through a divorce needs a trusted ally by their side. You should talk to a lawyer when you receive your divorce papers in the mail. Don’t be afraid to meet with several firms before you make a decision. You should hire a firm you trust and one that understands your situation. LaCoste Family Law has a knowledgeable divorce attorney in Washington State. Our team knows how painful this time is for you. We want to guide you through this as much as possible. This goal begins with reading through the papers together. We’ll help you understand the documents, so you can have a clearer picture of where you stand.
Your lawyers will also help you create a response to the original filing. Divorce is all about compromise. Both parties need to realize they will not get everything they want. An attorney will fight for you and help build an agreement that works for everyone. You need to remember you aren’t on this journey alone. If you hire the right law professional, your voice will be represented, and you’ll be supported emotionally.
What about Finances?
Most married couples share their finances with one another. This is one factor that makes getting a divorce even more complicated. Do your best to remain as communicative as possible with your ex about this situation. If one person was in control of the money throughout the entire relationship, please talk to the other party before cutting them off completely. Speak to your former spouse about setting up your own bank account, so you can detangle your finances. Be transparent with your financial institution as well. It may be helpful to explain the situation to financial advisors, so they’re aware of everything that’s going on.
Reach Out for Support
Everyone needs to rely on their support systems during challenging times. This sentiment is especially true when you’re going through a divorce. Receiving divorce papers can be a shock. You should consider calling your loved ones if you want to talk through your emotions. Yes, the world may look a little different than normal right now. However, you must find creative ways to stay in touch. FaceTime them if you need a shoulder to lean on. Seeing the people you love can help you take your mind off of things. Consider joining a virtual support group full of other divorcees, too. Hearing about other people’s similar experiences will help you realize you aren’t alone, and that you’ll make it through this difficult period.
Mail and Living Situation
You must secure your living situation after you receive divorce papers. For starters, it is important that your former partner no longer has access to your mail. Your ex can read through vital documents if they’re still coming to your shared residence. Think about establishing your privacy by getting your own place. Some couples keep living together until they can figure things out. However, you should do your best to look for your own house so that you can further establish your independence.
Are Children Involved?
Getting a divorce is a complicated matter. Yet, the situation becomes even trickier if children are involved. Receiving papers in the mail makes everything more real. If you haven’t already, sit down with your kids once the papers come in. It’s important that the conversation you have with them is worded as delicately as possible. Please, don’t badmouth your former spouse in front of your kids. Instead, do your best to explain to them why this situation is the ideal solution for everyone. Also, reiterate that you will remain a family, even if things look a little different.
Parents must also create an expressive space for their children. Let them know that their opinions are welcome and that there’s no right way to feel. You should be careful not to brush off their feelings because of their age. Divorce is a watershed moment for kids. The event will likely shape the rest of their lives. That is why it’s crucial that parents present themselves as a united front. You must lead by example, no matter how challenging that may be.
Hopefully, this guide on what to do after receiving divorce papers will help anyone going through this heartbreaking time. You’ll need an ally to help sort through the legality of the process. If you are going through a divorce, please don’t hesitate to contact LaCoste Family Law. Our team is incredibly knowledgeable, and we’ll make sure your voice is heard. We’ll also become a strong support system for you, so you won’t have to endure this pain alone. Try to remember that this decision is what is best for everyone. If you hold onto that sentiment, you’ll soon realize that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
