If you’ve finished your soul searching and have decided that it’s time for a divorce, some steps can leave you better prepared to move forward with confidence. The first step on this journey is to consult with an experienced Tampa family law attorney.

Organize Your Finances

Once you file for divorce, you can expect things to become more hectic – at best. This means that you’ll likely have difficulty gathering all the financial documentation you’ll need to protect your economic rights throughout your divorce, which is critical. This is especially important if your spouse is more involved in your family’s financials than you are. Whatever your situation is, having your finances organized from the outset will serve as a leg up going forward.

Toward this end, make copies of all of the following:

• Your mortgage
• You and your spouse’s paystubs
• Your credit card bills
• Your household bills
• Your checking and savings accounts
• Loan documents and payment plans
• You and your spouse’s retirement benefits and accounts
• Your financial portfolio, including all financial instruments
• Vehicle titles, including recreational vehicles
• Information related to any items of value, including art and jewelry

These documents (and any others that are relevant) will provide you with an overall view of your marital assets, which – in turn – will help ensure that these assets are divided between you equitably.

Pinpoint Your Priorities

Before you get into the thick of a divorce, it’s a good idea to pinpoint your priorities so they don’t become lost in the process. The fact is that divorce is often so stressful and upsetting that it’s easy to lose your way. Many divorcing couples had battled over terms on principle alone – when one or the other wasn’t invested in the matter. This is more a function of divorce than anything else, but when you’re clear on your priorities, it can make the negotiating process less arduous.

The Major Elements of Your Divorce

Every divorce follows its unique course, and no two are exactly alike, but every divorce includes the following elements (as applicable):

• The equitable division of your marital property (property that you acquired together as a married couple)
• Your child custody arrangements
• Child support
• Spousal maintenance, which many people call alimony

One or more of these categories may be your primary focus, or you may have priorities within specific categories. Better understanding your preferences can serve as leverage during divorce negotiations.

Take the First Step by Consulting with an Experienced Tampa Family Law Attorney, Today

Divorce is full of surprises, and there is no way of knowing if your divorce will proceed like it began. However, by preparing beforehand, you do what you can to ensure your divorce proceeds as steadily as possible. Mark G. Rodriguez at the Law Office of Mark G. Rodriguez, P.A., in Tampa, is a dedicated and compassionate family law attorney committed to helping you achieve divorce terms that work for you. Your case is important, so please don’t hesitate to contact us online or at 813-227-9642 today.