Getting a divorce: 6 things you should consider
If oneends, it's never easy. Because all too often you not only have to deal with the fact that you have to leave someone you once loved, but also with the unsolicited opinion of themabout looking for a new apartment and – in the event of a divorce – dealing with a whole lot of paperwork.
In case your New Year's resolution list doesn't say “more" and "”, but rather “file for divorce”, we asked divorce lawyer Hannah Gumbrill-Ward what you should definitely pay attention to.
These are 6 things you should definitely keep in mind if you are thinking about getting a divorce
“Talk things through”
The first fundamental step when thinking about getting a divorce, Gubrill-Ward says, is to be sure it's the right decision. Only then will you find the strength to get through the process. If you are unsure - and feel like you can still have a meaningful conversation with your partner - you should definitely seek relationship counseling to find out whether the problems you are experiencing can be solved - or whether the marriage is really over.
But counseling or therapy can also be useful during or after the divorce, says the lawyer, for example if there are children involved and you want to work out how you can imagine joint care work in the future. There are also special workshops on shared parenting.
“Check your pension and insurance products”
Anyone who already lives separately but is not yet divorced should note that there are a number of financial benefits that will automatically pass to the spouse in the event of death until the divorce is final. This also applies to the so-called widow's pension or life insurance. For most of these benefits, however, it is possible for the responsible institutions to appoint another beneficiary, such as siblings or children.
“Check the title deeds for your property”
If you even bought a shared apartment or house during your marriage, who is listed on the property deed is important for the divorce process. If it is just your spouse, you should definitely seek advice from a lawyer specializing in real estate and usage law.
“Think about how you can divide your income and expenses.”
Many people use joint bank accounts for their everyday expenses. That's why it's important that you follow thesets up your own account. In addition, during the waiting period between separation and divorce, you should definitely agree on how you will deal with joint expenses until the divorce is final and/or you have dissolved the shared household. In addition, the lawyer advises: “Do not be tempted to transfer money from the joint account without first discussing this with your spouse, and your spouse should undertake to do the same.” This could be used against you in divorce proceedings.
If you have credit cards in both your names, you should consider canceling them to avoid later disputes about how and when the debt arose.
“Change your will”
If you were to die without a will, your current spouse would inherit everything you may not want. Therefore, be sure to seek advice from a lawyer and draw up a will - or adapt an existing one.
“Get advice”
Last but not least: This list is not exhaustive, and you should seek advice either way before and during your divorce. Just atThere are a number of other things to consider, such as custody of any children or even police protection during the divorce. In addition, a visit to a lawyer can be the first step in being clear about what you want and how you really envision your future.
This article was created with text passages from our GLAMOR colleagues in the UK.
