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April 02, 2018

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On behalf of The Powell Law Firm

| Divorce

What Should You Do Before Telling Your Spouse You are Filing for Divorce?

Four Tips to Prepare Yourself for a Conversation About Getting Divorced

Are you considering filing for divorce in Pearland, Texas? If so, you are certainly not alone. According to data provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services, approximately 80,000 couples file for divorce in the state each year. While far from rare, going through a divorce is never easy.

There are steps that you can and should take that will help to protect your legal rights and make sure your divorce is as smooth as possible. Here, our Pearland family law team highlights four things you should do before telling your partner that you are seeking a divorce.

1. Gather All of Your Financial Records

If you are getting ready to file for divorce in Texas, you need to be sure that you have access to all relevant financial documents and records. In divorce settlement negotiations, these financial records will have a significant impact on issues of asset division and spousal support (alimony). Among other documents, you should be sure to get your hands on:

  • Recent personal tax returns;

  • Business tax returns and records;

  • Proof of income for you and your spouse;

  • Bank statements;

  • Investment account holdings;

  • Retirement accounts and pensions;

  • Insurance information;

  • Loan documents; and

  • Credit card statements.

2. Develop a Plan of Action

Before talking with your spouse about filing for divorce, you should develop a basic plan of action that is well-tailored to your individual situation. If you have young children, you should have a desired custody and visitation arrangement in mind. In addition, you should have a plan for who is going to live where, after your divorce is finalized. Proper preparation is the key to a smooth divorce.

3. Consult with a Pearland Divorce Lawyer

It is not advisable to go through the divorce process alone. This is especially true if you have a large amount of assets, highly complex property, or children who are under the age of eighteen. The best thing that you can do to protect yourself and your legal rights is to consult with an experienced Pearland family law attorney as early on in the divorce process as possible.

4. Stay Calm, Be Ready to Listen

Finally, you need to prepare yourself mentally for the divorce conversation. Ultimately, every divorce is different. Still, as a general matter, it is best to go in with a calm and rational mindset, ready to listen to your partner. Dealing with a divorce, especially if it is unexpected, is emotionally challenging for everyone involved. To the best extent possible, you want your divorce conversation to set yourself up to move towards low-conflict settlement negotiations.

Contact Our Texas Divorce Attorney Today

At the office of The Powell Law Firm, our legal team understands that divorce is a complex and emotional experience. We are committed to providing compassionate, top quality family law services to our clients. To schedule a fully confidential legal consultation, please contact our law firm today. With offices in Pearland, TX, we serve communities throughout the region, including in Brazoria County, Fort Bend County, and Harris County.

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