Doing Divorce Right the First Time
The best way to save time, money and the headache of a legal hassle is by making every effort to clearly lay out and pursue your primary objectives upfront. It is extremely complicated and legally messy to attempt to make changes after a divorce has been finalized, child custody is established and court orders are in place. If you are filing for divorce, turn to a divorce lawyer at Pacific Cascade Family Law. We draw on our experience as our team works to protect your interests and meet your legal goals.
Filing for divorce can significantly change your life. At Pacific Cascade Family Law, we take the time to identify your goals. As we guide you through the divorce process, we will work toward protecting the things that are most important to you.
Targeting Positive Outcomes with a Unique & Modern Approach
From your initial appointment and consultation with family law attorney, we will hit the ground running, listening carefully to your needs and providing the clear advice you need. We will work tirelessly on your case, careful to remain available and accessible to you throughout the process. Once we have secured the positive results you need, we also provide an aftercare program where we can meet with you months and years down the road to ensure you get the emotional and legal support you deserve.
How You Can Start Planning Ahead for Divorce
Preparing for divorce can be overwhelming at times. It is generally a highly stressful and emotional process – but it also has long-term repercussions for your future, so it is important that the details are properly managed.
Here are a few ways you can start preparing for divorce:
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Gather financial records and open a post office box.
Gather all of your financial records and put them in a safe place. A safe place is someplace that your spouse doesn't have access to, such as a friend's house, your parents' house, or a safe deposit box. A PO box will also give you a secure place to receive mail that your spouse doesn't see. You will want a way to receive confidential mail from your lawyer. It will also provide you with a place to receive credit cards and bank statements.
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Have your financial ducks in a row.
If your spouse controls the family funds, this can put you at a huge disadvantage during a divorce. If you don't have access to funds for lawyers or living expenses, your divorce settlement may not be what you deserve. You should look into opening a new checking and savings account at a new bank. You should withdraw money from your joint funds. Your family lawyer may advise you to withdraw half the funds.
You probably need a credit card in your name as well, in order to start establishing your own credit. If you're not working or your income is significantly less than your spouse's, apply for credit cards before filing for divorce. This is also a good time to get copies of credit reports and make sure they're correct. You should also monitor your reports to make sure your spouse isn't doing anything outrageous with your joint accounts.
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Document the property you brought into the divorce.
Property you had before the marriage usually remains yours after the divorce. Sometimes property disappears during a divorce, so it's a good idea to document your property by taking pictures.
Why Hire a Family Lawyer?
Because family law deals with some of the most sensitive and important legal matters, the decisions made in family court have the potential to change your entire life. That is why it’s always a good idea to hire an attorney skilled in this area of the law. A family law attorney can:
- Bring objectivity to highly contentious divorce issues
- Help you get through legal paperwork and red tape
- Work to bring about favorable settlements
- Help you pursue alternative dispute resolutions, like mediation or collaborative law.
There are many pitfalls you will need to avoid in hearings, trials, and beyond – the family lawyers from Pacific Cascade Family Law can help you avoid them.
Our family lawyers can assist with all types of family law matters, including:
- Child custody
- Child and spousal support
- Property division
- Fathers' rights
- Prenuptial agreements
- Post-divorce modifications
Call the Team at Pacific Cascade Family Law Today!
As soon as you walk through our doors, you will notice the difference that an award-winning law firm can make for your case. Tenacious, thoughtful, and compassionate, our team members share decades of experience and are committed to each one of our clients. We’ll help you protect your rights and prepare for a better future with your family. Give us a call today!
Call (888) 981-9511 or request your initial consultation online today to learn more about our family law services and how our family attorneys can help you.
