Top Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Divorce
Divorce is extremely stressful and no one enters into the process with joy. Depending on your situation, you may be facing certain legal battles and regardless of the issues at hand, it is normal to feel uncertain about your future. Still, there are ways you can minimize unnecessary antagonization, as well as the expenses you will incur during proceedings. Below, our Campbell divorce lawyer outlines the top tips for obtaining the best outcome in your case.
File First
Legally speaking, there is no advantage to being the first to file divorce. However, as the petitioner, you can frame the narrative of your case. For example, within the divorce papers, you can make certain arguments, such as that you plan to pursue spousal support. You then force your spouse to respond to things you have said. Filing first can also give you more time to prepare by collecting important documents, opening new financial accounts, and more.
Understand Your Assets and Expenses
When going into a divorce, it is critical that you have a thorough understanding of your assets and expenses. Create a list of all of your marital assets, as well your liabilities, such as debt. A lawyer can help you determine which property you own is marital, and which is separate. Obtaining a clear understanding of your financial situation will prevent your spouse from using your lack of knowledge against you.
Set Goals
There is a chance that you will lose some marital property during your divorce. It is important to set goals about the property that is most important to you. Doing this can make it easier to let go of property you do not mind losing, while allowing you to focus on the things most valuable to you.
Remain Honest at All Times
The things you tell the court must be consistent with the lifestyle you live. If you say one thing in court and then act differently, the court will no longer consider you credible. If you are dishonest about any facts, the court may not believe you when state other, true, facts. Some of the valuable evidence to the court is your lifestyle, so be honest about it at all times.
Remain Patient
Divorce can take several weeks or many months. Cases that are really complex can even take more than one year to resolve. You may become impatient and be tempted to sign a settlement agreement just to get the process over with. Doing so, though, could mean you are signing away your rights. A divorce lawyer can advise on how long your case should take, ways you can speed up the timeline, and whether a settlement is fair.
Our Divorce Lawyers in Campbell Can Help You Obtain the Best Outcome
If you are getting a divorce, our Campbell divorce lawyers at Hepner & Pagan, LLP, can provide the legal advice that will help you obtain the best possible outcome. Call us now at 408-429-8336 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more.
Source:
selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/divorce-california
