While some marriages end because of one catastrophic incident, others take more time. You may have started thinking about divorce weeks or months ago, but now, it seems inevitable.
After years of sharing expenses and emotional support, it can be scary to think about ending your marriage and going back to doing things on your own.
Here are a few things you can do to prepare for a divorce.
Gather your support system
Many challenges come with a divorce. You will have days where you feel tough and others where you need friends and family to help you get from one step to the next.
As you prepare, you may also want to consider talking to a skilled attorney about your divorce so that you know what to expect.
Figuring out finances
Going from two incomes to one can significantly impact your life and lifestyle. Understandably, it can take some planning to feel ready to take the next step toward divorce.
Remember that while you want to think about your financial future, you should not try to hide money or other assets. Hiding assets can backfire during the asset division part of a divorce. Instead, you should talk to your attorney about how to prepare yourself and what mistakes you should avoid as you prepare for divorce.
Talking to your children
Divorce can have a significant impact on you and your children. Depending on how old your kids are, they may see some of the signs as you start to think about divorce.
After you have talked to your spouse about getting a divorce, it is time to have a thoughtful age-appropriate conversation with your children about what they can expect and what is happening. While you and your spouse may be at odds with each other, your children will still want a relationship with their other parent.
As you move through the divorce process, seeking support from those around you is essential. In addition to your friends and family, you may also need help from skilled professionals.