When you decide to file for divorce, you need to know what to expect during the process. While the divorce process itself can be stressful, there are steps you can take to make the process easier on yourself and your ex-spouse. Getting organized will help your attorney do their job. Gather important documents and make copies of them. Find out which documents are yours, like past tax returns, bank and check register statements, investment statements, and employee benefit handbooks. You can also make copies of important financial documents such as bank and investment statements.
The divorce petition must be served on the respondent. After the divorce petition is served, the respondent will have 21 days to hire an attorney and file a motion for modification. If the spouses have children, they will also have to determine alimony and child support if they have them. If the couple has children together, these issues should be resolved during the divorce process. You will be required to send a copy of these documents to your ex-spouse.
After filing a motion for divorce, the parties must file a motion with the same court. This is a formal request to the court to change the divorce order and enforce it. The divorce kit comes with forms to fill out, as well as the divorce petition itself. Once you’ve filed your motion for modification, you’ll need to send a copy to your ex-spouse. Once the court approves the changes, you’ll have a copy of your documents to prove your case.
During the divorce process, the parties will meet with an attorney and a professional team. They will discuss their wants and needs. If there’s a conflict between the two, the proceedings could end up in court, where a judge will decide to award the respondent the divorce. A lawyer will need to know what kind of custody, property division, and child support arrangements you’re seeking. It is important to make a good impression during the process so that the divorce process goes smoothly, said a divorce lawyer Lennon.
Once both parties agree to the terms of a settlement, the court may schedule a settlement conference. During this meeting, the parties may also meet with attorneys. The court will order mediation if the parties are unable to reach a settlement. While the divorce process can be expensive and time-consuming, it can save both parties time and money. If you and your partner can agree on everything, it can be much less stressful.
In the initial hearing, the court will review the complaint and response documents filed by the divorcing couple. The judge will make temporary decisions that govern the behavior of the parties until a permanent settlement is reached. These decisions may include spousal support and child custody. These decisions will be binding for the duration of the hearing, but you must keep redacting personal identifiers on copies. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, they can appeal the decision.