The divorce process can be a difficult time, but it doesn’t have to be as stressful as you might think. If you’re getting ready to get a divorce in Huntsville AL, check out these tips to make the process go smoothly. Divorce is never easy and the process is different for everyone. Some people have such animosity toward their soon-to-be ex that they are unable to even speak directly to them when negotiating terms of separation. A lot of people wonder what will happen if they get a divorce in Huntsville, or how exactly do you file for a divorce. Here are 5 things you should consider when getting a divorce in Huntsville AL.
Know the ins and outs of divorce in Huntsville AL
The first thing you should know about divorce in Huntsville AL is that the terms “divorce” and “dissolution of marriage” are used interchangeably. In Alabama, only circuit courts have jurisdiction to grant divorce. The process is the same no matter what county you live in, but you’ll need to file in the county where you or your spouse reside. In addition, if you’ve been married for less than a year, you can’t divorce in Alabama. You and your spouse will need to make the decision to either file the divorce together or file it separately. There are benefits to filing together that you won’t get if you file separately, including a single judgment, a single filing fee and maybe a single divorce attorney in Huntsville too.
Check your assets
One of the first things you should do when getting a divorce in Huntsville AL is to go over your assets. You’ll want to know what’s fair to split between you and your spouse. You should take into account things like debts and savings. You should also consider your long-term goals. Make sure to put everything in writing and keep a copy yourself. It’s also helpful if you can get your spouse to sign the document as well. You should be prepared for your spouse to try to force you to agree to a different division. If they do, you’ll be ready to show them you’ve done your homework.
Establish a budget for your divorce
While you’re going over your assets, it’s also a good time to set up a budget for your divorce. Make a list of all your expenses, both now and in the future, and add up all of your monthly income. Now, take a look at your assets and figure out what percentage of each of those assets you think you should receive. You’ll want to make sure you’re not committing suicide by spending all of your possessions. It can be helpful to have a plan for how you’ll use the money you get from your assets. You’ll want to plan how you’ll make it through the next few months and perhaps even a year or two after your divorce is finalized.
Decide who will take care of any children
You’ll also want to decide during your divorce who will take care of any children you have. Think about how long the process might take, and how long you’ll need to wait before your divorce is finalized and you’re officially no longer married. You’ll want to take this into account when deciding who will stay home with the kids and who will go back to work. If you have a child who is very young, you may need to find someone to watch them during the day while you work. If you have a kid who is old enough to go to school, you may be able to send them to daycare. If you have an older child who is capable of taking care of themselves, you can send them to stay with a friend or relative.
Set a mediation or trial date
Now that you’ve gone over your assets and set up a budget for your divorce, you’ll want to decide if you want to mediate or go to trial. If you want to mediate, you’ll need to get the divorce process started. If you want to go to trial, you’ll need to get everything ready to go to court. You should ensure that you have everything you need to give your side of the story. You’ll also want to be ready to cross examine your spouse when they testify. If you’re going to trial, make sure you set your court date far enough in the future that you’ll have enough time to prepare. You’ll also want to make sure you have enough time to wait for the judge to finish your divorce.
Summing up
Divorce is never easy. It can be even more challenging when you and your spouse have no relationship with each other. If you follow these tips, you’ll be better prepared to handle everything that comes your way. If you have friends or family you can talk to, take advantage of their support.