If your marriage is leaning toward a divorce, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into before filing. The process can be stressful, time-consuming, and financially difficult, so there are many considerations to take. According to divorce law attorneys at Stayton Law in Marion County, OR, it’s essential to have a plan and realistic understanding of the divorce process, as knowing what to expect will make things easier.

Here are three things you should know before filing for divorce: 

1. How Will Financials Be Split?

One of the biggest issues in divorce law is who gets what. When you file for a divorce, all assets, debts, and financials will be parceled out between you and your spouse. This includes credit card accounts, bank accounts, joint retirement accounts, mortgages, and anything else related to finances.

Major assets, such as property and automobiles, are subject as well. It’s important to know all of this because you’ll need a financial portrait of life going through the divorce, as well as after. If you’re on good terms with your spouse, sorting this out civilly can make the process significantly easier.

2. Court May Be Inevitable

Unless you and your spouse break things off on even terms, children and assets included, you’ll likely see the courtroom and need a divorce law attorney. Child custody, asset and debt division, alimony, and child support payments are only a few of the different family law legal battles that can take place, and the associated costs can quickly drain your bank account.

It’s important to plan and prioritize around this, as you don’t want a divorce to drive you into bankruptcy. Do your best to have a game plan, and be willing to make small sacrifices in the courtroom. They’ll outweigh greater financial consequences down the road.

3. An Attorney Is Essential

If things are ugly between you and your spouse and divorce is inevitable, securing a divorce law attorney can save you time, stress, and money preparing for and going through a divorce. A divorce isn’t simply shutting a door and opening another—there are many legal angles and avenues to travel, and an attorney can help you through each. Begin interviewing, and even securing an attorney leading up to your divorce, as they can advise on steps to take, making things easier when you file.

If a divorce is on the horizon, contact a divorce law attorney at Stayton Law. They’ll work with you on a personal level throughout the legal process and are devoted to helping you achieve the best possible outcome. Call (503) 769-7741 to schedule a consultation, and visit the website to learn more about their practice.