Your spouse wants a divorce: What should you do next?
Going through a divorce may be heartbreaking, but it’s something that you might not have a choice about. If your spouse has decided to separate from you, it’s time to start looking into your legal options and develop a plan for your future.
What should you do next if your spouse has just asked for a divorce? Here are some suggestions:
1. Call an attorney.
Why is this the most important thing to do? Having your attorney on board now is going to make your divorce simpler. You can begin gathering information and get support from your attorney when trying to determine how to respond to the divorce petition or other documents from the court.
2. Start examining your financials.
When filing for divorce in Georgia, you should remember that the state is an equitable distribution state. You should do your best to get all your financial information together and to write down all of the assets and debts that you and your spouse may hold. Your attorney can assist you in determining which assets you want or need in a divorce settlement, which are (and are not) considered marital property and how you can begin negotiating with your spouse.
3. Consider hiring other professionals for advice.
During your divorce, you may need to work with a number of different professionals, such as forensic accountants, tax professionals or even private investigators. Your attorney can be the one to coordinate working with these people, so you can relax knowing that everything is handled.
If your divorce cannot be settled out of court, you will need to go to trial. In that case, your attorney will help you get to know the court process and what to expect in the courtroom. They’ll be there to represent you and protect your best interests.