There are many tough decisions to be made at the end of a marriage. When you are considering divorce, the emotional and financial strain can be tremendous. These hardships are only worsened if you go into the process without being prepared.
If you have questions about preparation for divorce in Ottawa, Paul Riley and the team of lawyers at The Riley Divorce & Family Law Firm have the answers. Our legal team is ready to help you review your options and plot a path forward. Instead of going into this on your own, it could benefit you to have a discussion with a compassionate divorce lawyer.
In Ottawa, divorce is a process that relies heavily on records related to everything from bank accounts to real estate holdings. It can take time to put this paperwork together, so the sooner you start, the better. Having meticulous records can prevent delays, and it could also improve your chances of a favorable outcome by providing your lawyer with a complete picture of your finances.
Living as a single person can be a big adjustment, especially for someone who has been married for years. It can take time to disentangle from a spouse’s finances, and it is a good idea to begin this process as soon as possible. First, this means closing any joint credit cards. Any debt that is incurred during the marriage—even when planning to divorce—can impact both parties in Ottawa.
You should also begin building your own credit history. This means opening a bank account in your name if you do not have one and applying for a credit card. It is helpful to consult with a lawyer at this stage to avoid the appearance of hiding assets.
While the Ottawa lawyers at The Riley Divorce & Family Law Firm are ready to handle every aspect of your divorce case, you could benefit from the emotional support of the people you love as you go through this process. Friends and relatives can help you work through the difficult nature of a split.
Ultimately, it is important that you find a system that works for you. If there are people in your life who are only adding to your stress, they might not be the best option for your support system at this time. Look for people with your best interests at heart.
One of the most important things you can do in the short term as you prepare for divorce is to stay in the matrimonial home in Ottawa. It may be natural to consider moving out when things are contentious, but this can have unexpected consequences for your divorce case.
Leaving the home prior to the court process beginning could result in a court order preventing you from returning until the division of property is completed. In some cases, that might take more than a year. Leaving the home could also complicate your rights as a parent, given that judges usually prefer juveniles to retain their living arrangements during the divorce. However, there are always exceptions to the rule. If your spouse is violent, your safety is paramount.
When you believe your marriage is coming to an end, it is crucial that you have everything in order. The outcome of your case can have lasting ramifications on your life and your relationships with your loved ones.
The experienced lawyers at The Riley Divorce & Family Law Firm could help you navigate this challenging process and have 24/7 availability. Reach out as soon as possible to discuss preparation for divorce in Ottawa during a consultation meeting.
Now you can have your Consultation with Paul Riley any time from the comfort of your own home. With video calls from Zoom, your Team at The Riley Divorce & Family Law Firm can meet with you virtually, and learn about your case. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop with a built-in camera and microphone.
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