Dear John,
I have decided to leave you. I am filing for divorce and I am taking the kids. Sell the house and send me my half of the money…
Divorce is a topic that is difficult for everyone involved. Maybe you’ve seen it coming for a long time or maybe you’ve just received a “Dear John” email completely out of the blue. Though it may be shocking, this is not the time to sit back and do nothing. There are steps you can – and should – take immediately, to protect yourself, your kids and your finances.
Speak with an attorney – This is a time for expert advice. Whether this is your first divorce or you’ve been through the process before, consulting with a family law attorney who understands Georgia’s divorce laws is a critical first step.
Closely read any documents you’ve been provided – If you are served with divorce papers, ensure that you read them closely and be prepared to respond. If you fail to respond, you may be held in default by the court and you could lose your ability to contest anything. If you have hired an attorney already, provide these documents to them immediately.
Understand that Georgia is an equitable division of property. Very rarely will the division of property be a 50/50 split. An attorney that understands these rules and the particulars of your case can ensure that your property rights and financial interests are protected.
Remain calm – While a pending divorce can be unsettling, staying calm will help you think clearly and act appropriately.
Do not involve your kids in the dispute – Do everything in your power to shield your children from any acrimony between you and your spouse. Not only is this good for the children’s wellbeing, but it will also prevent the other party from using this as an issue against you.
Try to consider your behavior from the court’s perspective – Do not do anything that will cast you in a negative light to a judge or a jury. Now is not the time to post family business online, to begin a new romantic relationship, argue with your spouse, get in legal trouble, spend excessively, or do anything else that may call your behavior into question.
Be civil to your spouse – The proceedings will go smoother if you and your spouse at least try to get along to the best of your abilities. If you can manage to be cordial to one another, it may increase the chances to resolve some of the issues prior to court.
If there is a concern about you or your children’s safety, contact law enforcement if necessary and inform your attorney immediately so they can help you take the appropriate actions.
The bottom line is that this is a time to remain calm and use your head. Do not let your emotions control the process. Though hiring an attorney costs money, it is often the financially smart decision and can also save you time and aggravation.
*This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice for any particular case or situation. The viewing or reading of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship