Divorce in the new year

For some Georgia residents, the new year means taking steps toward divorce. They are not alone; making the decision to divorce after the holidays seems to be common. Experts believe that divorce filings might increase during this time because something going wrong with the holidays might be the last straw for an already failing relationship.

For those who find themselves on this path, preparation might be the most important tool they can use early on. One of the first things people can do when preparing for divorce is to educate themselves about the basic legislation of the process. This can be easily done by reading information available from reliable online sources, such as the pages for their state bar association and their state's courts.

Another early step that should be done is to gather all financial documents. These include end-of-year pay stubs, account statements, credit card statements and even last year's tax return. This process might also include running credit checks on themselves and their spouse. Doing this can help with making estimates about what to expect in any settlement negotiations and division of property.

Preparation also includes figuring out what kind of self-care might be needed during the emotionally fraught process of divorce. For some, this might mean scheduling therapy sessions. For others, it might mean signing up at the gym to work out. Preparation can also mean reassessing life goals and focusing on what they want life to look like after a divorce.

This might also be the time to consult with a lawyer with family law experience. A lawyer may offer legal knowledge and guide clients through the process by helping compile needed documents and file the proper paperwork.