Sometimes you see it coming and sometimes you are completely blindsided. If you are reading this, you may have just been served divorce papers from your spouse. We know that this can be a shocking moment. What is most important right away is not to shut down and instead to take a moment to process everything. Do not try to reach out to your spouse immediately in a fit of emotion. Make sure to take time for yourself in the middle of starting a whirlwind process.
After you have begun to understand what is happening, it is time to take action. These are some things you should begin doing after you have been served divorce papers by your spouse:
Read Everything Carefully. Take time to thoroughly read and process everything in the divorce papers. It will frequently include crucial details about the process which your spouse is expecting. More critically, it will normally contain a date by which your spouse expects a written response to the papers. It is important to hit that date, but don’t craft your response all on your own.
Talk To a Lawyer. It is time to choose a lawyer and get started on your case. Make sure you speak to a lawyer before writing your response to the divorce papers. They will help you know what is important to include and what steps need to be taken next. John M. Totten, P.C. is exceptionally well-prepared to handle the delicate, nuanced, and sensitive issues that accompany most divorces.
Gather All Documents. You’ll want to gather copies or originals of important documents. These include standard identification documents, but also things like bank statements and proof of accounts. If you have shared resources, you might look for your spouse’s too, but know that you will get them down the line one way or another.
Look at Your Finances. No matter what financial situation you are used to, it will change during and following your divorce. Take the time up front to assess how much money you are bringing in and how much you are spending. Just knowing this will give you a heads up in the process. Consider what expenses you can go without. Remember that a divorce is not the time for large or impulse purchases such as a house, car, boat, or musical instrument. These will reflect poorly on you.
Ask For Help! The most important step to take after being served divorce papers is reaching out for help. Find a support system around you, and find a dependable lawyer that you can trust. At John M. Totten, P.C., we believe that you deserve nothing less than the best possible advocacy and guidance. Contact us today to take the next step after being served divorce papers.
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