As we discussed in the previous blog post, the first step to take when you decide to get a divorce is to get informed. When you have the information – and the advocacy – you need, then you are ready to act.
But first, strategize
“Think before you act.” That is helpful advice in many situations. It is especially important during a divorce. You should have a plan of action for each step you take, from informing your spouse of your desire to divorce to negotiating how to handle the family home.
Working with your attorney, you can craft a personalized plan for every step that lies ahead. There is no rush to have a plan in place, especially since you must fulfill the separation period of one year and one day before filing for divorce. You can take advantage of your separation period to strategize how you will proceed and protect your future.
When is it time to move forward?
You are ready to file for divorce in North Carolina when you fulfill these three action items:
- Organize all of the information you collected.
- Have a plan prepared.
- Complete the separation period.
Then you can take the official first step of the divorce proceedings, which is filing the complaint and other necessary forms with the court. There are many steps, large and small, within the process of a divorce, as we noted in the previous blog post. These steps so far discussed aim to prepare you for the legal process, to take actionable measures to end your marriage.
However, not all of the critical steps occur in the physical world, so to speak. As you are well aware, there is no way to remove the intensely personal and emotional aspect from a divorce. While it is essential to know how to move forward and properly prepare yourself, it can be difficult to do while grappling with contradictory and extreme emotions.
In the next blog post, we will discuss the final and concurrent step that is important to take during this process.