Considering Divorce? PAY ATTENTION!

There are warning signs. More often than not, it is gradual rather than a sudden transition from happily married to icicles in the room. If you see divorce coming, or even the possibility of it coming, there are some very important steps you can take to protect yourself and your future.
Step 1: Go See a Lawyer
The single biggest mistake is that potential divorcees wait way too long to seek legal advice. The lawyer will dispel the many myths that exist in the area of divorce. Your lawyer will ask questions about your particular situation and you will be walked through the divorce process and told what your likely outcome is if you go before a judge.
Step 2: Gather Financial Information and Put it in a Safe Place
A significant step that you can take is to make photocopies of all financial records that you have and take photographs of all of your personal property. The record of all of these assets should be kept away from your home in a safe deposit box or with a friend.
Step 3: Don’t Try to Hide Money
Most people who try to hide assets from a spouse don’t do a very good job of it. Judges have a great deal of discretion in divorce cases and you always want to appear to be the “good spouse” in the judge’s eyes.

Don’t Bad-Mouth Your Spouse to Your Kids:
Psychologists will tell you that this may win the children over temporarily, but eventually they will see through your comments and arrive at the opinion that the other parent who behaved properly is the one with whom they wish to associate when they become adults.
Go See a Mental Health Professional:
If you are in a divorce proceeding, or even contemplating it, you are likely stressed out. You need to speak with someone about your situation and see how you are being affected by the process.
Consider Changing Your Healthcare Directive:
Most people list their spouse as the designated person. You don’t really want to be in a decaying relationship with someone and yet still rely on them as to whether to pull the plug on your respirator. Go ahead and change the designee. You don’t have to tell anyone except the new designee and you can always change it back if you patch things up with your spouse.
For more information and to schedule your consultation, please call The Law Offices of Steven B. Chroman, P.C., at 661-255-1800 or visit us at www.chromanlaw.com. Mr. Chroman is a Trusted Advisor Award Winner and named Top 100 California Attorney’s with over 25 years of experience and local service and a 2021 Super Lawyer. You can purchase Mr. Chroman’s best-selling Divorce Workbook at: www.amazon.com/Preparing-Divorce–considering-separation

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