Ask a Family Law Attorney: 6 Things to Expect From a Divorce

When marriages end, the spouses and children involved will undoubtedly face emotional and stressful events that can upend their lives. These situations will include making decisions about money and property as well as figuring out parenting schedules and living arrangements. Parties involved often need help to understand and manage their expectations of the overall legal process of divorce, which makes hiring a family law attorney in Atlanta one of the wisest decisions you can make.

Ask a Family Law Attorney in Atlanta: 6 Things to Expect From a Divorce

1. There Will Be No Winner

Many people approach their divorce case with the hope of winning, but, truthfully, there is seldom a winner. The typical divorce will involve a myriad of issues, such as child support negotiations, division of property, and child custody. Divorcing spouses rarely end up obtaining everything they want, and it is virtually impossible to distinguish the winner from the loser in some cases.

Since winning a divorce case is not often measurable, both parties should consider the consequences that a full-blown court battle may have on your children and your finances should you go down that path. Before becoming focused on winning, consider what can truly be lost in that pursuit.

2. It Takes Longer Than You Think

Divorce cases always take longer and cost more money than you’d expect. If you do your due diligence and are well-prepared, you will find it easier to stay on top of your case in order to minimize the cost. Because your divorce involves your life, it is imperative that you stay engaged in your case and know the next steps so you can be ready to keep the process moving.

If both you and your spouse are prepared and neither of you drag your feet, then you may find that your divorce can be resolved in a reasonable amount of time. However, you cannot control everything, and the court system or professionals assisting in your case may hit roadblocks. You also cannot control your spouse and how they choose to handle their part. When it comes to time and money, prepare to spend more of both.

3. It Will Bring Out the Worst in Your Spouse

The person you married is the same person you are divorcing. Spouses do not suddenly receive a personality transplant when a divorce begins. Spouses do not tend to become more gracious when they are faced with losing their children, property, or money. In fact, divorce often does the opposite and brings out the worst in everyone involved.

If you married a narcissistic person, then you will be divorcing a narcissistic person. As hard as you may try to be amicable, the other party may choose to play dirty.

4. There Will Be a Lot of Paperwork

Divorce cases are document-driven, and, whether it is amicable or ugly, both parties will need to provide a plethora of information. Start by gathering financial information, such as income tax returns, credit card bills, and bank statements, to name a few. The sooner you begin compiling this information, the better prepared you will be. Atlanta’s top family law attorneys can provide you with a checklist to ensure that nothing is missed.

5. You May Lose Friends

Married couples often become nervous about spending time with friends who are going through a divorce. Many simply do not want to take sides, or already have, while others may find that your divorce causes them to reflect on their own unhappy marriage.

Divorce can also cause spouses to change jobs or move to different homes or cities, negatively affecting current friendships. Big life changes definitely shake up the life you have grown accustomed to, but divorce can also help you make new friends for the next chapter.

6. You Will Need Emotional Support

Although you may lose friends during a divorce, it is imperative that you find emotional support. Divorce will affect every single area of your life. It won’t only affect your family, friends, and finances, but will take a huge toll on your home life, work life, and personal identity.

Getting hit at the same time with all of those stressors will be hard, and you will absolutely need support. Now is the time to build a strong support network if you don’t already have one to lean on. Join a divorce support group, get a therapist, or just get out and about rediscovering your life.

Managing your expectations is an important part of divorce. Sometimes the divorcing spouses have unreasonable goals or requests that are inconsistent with the law. In order to resolve your divorce as quickly as possible, you will need to understand just exactly how the law applies to your case, and set reasonable expectations of the outcome. Consulting with an attorney can help you better understand your plan of action.