Getting a divorce is the last thing that many married couples wants to deal with. But in worst-case scenarios where they don’t have any choice but to file for one to be legally separated from their spouse, then it is crucial to know everything ahead of time. Here are some tips that can prepare you and to ensure that you are ready for this battle.
Be 100% Sure Of Your Decision
Do you really want to file for divorce? This is the most critical question that you should ask yourself before you hire a lawyer. There is nothing wrong with trying to work things out with your spouse. But that doesn’t mean that you have to just stick with it if you feel that your marriage is not that bad. There are plenty of reasons why one would decide to file for a divorce. And if you are 100% sure, then go ahead with the process.
Hire a Reliable Divorce Lawyer
Once you can tell yourself that you are sure to hire for a divorce, then go ahead and look for a reliable divorce lawyer. Find one who understands your situation. Some divorce situations can become complicated too quickly. There are couples who are fighting over many marital issues like child support and custody, alimony, division of assets and real estate, and so on. A divorce lawyer can help you understand the divorce process in Singapore.
Gather All Necessary Documents
Hiring a lawyer will help you know which documents you need that will be helpful in your divorce. Divorce lawyers usually provide their clients with a list to avoid forgetting the most important ones. But most likely, you will need your marriage license, any domestic contracts, as well as financial documentation. Just provide a certified copy to your lawyer and keep the original ones in your file.
Your Preferred Separation Agreement
It is crucial that you know what you want to achieve with this legal separation. So you might want to draw up a separation agreement. If both parties end up in court while still in the negotiating phase, the judge can use this agreement as a guideline for the final agreement. That is why you have to ensure that the separation agreement that you can come up with should be as close to what you want to happen once your divorce is final.
Ready Yourself For Court
In Singapore, the divorce process goes through two stages – “dissolution of marriage” and the “ancillary matters” stage. The only reason that a married couple ends up in court is that they are not able to come to an agreement. If you and your spouse did not end the relationship on a peaceful note, then it is crucial that you prepare yourself emotionally.
Moving on is not easy after the divorce. But it is crucial that you learn how to do it not only for yourself but for your kids if you have any. Remember that sensitive information might be brought up and you can end up hurting your feelings. But you need to be emotionally-stable throughout the process.