The divorce rate in the United States is approximately 3.6% (2005 figures). If you are one of the women who is planning on filing for divorce, there are many different things you need to consider. Before you decide what to include the papers, you need to ask yourself the questions: Can I agree on everything? Can he agree with me on anything? Can either of us come to an agreement that is an amicable and amenable compromise?
The Basics Or Divorce 101 For Women
Before you decide to sign off on anything and everything as part of the initial agreement, sit down by yourself (or with a lawyer) and compile a list of all things you need to be included as part of your agreement. Be sure to take account of the following:
- Legal Custody
- Physical Placement (Parenting time) – weekends, dual custody
- Child support
- Maintenance (Spousal support or Alimony) and for how long
- Property settlement
- Mine, his and our property
- Assets
- Debts
- Payment plans
- Marital homestead – e.g. house, condo, apartment
- Investments
You need to talk over these basics with your ex-spouse to be. While there is often consensus on many matters, this is not the case on everything.
Can You Agree On Everything?
While it is easy to agree to everything the lawyer or your former partner wants, it may not always be a good idea. You should never even verbally agree initially to everything until
- You have time to look the documents over
- You can read between the lines to see what exactly the terms mean
- You understand both the short and long term effects
- You know whether the agreement is truly fair and equitable to everyone
- What this means to you and the rest of your family e.g. children
Above all, NEVER, EVER, sign a document committing yourself until you have had someone else read it over. Divorces can be emotional. You do not want to make a decision you will regret, if not immediately, shortly afterwards. This is particularly true if you have others dependent upon you making a rational decision. Divorce 101 for women states “Do not give into impulse to “just end it” or allow and surge of emotions rule what must be a rational and logical decision.
Consulting A Lawyer
A divorce is a complicated matter. Even if there are no children or property, certain issues are at stake. You may agree with everything, but your lawyer may find what you are actually agreeing to is nothing.
