Summer is made of vacations, beaches, popsicles, cookouts, relaxing, and, for some families, divorce. As many people consider a Michigan divorce as the warmer months creep in, they are undoubtedly trying to determine whether it’s better to break up at the start of summer, or at the end.
Prepare for a Michigan Divorce Before You File
Summer is a time of family togetherness. There is plenty of busyness, but there is also downtime too. Many people will spend extra time with their spouse. Some will enjoy it, others will work to tolerate it, simply counting down the minutes until they can finally put an end to the relationship that no longer fulfills them. Others will do everything they can to book summer getaways without their significant other, just so they aren’t forced to spend extra time together.
If you’re in the place where you dread being with your spouse or seek methods to avoid them, divorce may very well be in the cards. Summer is a good time to:
- Talk to a Michigan divorce attorney
- Speak with a financial advisor
- Get your financial documents in order
- Take stock of assets
- Collect financial information and identify what belongs to you and to your spouse
- Reflect on what you want from this divorce
- Consider how this will affect your children and parenting
- Understand the legal and financial ramifications of a divorce
When divorce papers are served and the split officially begins, it will be difficult to remove emotions from your circumstances. It’s smart to make as many decisions as you can ahead of time while you’re rational, thoughtful, and considering your present and future. Find out what the actual outcomes of your divorce might really be.
Consider the Children
So many couples drag their feet about getting a divorce because they worry about how this decision will affect their children. It’s likely that your kids are already fully aware that your marriage is not the best and they might even expect you to announce that you’re splitting up. But here are some points to consider as you go about your summer so the season isn’t tainted by your divorce:
- Don’t involve the kids until your split officially affects their lives
- Wait to tell your children about your divorce until you have a concrete plan in place
- Know what child custody and parenting time will look like so you can inform the kids
- Reassure your kids about what matters most to them: friends, school, where they will live
- Set expectations and communicate clearly and honestly
Even though you and your soon-to-be ex aren’t on the same page anymore, it’s a good idea to work together about telling the kids of your divorce. Maybe even rehearse it so your kids can witness you working together where they are concerned. This united front – even if you aren’t united about anything else – will ease some of their worries about their present and future.
There Is No Wrong Time to Start a Michigan Divorce
Your Michigan divorce attorney knows that you’re already stressed, worried about your kids, concerned about finances, but also eager to make this move and change your life for the better. Get advice about the timing of your divorce from the experts at Michigan Divorce Help. There is no right or wrong time to end your marriage – it’s just what’s right for you. Contact us to schedule a consultation.