Divorce is often one of the most challenging life transitions a person can face. If you're preparing for divorce in 2025, it's crucial to navigate this process thoughtfully and strategically.
As a medically trained divorce attorney and mediator, I developed a list of do's and don'ts to help you prepare for your divorce in 2025! Being prepared will help you come out stronger and wiser on the other side.
The Do's
- Educate Yourself About the Process
- Familiarize yourself with your state’s divorce laws and procedures. Each jurisdiction has its own requirements for filing, division of assets, custody arrangements, and more.
- Consider consulting a family law attorney to understand your rights and responsibilities.
- Organize Your Financial Records
- Gather documentation such as tax returns, bank statements, property deeds, retirement accounts, and other assets and liabilities.
- Create a budget for your post-divorce life to ensure financial stability.
- Prioritize Your Mental Health
- Seek support from a therapist or counselor to process your emotions and develop coping strategies.
- Join a support group or online community to connect with others in similar situations.
- Communicate Thoughtfully
- If you have children, prioritize their well-being by maintaining open and honest communication.
- Keep interactions with your spouse respectful, especially if you’ll need to co-parent.
- Explore Mediation
- Mediation can often save time, money, and emotional energy compared to a litigated divorce.
- Mediation helps you and your spouse to work together on agreements outside the courtroom. As a medically trained mediator, I encourage couples to consider mediation so they can keep family assets in their pockets, save money in fees, save time and reduce emotional pain.
- Update Legal and Financial Documents
- Revise your will, power of attorney, and beneficiary designations on insurance policies and retirement accounts.
- Close joint accounts and establish individual accounts where necessary.
- Think Long-Term
- Make decisions with a focus on your future. Avoid settling for agreements that may feel “easier” in the short term but could disadvantage you down the line.
The Don'ts
- Don’t Act on Impulse
- Avoid making rash decisions out of anger or frustration, such as quitting your job or overspending.
- Take time to think through major choices and seek advice when necessary.
- Don’t Hide Assets
- Attempting to conceal assets can lead to severe legal consequences and damage your credibility in court.
- Full financial disclosure is required and in your best interest.
- Don’t Use Your Children as Pawns
- Shield your children from the conflict as much as possible.
- Never badmouth your spouse in front of them or involve them in adult issues.
- Don’t Ignore Your Emotional Needs
- Suppressing your emotions can lead to long-term mental health challenges.
- It’s okay to grieve the end of your marriage and seek help to move forward.
- Don’t Rely Solely on Informal Agreements
- Verbal agreements may not hold up in court. Ensure all arrangements, especially those related to finances and custody, are documented and legally binding.
- Don’t Skip Professional Help
- Even if your divorce seems amicable, consulting an attorney or mediator ensures you’re protected. A do-it-yourself divorce is not safe. My divorce process provides a very comprehensive support system providing financial planners, therapists, private investigators, accountants and more to provide all around support.
- Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
- Every divorce is unique. Avoid measuring your progress against others who may have gone through different circumstances.
Preparing for a divorce in 2025 involves balancing practical, emotional, and legal considerations. By taking proactive steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can manage this transition with greater confidence and clarity.
As a medically trained divorce attorney and mediator for over 35 years, I know how valuable choosing the right divorce path can be. If you’re embarking on the divorce journey, give me a call. I’ll be happy to answer all your questions. We can also discuss your divorce options. There is more than one way to divorce!
Call me today to schedule a free consultation. If you are thinking of divorce in 2025 call 212.734.1551 right now!
Warm regards,
Lois