When you receive the divorce petition, you may be tempted to throw it in the garbage, but you still have to deal with it. Do not hide it behind a mountain of documents or place it in a drawer. Instead, widen it and begin the subsequent divorce preparations. Do seek help from a gig harbor divorce attorney.
- Check out the petition.
You do indeed feel several different things. Put things aside for the time being, and read the petition to learn more about your obligations. The divorce papers will outline your response deadlines, claims for child and/or marital maintenance, and many other valuable details. Even if there may be too much to take in at once, keep a close eye on any deadlines, so you can move on before they pass.
- Speak with a lawyer.
You must reply to the appeal, but it may be wise to consult a lawyer beforehand. Discuss having the attorney assist you in drafting a response to the petition’s demands rather than guiding you through the entire divorce if you cannot pay the total expenses. You might be eligible for legal aid if your employer offers an EAP. Do not only evaluate the urgent necessity; think about all the advantages since having an attorney on your side will assist you in saving money in the long term.
- Answer the petition.
You will be in a difficult position if you do not respond to the petition. If you do not reply, the court might grant a default divorce to your adversary. If you do not reply, you can lose some rights. It is critical to keep in mind that replying is the subsequent and most crucial stage in the process of divorce, not the final one.
- Collect documents.
You will need to provide your attorney with details regarding your financial condition. Typically, for the last three years, gather your tax returns, birth certificates, mortgage papers, bank account information, and anything else that will help prove your financial condition. As the divorce process develops, your attorney might also provide you with information about safeguarding your funds and valuables.
- Maintain communication security.
Update your passwords on any account you have, including your bank accounts, social media accounts, email addresses, and any other places you do not want your partner to have access. Choose a password that your spouse would not know. In an ideal world, you might even want to open a new email address and adjust your social media site privacy settings to high. Changes to your financial information might be necessary.
