If you are considering getting a divorce in New Jersey, there are various aspects of the process to think through before you file. This can help you make your decision about whether and when to petition for divorce.
Your finances
One of the first things that you should consider is finances. You may be required to pay your spouse alimony and child support, or your spouse might be required to pay you. You should try to find out what all your assets are, both jointly and individually. It might be useful to gather documents such as tax returns and bank statements. You should keep in mind that your standard of living may drop after divorce because it costs more to maintain two households.
Other considerations
If you do not work outside the home, you may want to consider getting a job before filing for divorce. You might also want to open your own bank account and apply for a credit card to start your own credit record.
If you have children, you may want to think about what the agreement for custody and visitation will be. You should also think about the future. Your goals will inevitably change after the divorce from the ones you shared with your spouse, so looking ahead might help you determine what the best next steps are.
How professionals may help
You’ll want to start building a support system for yourself. This might include friends and family as well as professionals, such as a counselor. Other professionals who may be helpful are an attorney and a financial expert. You may want to consider meeting with these professionals while you are trying to make your decision to get a better idea of how your divorce could unfold. This might help you prepare for property division and other aspects of the divorce.