Thinking Of Ending Your Marriage? Our Tampa Divorce Lawyer Explains Six Steps To Take Now

It is hard to face the fact that your marriage is falling apart. The decision to file for a divorce is likely one of the most difficult you will ever make. During this challenging time in your life, our Tampa divorce lawyer provides caring support and the experienced legal guidance you need to protect yourself. If you are thinking of ending your marriage, the following are six steps we recommend you take:
- Determine whether marriage counseling or other efforts are an option.
All couples go through the occasional rocky patch. It can make a marriage stronger, but it requires commitment. If your heart’s not in it or you are already resigned to getting a Tampa divorce, marriage counseling or other efforts are unlikely to work. The same is true if your spouse is unwilling to acknowledge the problems or has already ‘checked out.’
- Consider your next steps.
After facing the facts surrounding your situation, consider what your next steps should be. Is a separation in order? If so, should you or your spouse leave the family home? When making your decision, consider the current housing market, the price of rental properties in your area, the amount of space you might need, and how you will meet monthly expenses.
- Make a detailed list of all marital property and assets.
Under the Florida Statutes, you are entitled to a fair share of everything you and your spouse bought, earned, or otherwise accumulated during your marriage. This includes homes, cars, furnishings, and other items, as well as bank accounts, investments, shares in business, digital assets, and retirement benefits. A detailed list helps you get what you are entitled to in a divorce settlement.
- Pay off debts.
Unfortunately, in addition to being co-owner of all marital assets, you also share responsibility for marital debts. Pay off what you can and watch for any spikes in spending on the part of your spouse.
- Work on building your individual credit.
As part of a married couple, your credit rating is closely tied to your spouse and can take a hit if you get a Tampa divorce. To offset this, create a bank account in your name alone and take out a credit card or a small personal loan to begin re-establishing your individual credit.
- Get professional legal guidance.
Equitable division of marital assets, determinations regarding alimony, and child custody and support are all matters that need to be addressed when filing for a divorce through the Hillsborough County Family Court. Get professional legal guidance from an experienced Tampa divorce lawyer to protect your rights.
Request A Confidential Consultation Today With Our Tampa Divorce Lawyer
If you are thinking of ending your marriage, practical help and support are available. At Bubley & Bubley, P.A., we can answer your questions about the Tampa divorce process, advise you on your rights under Florida law, and take the steps needed to protect you. To request a confidential consultation, contact our Tampa divorce lawyer today.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061.html
hillsclerk.com/court-services/family-law