Most people start a new year with new, positive goals. For some people in New Jersey, that means getting divorced.
Perhaps to some readers, divorce may not sound like a positive goal. But, if you’re getting out of an unhappy relationship and trying to start a new chapter in your life, a divorce can be a step toward something very positive indeed.
So, if you are planning to get divorced in 2024, what are some important tips you should know?
Get prepared
The first thing to keep in mind is to get organized. This means that you prepare yourself with information about your assets, debt, household expenses and the income that both spouses earn. Start to plan your finances around the fact that property and debt division is an important part of divorce, and that your post-divorce financial situation may be much different.
Divorce in New Jersey, like all other states, is a state-law process – which means that there may be laws specific to our state and how divorce is handled in New Jersey that you need to be aware of as you get ready for the divorce process. And, make sure you know how a divorce case proceeds through the state court system.
Another point to keep in mind: Give yourself goals for the divorce process and make sure they are reasonable. Yes, you may have specific ideas about what assets you want, or how you want child support and custody to be decided, but remember that your soon-to-be ex-spouse has rights too. You may have to compromise, and you will most likely not get everything you want. Still, you absolutely can achieve your biggest goal: to get through the process and begin a new, independent life.