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Just like every marriage is unique, ending a marriage is a little bit different for everyone. Some people in Texas have to figure out what to do with a family home. Others have to sort out how to divide debt. Though these are two different issues, they are still part of the same process — property division. So, no matter what you might be dealing with during your own divorce, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

For example, it is a good idea to keep emotions out of things. This can be understandably difficult. Marriage and divorce are much more than legal processes, and both illicit strong emotional reactions. It can be easier to keep those emotions in check when you have a better idea of what behavior is actually helpful.

Put everything on the table

You and your ex-spouse accumulated assets over the years, and now neither of you wants to let go of them. One or both of you might be tempted to hide a few marital assets on the side, but this is never a good idea. Not only will it negatively skew property division to one person’s benefit, but it can also land you right back in court months or even years in the future. It is best to fully disclose all assets — including income and debts — when asked.

Having an accurate record of income is important for support payments too. If you earned less than your ex or did not work, you cannot get the full alimony that you deserve unless everyone’s income is on the table. This can also negatively affect child support payments if you have children.

Save big changes for later

Divorce is already a life-altering process, though it is almost always for the better. This actually encourages a lot of people to reconsider other aspects of their lives in which they might be unhappy. While this type of introspection is great, acting on anything significant while going through a divorce is not always a good idea. Accepting a job in another state, moving hours away or even taking a position in another country are all things that should wait for later.

You also cannot just change the terms of your temporary visitation or custody agreement when you feel like it. If you do think the agreement is not meeting your child’s best interests, you can always ask a judge to modify it as needed. However, when you take the matter into your own hands, you are ultimately violating the agreement. This can make it a lot harder to get custody and visitation rights in the future.

Remember to get help

At some point during your marriage, you and your soon-to-be ex might have faced difficult situations together. You already know that having the support of someone who is on your side makes a world of difference. Divorce is no different.

You do not have to wonder whether you are making the right decisions or if you are navigating the process all wrong. Working with an attorney who is experienced with Texas family law can ease those worries, creating an easier path to the end goal — a successful divorce. But since what defines a successful divorce is usually personal, it is a good idea to talk about your goals with your attorney.

In Texas, many soon-to-be ex-spouses either make financial assumptions about a divorce or simply do not know what awaits them. Unfortunately, these individuals often face some unwelcome surprises. It is best to get educated ahead of time to learn how to deal with divorce-related financial issues before they arise.

One common problem is that people are unaware of the full amount of their household debt. Both parties may end up having to assume some of that debt after a divorce. Individuals are often surprised by these circumstances, especially if the other spouse was the one who managed the finances.

The cost of health insurance can also be an unwelcome surprise. If one spouse had been paying premiums for the family, the other partner will have to find insurance on their own. They soon may find that insurance can be prohibitively expensive, especially if they do not have a job that offers health benefits.

Many non-working spouses do not anticipate that a divorce would require that they return to the workplace. They may be factoring in alimony or child support but have overly rosy forecasts for what they would be receiving. This would mean that they need to earn money to make ends meet.

Education ahead of time is the best way to avoid some of these shocks. While it may not change the financial situation, a divorce attorney could at least provide the information necessary so that a client understands what they’ll face. Then, the attorney may help the client negotiate the best possible financial terms during the property division process.

Your decision to divorce will have serious financial implications on your life. You know that the choices you make throughout this process will directly impact your future, which is why it is important to think long-term. In fact, there are steps you can take now to start preserving your interests and preparing for the process ahead.

If you have not yet filed for divorce, you may think there is not much you can do yet. In reality, you can start taking steps that will provide you with more control and give you more leverage when it’s time to negotiate. You have the right to fight for a strong financial future, and that process can start even if you are still simply considering the possibility of a divorce. 

Your future, today

Divorce will also certainly reduce your financial standing, at least for a period of time. Even the wealthiest of Texas couples may find that they experience some impact from the terms of their property division and financial settlements. You can minimize the negative effects and bounce back quicker when you are well-prepared for the process ahead, and some of the things you may want to consider doing include:

• Get familiar with your finances now — This is especially important for a spouse who was more hands-off with the finances over the course of the marriage. Familiarize yourself with accounts, tax returns and other important things you need to know.
• Talk with someone — Talking with financial professionals and other knowledgeable individuals can help you get the information you need to make smart choices in your divorce. Ask questions, learn about your rights and discover as much as you can about your financial situation. 

These are only two of many ways you can take steps to make sure you have a strong financial future after your divorce. Finances are one the most sensitive and complex issues to address in a divorce, and you do not have to navigate these complicated matters on your own.

With the support of an experienced family law attorney, you can pursue a settlement that makes sense for you and your objectives. The stakes are high, but stability and security are possible. Take control of your future now and avoid regrets down the road, starting by seeking an assessment of your case and explanation of the legal options available to you.

Couples getting married in Texas should explore the possibility of a prenuptial agreement and how it can help them. While these agreements may not be the right thing for everyone, they can provide valuable protection for people entering a marriage under certain circumstances. Although one may not want to enter a marriage planning ahead for its possible dissolution, it is sensible and can help protect one or both of the spouses.

Certainly, those who go into a marriage with significant assets need the protection that a prenuptial agreement can offer them. This includes people who either have a business or plan on starting one. Prenuptial agreements will help if they have their own money or their family has significant assets.

The benefit of a prenuptial agreement is that, in the case of a divorce, the property is divided in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The agreement can also protect children if the marriage is a second union by ensuring that a spouse can keep their assets and the children would not lose their inheritance in a divorce. A prenuptial agreement is not always easy to bring up and negotiate, but it is absolutely vital in many cases. The alternative is that a spouse can be at risk of losing their assets in a divorce.

While it seems paradoxical, one should contact a family law attorney before getting married to learn more about prenuptial agreements. They may be able to suggest parameters for a valid prenuptial agreement and give tips on discussing it with the prospective spouse. Note that the attorney will represent one spouse as opposed to both people. Prenuptial agreements could be invaluable and make life easier in case the worst-case scenario happens years into the future. An attorney might help prevent chaos in that event.