What to know about getting divorced

The start of a new year may have California residents and others thinking of making changes in their lives. One of these changes may include ending a marriage. January is one of the most popular months for a spouse to either get or seek a divorce. However, it might not be the best idea to rush into getting a divorce. This may be especially true for parents.

An exception can be made for someone who is looking to escape a marriage that puts themselves or their children in immediate danger. Assuming that this is not the case, it can be worth going to counseling or taking other steps to see if the relationship can be salvaged. If it can’t, an individual can file for divorce knowing that the marriage simply wasn’t meant to last. At a minimum, a spouse should meet with an attorney prior to serving divorce papers. This can give that person time to learn more regarding the separation process and how it’s likely to play out in a given case.

Individuals who are thinking about staying in a relationship for their children shouldn’t feel forced to do so. Generally speaking, the children will be fine once they have adjusted to the life change. Those who are served papers themselves may also benefit from meeting with an attorney.

The end of a marriage can be an emotional event. Therefore, it may be a good idea to negotiate the terms of the divorce before the marriage begins. With a prenuptial agreement, it may be possible to settle a divorce in a timely and civil manner. This may allow parents to preserve relationships with themselves and with their children. Generally speaking, prenups are binding agreements once they are signed by both parties.