In terms of the timeline of a divorce filing, January has long been the most popular month to move forward with beginning the end of a marriage. Many Texas spouses wish to get through the holiday season before a divorce, often in an attempt to minimize the impact on children or extended family members. Others find the holidays to be a stressful time, and forced togetherness can lead one spouse to realize that the time has come to end the union.
Regardless of the reasons behind the choice to file for divorce, there are a number of steps that spouses should take in order to make the transition from married to single as easy as possible. One smart move is to acquaint oneself with the details of the family’s finances. This is especially important if one does not usually handle the bill-paying or other financial concerns. Being fully informed will be very important as the process moves forward and important decisions must be made.
Another financial tip involves making a comprehensive budget for your life as a single person. It is important to cover every possible expense, in order to determine exactly how much income is needed to get by. Living as a couple is inevitably less expensive than living alone, and it is imperative to fully understand the costs of operating a household alone before negotiations over finances begin.
By taking the time to research and budget before a divorce begins, Texas spouses can ensure that they are armed with the knowledge necessary to negotiate a fair divorce settlement that will help them remain financially stable in the years to come. While divorce can be a very emotional time, it is important to remain logical and rational when it comes to the nuts and bolts of the settlement. The divorce process is temporary, but the ramifications can last a lifetime.
Source: wxyz.com, “January has long been a popular month for divorce filings,” Lucy Carmel, Jan. 4, 2013