Should I wait to file for divorce in Arizona?

Should I wait to file for divorce in Arizona?

Divorce is a difficult process, and your life is going to change. The latest research shows that most women are financially strapped after a divorce, and most men are better off. The reasons for this are complicated, but one of the reasons is that many women will stay home or sacrifice career for child rearing, and consequently when they re-enter the workforce they’re ill prepared.

 

So, back to the original question, should I wait to file? Obviously, if there’s a substance abuse problem, a physical abuse problem, or you’re just plain miserable, you want to get out of there as soon as possible. But the best advice when you’re getting out is to have a plan. A solid strategy towards getting out, well executed will make the process a whole lot less painful for you. One of our attorney’s husband was in the military, and he told me that a simple acronym that they use to prepare for a mission is

BAMCIS:

  • Begin the Planning

  • Arrange Reconnaissance

  • Complete the Planning

  • Issue Orders

  • Supervise

So, we’re going to use BAMCIS to plan our divorce, and that answers the question of should I wait to file? You should wait only as long as your plan tells you to wait.

Using BAMCIS to plan our divorce:

Begin the planning

To begin the plan, we need some lists. Make a list of everything you owned before the marriage, everything you have bought with your spouse, your bank accounts, savings accounts, retirement accounts, everything that has money in it or is worth something. If your spouse has a business, or property that they owned before the marriage and you contributed to it financially or with your labor, list that also. Make copies of the accounts and take photos of property.

Arrange the recon

Reconnaissance is where you’re going to walk the ground of the conflict. In a divorce that ground is made of money: Find out how much the divorce is going to cost you, and save accordingly.

Legal expenses are going to be a factor, moving expenses, and setting up a household. Remember, your lifestyle is going to change, and initially that change may be downward. If you’re ready for it, it won’t be as bad. Family and friends are going to be needed, so if you need help moving, caring for children, or just emotional support, get with them and see what kind of support they’ll be able to give you.

If you own a house together, look at the value of your home and the real estate market, this is going to affect how much you’re going to get out of your exit.

Make the Recon

This is where you are going to talk to a family lawyer about the divorce. (I recommend Enholm Law at  (602) 889-6273) One of our own attorneys used a similar plan to reestablish herself in the workforce, and in life and she did a fantastic job of it.

Your lawyer should give you bang for buck, should have good reviews, and should know what they’re talking about. You want to minimize legal fees and the amount of time the divorce takes.

Issue orders

You’ve retained a family law attorney, you have all the planning and steps laid out, and you’ve saved up enough to execute your plan. Now is the time to execute by issue orders to your attorney and file your petition for dissolution.

This is where we answer the question, should I wait to file? Here’s the point where the waiting is over.

Supervise

First you need to supervise yourself by providing all your documentation to your attorney you made when you surveyed your assets, and make sure if your attorney request other documentation you get that to them.

If you’ve moved out by this time, make sure that the assets that you saved up are being spent according to your plan. Make sure to remember that all the things that your spouse did in the relationship, like arrange for school rides, medical care, might need to be done by you.

If all this sounds too complicated, it doesn’t have to be. When it’s time to make the recon, call Enholm Law at (602) 889-6273.