Divorcing During the Holiday?

The Law Office of Andrew Sorrentino is a divorce law firm in Jackson, Mississippi that assists individuals with navigating some of the complex challenges that divorce can raise. Divorce is not just an emotional decision, it is also a legal decision that can impact your finances and your family. If you’re navigating a divorce this holiday season, Andrew Sorrentino can help you address some of the tougher questions that can arise. For example, where will your children spend Christmas? How will your family celebrate New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day? How will parenting time be split if the children are out of school? If you’re still in the process of working out a parenting and child custody plan, the divorce lawyers at The Law Office of Andrew Sorrentino can work out some of the high-stakes questions that couples often face when they are getting divorced.

Are you thinking of asking for a divorce over the holiday? While the holidays can bring with them unique stressors and challenges that can make you want to call it quits, before you ask for a divorce over the holidays, it might be better to wait to ask for a divorce until the new year rolls around. Why?

• You’ll Need Time to Plan. Divorce requires financial and legal planning. Do you have time to review your finances, review your assets, and retirement accounts before the holidays? Do you have a financial plan for single life? Can you afford to live on a single income? It is always a good idea to know what assets you share with your spouse before you ask for a divorce. That way, if assets or if money disappears, you can fight back.
• Do You Have the Resources You Need? The holidays can often be a busy time for many professionals. Do you have the time to talk to a divorce lawyer like the attorneys at The Law Office of Andrew Sorrentino in Jackson, Mississippi before you ask for a divorce? A lawyer can review your situation, help you understand some of the challenges you might face, and help you prepare for your divorce—both before you ask for the divorce and while you are in the process of reaching a divorce settlement. Many of the professionals you’ll need to be in contact with—accountants, lawyers, and the courts, will likely have greater availability in the new year. Asking for a divorce is the beginning of a long process that will involve negotiation and court dates. If you can wait, you may want to break the news after the holidays.
• Is There an Alternative? Avoid making rash decisions while you are stressed and before you have had the time to make plans. While your marriage may be over, maybe this holiday is a good time to take some time away from your spouse? Perhaps spend this holiday with your family or friends, or apart.
• Consider Your Children. When your children learn about your divorce will have an impact on them for life. Do you want your children to forever link your divorce with the holiday season? Do you have the resources available to support your children if they take the news hard? Have you considered counseling? Make sure you have the proper supports in place if you do plan to get divorced over the holidays.
• Have a Plan. If you plan to break the news during the holidays, have a plan. How will Christmas and New Year’s Day be spent? How do you plan to tell your children? Have you contacted your divorce lawyer? Sometimes marital situations do get so bad that you need to take immediate action. If you are in an abusive relationship and are concerned about the safety of yourself or your children, you may want to speak to The Law Office of Andrew Sorrentino, a divorce law firm in Jackson, Mississippi today. Our lawyers may be able to assist you with orders of protection that can offer you additional resources when it comes to keeping distance between yourself and an abusive spouse.

These are just some of the things to consider if you’re planning to get divorced this December. If this is your first holiday single or your first holiday navigating the divorce process, this can be an understandably difficult time. Take the time to make new traditions with your family. If you won’t be spending the holiday with your children, do you have a plan in place? Consider your needs. Do you need more time alone, or more time with family and friends? Your first holiday after divorce is a great opportunity to create new traditions for yourself and your children. If you need support navigating the divorce process, you are not alone. The Law Office of Andrew Sorrentino is a divorce law firm in Jackson, Mississippi that can help you with some of the tougher questions that can arise regarding division of assets and child custody.