If you’re getting a divorce in Fort Mill, SC, or anywhere else in the country, you are probably already aware of how gruelling the process will be. Divorce is never easy, and if you’re in a blended family, it can be even tougher.
If custody battles weren’t bad enough, it can be extremely difficult to put a parenting plan together if you’re divorcing someone that you’ve created a blended family with. Here are some tips to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.
- Work together: The adults in the relationship have to work together to make sure that all children are cared for in the best way possible. Bitterness and fighting will only make things worse. Work together to plan how and when each of you will see the children.
- Plan ahead: If you’re the one asking for the divorce in Fort Mills, SC, then you need to plan ahead. Make sure you have all of your financial documents in order and ask a lawyer what your rights are before moving out of the marital home.
- Get the kids involved: Depending on how old the children are, sit down and have a discussion with them. Ask them about their thoughts and feelings; how often they’d like to visit the non-biological parent (if at all) and if they want to see their step-siblings. Kids who are involved in the decision-making process will feel more in control and less likely to lash out.
- Know your rights: Before making any rash decisions, speak with a lawyer to discuss your rights and responsibilities. Generally, step-parents have limited rights when it comes to the children, but if you’ve been supporting them or have been married for a number of years, you have certain rights.
- Get your finances in order: Even in a blended family, you may have one joint account and joint debts and assets. Make sure you get statements of everything. Make notes of what belongs to you, what belongs to your spouse and what you own jointly. Keep track of what you pay for the children and what he pays. This information is much easier to gather when you’re together than when one of you moves out.
- Journal everything: You’re going to have to keep notes on pretty much everything. Buy a notebook or journal and jot down anything that seems important. Once you’re going through the process, the journal will help you work through your feelings.
- Put a support system together: You’ll need a network of friends and relatives to help you through this difficult process. Gather your biggest supporters and they will be there for you at your lowest points.
Whether you’re getting a divorce in Rock Hill, SC or Miami, FL, you will need a parenting plan to ensure that the children are protected and will get to spend time with the non-biological parent if they choose. There are many factors that will determine what the courts decide, but if you can present a parenting plan to the court, it will make things much easier for you, and more importantly, for the children.
Harden Law Firm can help you with all of your legal needs. Visit the website today for more information.
