Blogs from August, 2024

Whether you were married for two years or two decades, starting over after divorce can feel overwhelming and stressful. While the legal process is over, you might be wondering where to start rebuilding your life. It’s important to be patient with yourself and take each day one at a time as you navigate the emotions you are feeling. However, there are a number of things you can do to stay productive and help you move forward.

Here are some tips for rebuilding your life after divorce:

1. Let Your Friends, Family, and Other Parties Know About Your Divorce

You may have kept quiet about your divorce while your case was pending. However, now that you’re newly single, it is time to tell your family and friends — as well as anyone else who may need to know for practical, legal, or financial purposes. For instance, you may need to inform your employer so that they can change your name or adjust tax withholdings; your bank to change the beneficiaries on your account; and your children’s school.

2. Review Your Judgment of Divorce

Often, a judgment of divorce contains a number of orders that require the spouses to take specific actions following the divorce. This can include closing joint bank accounts, distributing property, paying certain debts, or selling the marital home. It’s best to review the judgment carefully and ask your attorney if you have any questions. Make a list of the things that will need to be done in the coming weeks or months. Significantly, failing to comply with a court order can lead to contempt charges being filed against you by your spouse.

3. Revise Your Estate Plan

After your divorce has been finalized, review your estate plan to remove your spouse and make any necessary changes to the documents. You will probably want to update your beneficiaries, choose a new power of attorney, and revise your last will and testament. In addition, if you named your former spouse as the executor of your estate, you will likely want to remove them.

4. Find a New Place to Live

Life after divorce can be challenging, but having the right counsel by your side can make a difference. At the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram in Fulton, Maryland, our dedicated divorce lawyers are here to support you through this transition. Whether through collaborative divorce, mediation, or traditional litigation, we will work closely with you to find a tailored solution for your unique situation. Schedule a confidential consultation with us today to start turning the page to a new chapter in your life.

You might want to start fresh in your life after a divorce. This may involve finding a new place to live in a different town or even another state. Whether you will be buying a new home or renting, it’s vital to consider your options — and whether you want to use the transition during life after divorce for a change in your surroundings.

5. Open New Bank Accounts

Following your divorce, you should open new accounts and close any joint accounts. Transfer your share of any assets into the new account. Contact your credit card company and remove your spouse’s name as an authorized user of any of your credit cards that they were on. This will help you regain your financial independence, and you can also begin the process of reevaluating your financial goals.

6. Find a New Hobby or Activity

One of the best things you can do for yourself in your new life after divorce is find a new hobby or activity. Join a group, a book club, or an exercise class that will get your mind off the past and foster new interests. It can also be a great way to boost your mood, make new friends, and meet people in your community.

7. Get the Emotional Help You Need

You may be feeling a wide range of emotions after divorce, including anger, sadness, grief, anxiety, guilt, and stress. Taking the right steps to emotionally heal after divorce is crucial. Whether you join a support group or seek individual counseling, getting the help you need can help you resolve the pain you are feeling and process your emotions. It can also provide a safe space where you can reflect on your marriage and identify any negative thought patterns and behaviors moving forward.

8. Start Rebuilding Your Credit

If your credit was connected to your spouse’s — or bad financial decisions were made during the marriage — you may need to work to rebuild your credit after divorce. Open a new credit card in your own name, use it on a regular basis, and pay it off immediately. This can help you establish your credit and a financial history apart from your former spouse.

Contact an Experienced Maryland Divorce Attorney

Life after divorce can be challenging, but having the right counsel by your side through the process can help ensure your transition is successful. At the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram, our Fulton, Maryland divorce lawyers are dedicated to helping you navigate the divorce process as you turn the page to a new chapter in your life. Trained in collaborative divorce, mediation, and traditional divorce litigation strategies, we will work closely with you to find a tailored solution for your specific situation. To schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Maple Lawn divorce attorney, call us at (240) 652-2596">(240) 652-2596 or contact us online.

If you’re thinking about parting ways with your spouse, divorce mediation can offer numerous advantages over the traditional litigation process. For instance, it can allow you to part ways cost-effectively, peacefully, and amicably for the benefit of your children. However, it’s important to know how to prepare in advance so you and your spouse can get the most out of mediation. In Part 1 of this blog series, we discussed what you can expect during the mediation process for divorce — Part 2 explains the steps you can take to prepare for your mediation sessions.

Step 1: Know What Documentation to Bring with You to Mediation

Prior to your first mediation session, the mediator will probably give you a list of documents and information you should bring with you. They might also ask you to submit certain documents in advance for them to review. You will typically want to have the following information readily available when you go into the mediation session (it is not required, but may make your sessions more efficient):

• Court documents that have been filed, if any
• A list of marital and non-marital property
• A copy of any prenups or postnups that were signed
• Financial statements, credit card information, bank accounts, and loan documentation
• A list of monthly expenses
• Tax returns
• Investment portfolios
• Pay stubs
• Mortgage information
• Your calendar to schedule any follow-up sessions

For many couples, much of the mediation process will focus on finances and reaching a fair outcome concerning how marital property will be divided. Gather up-to-date figures about your income, assets, and debts, and have them on hand as soon as you know divorce is imminent. This can avoid wasting time later trying to find the information you will need in order for the mediator to assist you with reaching a fair agreement. Often you will have better access to this information before you separate and divorce is imminent. Similarly, if you have children, custody and support matters may be the focus of your case. You may need to bring information about their monthly expenses, schooling, health records, and other relevant documents so that the mediator can help you reach a resolution that is in your children’s best interests.

Step 2: Have a Clear Idea of the Issues You Want to Discuss in Mediation

Part 2 of this 3-part blog series, we delve into the essentials of preparing for divorce mediation and help you decide if it's the right path for you. At the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram, we offer dedicated guidance to navigate the complexities of divorce, tailored to your unique situation. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Maryland divorce attorney.

One of the ways you can prepare for the divorce mediation process is to think about your goals and objectives in advance. It’s a good idea to know what your position is on each issue that must be decided in a divorce and what you want to discuss. Every divorce is different — and mediation is specifically tailored to the matters in your case. However, you may want to be prepared to discuss property division, debt allocation, spousal support, child custody, and child support.

Step 3: Be Open to Compromise

One of the most important things you can bring to the mediation process for divorce is an open mind. Mediation takes compromise and cooperation between both parties to be successful. Consider what issues you are willing to compromise on and which are non-negotiable for you. Be willing to explore different avenues for resolving the issues that must be decided. Unlike litigation, the divorce mediation process is flexible and allows spouses to work together collaboratively to reach a solution that might not be available in the courtroom.

Step 4: Prepare Yourself Emotionally

Although the divorce mediation process is less stressful and emotionally draining than litigation, you will still need to prepare yourself emotionally. Regardless of how long you were married, divorce can bring many big changes that can feel like a lot to handle. It’s essential to get the emotional help you need while you’re going through this transition in your life. Consider joining a support group or talking with a therapist. You should also be sure to practice self-care and maintain a healthy routine to reduce the mental and physical toll of divorce.

Step 5: Establish Communication Guidelines with Your Spouse Prior to Mediation

Before going to mediation, it’s crucial to establish guidelines for communication with your soon-to-be ex-spouse — especially if your divorce is less than amicable. While the divorce mediation process can equip you with the tools you need to communicate in a healthy and effective manner, it’s still a good idea to set parameters and boundaries. Agree to communicate respectfully, whether it is directly with each other, through your attorneys, by email, or in the presence of the mediator. Remember, mediation is not just a conversation - it is, in essence, an important business meeting, and it is always best to plan for this meeting in advance.

Contact an Experienced Maryland Divorce Attorney

The mediation process for divorce can offer many advantages to couples who are parting ways. It allows you to find solutions that meet your family’s needs — and will satisfy the best interests of your children. At the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram, we provide dedicated counsel to guide you through the legal and emotional process of divorce, whether mediation, litigation, or another form of alternative dispute resolution is right for your case. Trained in mediation, collaborative divorce, and traditional divorce, we will work closely with you to achieve a solution that will accomplish your goals. To schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Maryland divorce attorney, call us at (240) 652-2596">(240) 652-2596 or contact us online.