When your spouse asks for a divorce, it can knock the wind out of you, whether you saw it coming or not. You don’t have to make every decision that day. However, a few early steps can protect you and your children.
First, Slow Down
Avoid making big promises or signing anything right away. In addition, don’t move out of the home or agree to a custody schedule until you understand how those choices could affect your case.
Gather Your Information
- Recent pay stubs and the last few years of tax returns
- Statements for bank, retirement and credit card accounts
- Information on your home, vehicles and debts
- Any papers you have already been served with
Protect Your Privacy
Change passwords to your email and phone. Also, be careful what you post or text. Messages and social media posts often end up as evidence, especially in custody disputes.
Put Your Children First
Keep the children out of adult conversations. Instead, keep their routines as steady as you can. Courts decide custody based on the child’s best interest, and how each parent behaves during the case matters.
If Your Spouse Asks for a Divorce and Files
If you are served with divorce papers, read them right away. The summons tells you how many days you have to respond. Missing that deadline can let the case move forward without you.
Get Advice Early
An early consultation can help you understand your options before you make choices that are hard to undo. For an overview, see my divorce page.
Talk With a Jonesboro Lawyer
You can call the office at 870.525.2191. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, and Sara Beth or I will call you back. You can also request a consultation online. Consultations are free and usually last about 30 minutes, and I’ll explain how fees work for your kind of case before you decide anything.
This post is general information about Arkansas law, not legal advice for your situation.