Our Comprehensive Divorce Process
We aim to simplify the divorce process, providing clear guidance and efficient strategies to help you achieve a fair and balanced resolution. Below is our step-by-step process, designed to give you control and clarity while ensuring your best interests are protected.
01
Step 1: Initial Call and Consultation
Comprehensive free call – no obligation – Our goal is to lead you down the right path whether with us or someone else.
Objective
Understand your unique situation and provide a clear overview of the process.
Details
- Initial consultation to discuss your concerns, goals, and the details of your divorce.
- Explanation of your available options, including mediation, collaborative law, or litigation.
- Answer any questions you have about the divorce process, timelines, and costs.
- Duration: 30 minutes.
1.5
Step 1.5: Decide on Divorce Process
Objective
Choose the best process that fits your needs.
Details: The processes we focus on supporting
- Collaborative Divorce: You and your spouse work together with collaborative attorneys and other professionals to reach an agreement without going to court, signing a collaborative process agreement.
- Mediation with attorneys: A neutral mediator helps you and your spouse resolve issues and reach an agreement. You desire to cooperate with each other, one or both of you may have an attorney hired who you consult with as needed, or who may attend sessions by agreement and assist with drafting your final agreements.
- Mediation supported DIY Divorce: You and your spouse desire to reach agreements on your own, without attorney assistance.
- Hybrid Approach: You and your spouse desire to start mediation on your own and keep the option open to shift to obtaining attorney support during your mediation sessions or collaborative process.
02
Step 2: Sign Agreement
Objective
Formalize the commitment to proceed with your chosen divorce process.
Details
- Sign a divorce agreement that outlines your understanding of the process and the terms of engagement.
- Provide initial retainer or fee structure, depending on the chosen process.
03
Step 3: Complete Online Intake Form and Provide Data Collection Items
Objective
Gather comprehensive information about your assets, liabilities, and financial situation.
Details
- Fill out the online intake form with personal, financial, and asset-related information.
- Collect key documents such as tax returns, bank statements, retirement account details, and debt records.
- Provide details about any existing agreements (e.g., prenuptial agreements) or property division preferences.
04
Step 4: First Meeting – Focus on the Balance Sheet
Objective
Create a full financial picture for both spouses.
Details
- Review the balance sheet with all assets and liabilities.
- Determine the value of real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and other assets.
- Address any non-marital or separate property and clarify ownership status.
- Discuss future needs and how property and liabilities should be divided.
05
Step 5: Second Meeting – Focus on Cash Flow Analysis
Objective
Understand each spouse's financial needs moving forward and determine support obligations.
Details
- Review monthly income, expenses, and liabilities for each spouse.
- Assess potential spousal support (alimony) and child support needs based on income and budget.
- Analyze whether either spouse has enough income to support their post-divorce needs or if additional support is required.
- Discuss budgeting and how ongoing expenses will be managed.
06
Step 6: Additional Meetings (as Needed) to Reach Resolution
Objective
Address any outstanding issues and finalize the terms.
Details
- Additional meetings as necessary to discuss complex issues such as child custody, business valuation, or pension divisions.
- Work through any disagreements or unresolved issues to ensure a complete settlement.
07
Step 7: Work Together to Develop a Strategy for Filing Divorce
Objective
Work Together to Develop a Strategy for Filing Divorce
Details
- If you are working in a Collaborative Process or Mediation with attorney support, go to step number 8.
- Develop a filing strategy that is cost-effective and expedites the process. Consider filing yourself, with limited scope attorneys, or scribner services.
- Ensure all documentation is in place for the final divorce filing.
08
Step 8: Draft and File Your Divorce Paperwork
Objective
Officially submit the divorce paperwork and ensure all legal steps are completed.
Details
- If needed, both spouses hire limited-scope attorneys for final review or legal guidance, or engage scrivener services to ensure accurate, complete documentation for final submission.
- Documents are drafted and reviewed by parties for accuracy of intention.
- Submit the completed paperwork to the court or appropriate jurisdiction.
09
Objective
Ensure smooth implementation and post-divorce adjustments.
Details
- Continue managing financial matters, including ensuring the division of assets and liabilities is complete.
- Use our case management system to facilitate communication with professionals, ensuring that the transition to post-divorce life is as smooth as possible.
- Ensure that any post-divorce modifications or issues (e.g., property adjustments, child support changes) are handled swiftly.
Step 9: Final Divorce Completion
10
Step 10: Ongoing Support and Case Management
Objective
Finalize your divorce with all necessary steps completed.
Details
- Ensure all financial divisions are properly executed, including QDROs for retirement accounts, property transfers, and any settlements.
- Ensure all child support and spousal support are set up.
- Implement post-divorce adjustments such as name changes, insurance updates, and estate plan revisions.
