{"id":351783,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:34","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/divorce\/the-divorce-process-do-s-and-don-ts.html"},"modified":"2024-03-07T11:09:00","modified_gmt":"2024-03-07T16:09:00","slug":"the-divorce-process-do-s-and-don-ts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/the-divorce-process-do-s-and-don-ts.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Navigate the Divorce Process"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Navigate the Divorce Process<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Divorce is a notoriously difficult and often emotioal, process. Divorces also require a high degree of cooperation, adding to the stress the parties may feel.  A good divorce attorney can help alleviate some of this stress, allowing you to focus on emotional wellness.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

It doesn’t need to be that way. Some simple suggestions on do’s and don’ts can help keep the divorce process running smoothly for everyone involved.
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Divorce Process Basics<\/h2>\n

You can start by educating yourself about the proceedings and what you’ll do as things progress. You should start by talking to a divorce attorney<\/a>. Even if you don’t hire one, you should know about family law. You also need someone to review your divorce papers when you complete them.<\/p>\n

You have an uncontested divorce<\/a> if you and your spouse can agree on property division, spousal support, child-related issues such as custody and child support, and want to end your marriage amicably.<\/p>\n

Anything else is a contested divorce. If you have marital property<\/a> to divide, child custody<\/a>, child support, and spousal support<\/a> to work out, or you and your spouse cannot agree on what to do, you have a contested divorce.<\/p>\n

In a contested divorce, you need a family law attorney. The state laws about custody<\/a>, child support<\/a>, and parenting time are complex, and you’ll need help understanding them.<\/p>\n

You should also learn about:<\/p>\n