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Pre-Divorce Planning

HomeFamily LawPre-Divorce Planning

Pre-Divorce Planning

Choosing to end a marriage is a complex decision, often following months of uncertainty and concerns. With over 25 years of experience supporting clients through divorce, the team at Lucido & Manzella, P.C. understands that you need more than just assistance with legal forms or a breakdown of statutory requirements. You need a partner to help you understand how this transition will affect your daily life. Our pre-divorce planning services provide the clarity you need to visualize your future and make necessary preparations long before a case is filed. 

What Are the Signs It’s Time to Start Preparing for Divorce?

Recognizing when a marriage is no longer viable is a deeply personal process. While every relationship has ups and downs, certain patterns often indicate that it may be time to start making preparations:

  • Persistent Unhappiness: You experience ongoing distress or dissatisfaction regarding your relationship, and attempts to resolve issues have proven unsuccessful.
  • Breakdown in Communication: Constructive dialogue has ceased, or conversations consistently escalate into disputes.
  • Emotional or Physical Abuse: Any form of abuse constitutes a clear indication that the environment is unsafe and detrimental.
  • Financial Conflicts: Fundamental disagreements regarding financial management that create significant relationship strain.
  • Infidelity: A violation of trust that proves irreparable.

Why Should You Plan Ahead Before Filing for Divorce?

Filing for divorce without proper planning can create unnecessary complications, whereas taking the time to plan strategically helps you:

  • Reduce Stress: Understanding the process eliminates uncertainty and apprehension.
  • Protect Your Assets: You can safeguard finances and credit before court orders restrict account access.
  • Clarify Your Goals: You have the opportunity to consider what post-divorce life should encompass for you and your children without the pressure of having to meet deadlines.

Ultimately, thoughtful preparation empowers you to understand exactly where you stand, allowing you to enter legal proceedings with confidence and a clear roadmap for your future.

What Does Our Pre-Divorce Planning Include?

At Lucido & Manzella, P.C., our attorneys take a meticulous and thorough approach to divorce preparation. Our pre-divorce planning services lay the groundwork necessary to strengthen your legal position.

Strategic Document Compilation

Documentation is the foundation of any successful legal strategy. We will help you identify and organize the essential records needed to calculate spousal support, child support, and property division. Our team guides you in securing:

  • Personal and business tax returns (three to five years).
  • Income verification and pay stubs for both parties.
  • Comprehensive statements for banking, investment, and retirement accounts.
  • Real estate deeds, mortgage information, and any existing marital agreements.

Financial Evaluation and Protection

Understanding your financial standing is vital before proceedings begin. We will help you evaluate both individual and joint finances to provide a clear assessment of your marital estate. Our attorneys assist you in developing a strategy to protect yourself, which includes establishing personal accounts and creating a realistic post-divorce budget to clarify your future obligations and entitlements.

Custody and Support Goal Setting

When children are involved, their welfare is the priority. We help you evaluate and articulate your objectives for custody and parenting arrangements. By analyzing what schedule serves the children’s best interests and envisioning a functional co-parenting model, we help you build a constructive foundation. We also provide a professional assessment of spousal support considerations as they apply to your specific situation.

Equitable Property Division Strategy

Michigan follows equitable distribution laws, meaning assets are divided fairly, though not always equally. We will help you catalog significant assets, such as the marital home, vehicles, and valuables, as well as all outstanding debts. By helping you gain a complete view of your financial picture, we can advocate more effectively for a division that supports your long-term financial security.

Start Planning for Your Future Now

When you are standing at a crossroads, having the right guidance can make all the difference. Pre-divorce planning gives you the space to think clearly, protect what matters most, and move forward with intention rather than urgency.

At Lucido & Manzella, P.C., we believe you should never feel rushed into life-changing decisions without knowing your options. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you evaluate your situation, anticipate challenges, and prepare thoughtfully for what lies ahead. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.

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