Seeking a divorce in Pasadena is a big decision. To make sure you're ready, there are three key questions you should ask yourself before filing a petition for divorce.
Do I really want to live without my spouse? Divorce should be rational, not an emotional decision. Do not file for divorce after a heated argument. Do not file for divorce if you're only trying to "inspire" your spouse to make some effort to save your marriage. Make sure that you truly want to move forward with your life as a single person before taking legal action.
Can I handle my financial needs? Divorce takes a financial toll, regardless of your current financial situation. If you are the higher earning spouse, you might need to pay alimony. If you are the lower earning spouse, you might need to find another job or make drastic cuts in spending to make ends meet. You might be forced to move to a different neighborhood, get a different vehicle, or delay plans for retirement.
Have I thought about the children? If you have children with your spouse, divorce will have a major impact on their lives. Young children will be the most affected, simply because they are the least able to understand that grown-ups have problems that are out of their control. However, even teenagers feel the end of their parents' marriage as a source of turmoil and may act out or be angry at you for the change in their lives. Think about how you plan to handle this situation.
Sometimes, a divorce can be the best possible way to deal with a painful situation. It can be the catalyst for making a major life change that will make you much happier in the long run. But, you must be certain you're making the right decision for yourself. If you decide divorce is the path you should choose, then you should enlist the services of a Pasadena divorce attorney to help navigate you through it.