It’s the end of another year. While this is when many people are focused on preparing for the holidays and making changes for the year ahead, it is also when many people have their thoughts on divorce. We hear from many people considering divorce this time of year, and we know that those considering a divorce have lots of questions about what they can expect if they decide to move forward.
This is one of the reasons why we publish articles on divorce-related topics throughout the year. If you are thinking about filing for divorce in 2025, here is a look back at some of the insights our Phoenix divorce lawyers have shared over the past year:
Is an “Uncontested Divorce” Right for You?
There are many ways to approach the divorce process—some of which are much more costly and contentious than others. One of the least expensive and least contentious ways to end a marriage in Arizona is by pursuing an “uncontested divorce.”
In an uncontested divorce, the spouses work together to come to terms without litigating their differences in court. If they struggle to come to terms, they turn to tools such as guided negotiations and mediation to find a mutually agreeable path forward. Learn more:
- Uncontested Divorce: Is It Right for You? Key Considerations for Couples in Arizona
- Pursuing an Uncontested Divorce: What Spouses in Arizona Need to Know
Knowing What to Expect Once You Start the Divorce Process
For many spouses, the first step in the divorce process is also the most difficult. Deciding to end your marriage is not easy. But, once you have decided to move forward, there is a clear path to follow, and following this path starts with making sure you have reasonable expectations. We discussed what it means to have reasonable expectations for your divorce in Divorce Countdown: What to Expect as You Prepare to Start the Process in Arizona.
The “Dos and Don’ts” of Preparing for a Divorce
After publishing our article on what to expect as you begin preparing for your divorce, we published a follow-up article that covers some key “dos and don’ts” for making your divorce preparations. While this article is not comprehensive, it covers several important considerations and can serve as a valuable resource for planning your next steps. Find out what to do (and what not to do) as you contemplate moving forward in The “Dos and Don’ts” of Preparing for a Divorce in Arizona.
Going Through a Divorce with Children
If you have young children from your marriage, protecting your children—and protecting your relationship with your children—will understandably be among your top priorities during the divorce process. We understand what it’s like to go through a divorce as a parent, and we know how critically important it is to make informed decisions about matters that impact your children.
With this in mind, we published multiple articles for divorcing parents in 2024. If you are preparing to go through a divorce with children in 2025, we strongly encourage you to read:
- 7 Resources for Divorcing Parents in Arizona
- Developing a Parenting Plan in Arizona
- How to Protect Your Children During the Divorce Process
Do You Each Need Your Own Divorce Lawyer?
Regardless of your financial circumstances, you shouldn’t pay more than necessary for your divorce. With this in mind, do you and your spouse need to hire your own lawyer? Or can you both work with the same lawyer during the divorce process?
For many couples, hiring separate lawyers will be in both spouses’ best interests. If you hire your own lawyer, your lawyer can provide legal advice focused solely on what is best for you—and, even if you are focused on compromise, this will allow you to feel confident that you are making informed decisions with your long-term best interests in mind.
However, working with a single lawyer can also make sense in some circumstances. For example, if your divorce is relatively straightforward and you and your spouse are willing to work together, hiring a lawyer to mediate and draft a comprehensive divorce settlement agreement could be a cost-effective solution. You can learn more about these options: Can (and Should) Divorcing Spouses Use the Same Lawyer?
Speeding Up the Divorce Process
The divorce process shouldn’t cost any more than necessary, but it shouldn’t take any longer. While some aspects of the process will be beyond control, there are steps you can take to help make sure your divorce goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. What are these steps? Find out in Getting A Fast Divorce: 7 Tips from a Phoenix Divorce Lawyer.
Should You File for Divorce Before the End of the Year?
Depending on when you read this, this could be a moot point. Nonetheless, it is worth understanding the benefits of filing for divorce before starting a new calendar year.
To be clear, while there are some benefits in some circumstances, any timing-related considerations should take a back seat to ensure you make informed and confident decisions. Additionally, filing before the end of the year can have drawbacks in some cases. You can file for divorce at any time of year; ultimately, when you decide to file, it isn’t likely to significantly impact your divorce’s outcome. Learn more: Divorce Before the End of the Year? Key Considerations for Filing in Arizona.
Schedule a Free Initial Divorce Consultation in Phoenix, AZ
Are you thinking about starting the divorce process? If so, we can explain everything you need to know, and we can guide you through the process step-by-step. To schedule a free initial divorce consultation at Weingart Family Law in Phoenix, AZ, please call 480-923-9063 or request an appointment online today.