Because the emergency is ongoing, the court has set up systems whereby documents can be submitted online, and where individuals may be able to have their divorce matters handled via virtual court. It is important to note that essential functions of New York’s Family Court System remain open for in-person hearings and cases. These essential functions include child protection proceedings, juvenile delinquency hearings, emergency support orders, family offenses, and requests for orders of protection. Ultimately, how your divorce case will move through the New York court system in the era of the coronavirus will depend on the type of family law case you have, whether you need to use the court for child protection services, and whether you need to file for an order of protection. Urgent and life-threatening matters will still be heard by the court and will receive as much urgency as possible given current services.

COVID-19 has changed how many of us go to school, do business, and even how we get divorced. If you have questions about how your divorce might be able to move forward during the era of COVID-19, having a lawyer by your side can be helpful. The Elliot Green Law Offices is a divorce law firm in Brooklyn, New York that may be able to help you navigate changes in the divorce court system due to COVID-19. Staying in touch with your divorce lawyer about rescheduling and other matters is important when it comes to getting updates about your divorce hearing.

COVID-19 and Your Divorce: Other Things to Keep in Mind

COVID-19 is an emergency that is affecting not only the economy, but also parents, families, and even child custody. If you plan to get divorced during COVID-19, it is important to take into account these changing circumstances. For example, in some cases, couples had reached a divorce agreement, but hadn’t finalized it before COVID-19, and then, because of changes that have taken place due to COVID-19, some families have had to rethink these plans and also take another look at their divorce settlement before it is finalized. Some things to keep in mind are matters involving selling a family home during a pandemic, current real estate markets, dividing retirement accounts or valuating investments during a time of great volatility in the markets, as well as difficulties in business valuation at a time when many businesses are struggling, and child custody agreements at a time when many parents may be working from home and many children may not be attending in person schools. While keeping these matters in mind as you move forward with your divorce, it is also important to note that a child custody plan should also be flexible enough to accommodate changing circumstances, especially if your parenting plan was drafted during the pandemic. What may seem like a reasonable arrangement now, may not be so reasonable in a few years when we hopefully have a vaccine.

Many parents who had made parenting plans before the pandemic have had to reassess and sometimes even revise these plans. Keeping all these factors in mind as you navigate your divorce is wise. The Elliot Green Law Offices is a divorce law firm in Brooklyn, New York that can help you navigate some of the great challenges that individuals and families are facing when getting divorced during a pandemic.

Because of these challenges, some couples are choosing to separate and postpone divorce until after the emergency has passed. But if you plan to do this, it may still be wise to put a strong separation agreement in place to protect your rights and interests because the decisions you make during your separation can also have a major impact on your divorce, especially if you plan to live apart from your partner or if one partner will care for the children. Contact the divorce lawyers at the Elliot Green Law Offices in Brooklyn, New York today to learn more about how we may be able to help you navigate your divorce. Or reach out to USAttorneys.com to get matched with a lawyer at the Elliot Green Law Offices in Brooklyn, New York. We are here to help you.

The Elliot Green Law Offices is a Turkish divorce law firm in Brooklyn, New York that may be able to help you with your complex divorce case. If you have questions about your rights and what your next steps should be, we can help. If you are concerned about child custody or if your children are in Turkey, we may also be able to assist you with your international child custody matters. Reach out to the Turkish divorce lawyer at the Elliot Green Law Offices in Brooklyn, New York today.

Residency for New York Divorce

One of the issues that can arise with a Turkish divorce is residency. In order to file for divorce in New York, one partner at least must meet New York’s residency requirements. In order to meet New York’s residency requirements at least one partner must have been living in New York state for at least two years before the divorce. If you got married in New York, if the grounds for divorce happened in New York, or if you and your partner have been living in New York for at least one year as a couple, you may also qualify for New York residency for divorce. If both parties are residents of New York and the grounds for divorce happened in New York, you may also meet residency requirements. If one partner lives in New York and the other is living in Turkey, the New York partner may be able to file for divorce in Brooklyn, New York if he or she meets New York state residency requirements.

According to the U.S. Embassy, to further complicate matters, in order to have your New York divorce recognized in Turkey, you’ll need to file for divorce in Turkish courts as well. And, in order to have a divorce filed in Turkey recognized by the U.S., individuals will need to file for divorce with U.S. courts. If you are dealing with international child custody or if one partner still lives in Turkey, this can complicate matters, and it is important to hire a lawyer familiar with international divorce matters. The Elliot Green Law Offices is a Turkish divorce law firm in Brooklyn, New York that may be able to assist you if you need to file for divorce in both New York and Turkey.

Child Custody and Turkish Divorce

If you are getting divorced in New York, but your children are living in Turkey, or if your partner still lives in Turkey, deciding child custody matters might be one of the most difficult decisions you’ll need to make in your divorce. If you and your partner live in New York and your children live in New York, it is important to note that if your children are removed from the U.S. during your divorce, this could be considered international childhood abduction. Divorce and child custody can get very complicated when partners live in different countries. If you have questions about how to create a parenting plan or what your rights are in Brooklyn, New York, the Elliot Green Law Offices are divorce lawyers in Brooklyn, New York who may be able to help you. If your children have been removed from the country without your permission, there may be steps you can take to have them returned to the U.S., but it is also important that you do not try to leave the country to bring back your children yourself without assistance from law enforcement or a lawyer, because this could complicate matters. If you are concerned that filing for divorce could put your children at risk of removal to Turkey, there are also steps you may be able to take. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, you may be able to get a court order to prevent the removal of your children from the U.S.. You could also notify airport police or the U.S. Department of State if your child has been abducted by your partner and you are concerned that he or she will be removed from the U.S.

If you are considering filing for divorce and have questions about how your Turkish divorce might impact your child custody case, reach out to the Elliot Green Law Offices, a Turkish divorce law firm in Brooklyn, New York. We can help you with all aspects of your Turkish divorce or connect you with officials who can help. Contact us today to learn more.

With a pandemic of this nature, particularly in the early days of illness, it can be sometimes difficult to grasp the gravity of the situation. While most people who contract the virus won’t become gravely ill or require life-saving medical care, a percentage of people who will contract the virus will require life-saving medical care. Writers for both the Atlantic and the New York Times have noted that as more people get sick, the most seriously ill among them may require intensive care, including respiratory treatment and stays in the I.C.U. According to the New York Times, the U.S. only has about 45,000 intensive care beds. In the event of just a moderate outbreak, as many as 200,000 Americans might need intensive care. It has also been noted that in the event of an outbreak, hospitals will not have enough ventilators to treat the sickest patients. While the containment actions taken by some city officials might sound extreme, the actions being taken might actually simply not be enough given the seriousness of the situation. And, as more people become ill, we might see changes in the way the city responds to the virus. If the situation in Italy is any guide, we could be seeing lockdowns and changes to the way we travel and live.

Of course, it is best to stay calm and not panic. And, if you are going through a divorce, you might already be experiencing extreme stress. Now is a time to keep stress low and stay calm. However, here are some things to keep in mind about how the coronavirus COVID-19, could impact your divorce:

• Watch for Court Updates if You Have a Court Date Coming Soon. According to the ABA Journal, some federal courts have been suspending their operations and courts in Washington state, where the Coronavirus pandemic has hit hard, have put a pause on civil and criminal proceedings. In New York and Brooklyn, courts are asking that people who have traveled to high-risk areas to not use the court system and advise the court if they are sick or if they have been asked to self-quarantine. If you have an upcoming court date in March or early April, stay tuned for updates from the courts, because it is possible that as this story develops, court cases may be delayed, moved, or changed. According to the Centers for Disease Control, people who are at higher risk for the coronavirus include older adults, people with heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease. If you are in any of these vulnerable groups, you may want to speak to your lawyer. It may be possible to change your court date.
• Consider that Mediation or Divorce Settlement Meetings May Be Postponed. If you need to meet to discuss your divorce settlement or agreement, be prepared that these meetings may need to be postponed or conducted through video chat or Skype.
• Vulnerable Assets and Division of Property. With the stock market suffering, the pandemic may alter the way you may need to plan for retirement, especially if you had planned to retire soon. If you are also in the process of divorce, and in the process of splitting a retirement account or stocks, now might be the time to take a second look at these assets and to speak to your accountants and other experts. As the value of some of your assets becomes uncertain or is reduced, discussions regarding division of assets may need to change.
• Your House. If you own a home with your former partner, the good news is that the housing market hasn’t been hit like the stock market. That said, if you are trying to sell your home quickly so you can split the proceeds and get divorced, be prepared for delays, as more people choose to practice social distancing measures and as more transactions in the coming weeks may be performed remotely. People may not be out looking for homes if they are sick or are concerned about becoming sick.
• Child Custody. If children are asked to stay home from school or if schools are closed, is your child custody agreement robust enough to handle the challenges that can arise when the unexpected occurs? Who will care for children if childcare or daycare is not available? If you already have a child custody agreement in place with your spouse, now might be the time to discuss how you plan to handle the situation. And if you are in the process of working out your child custody agreement, this is a good opportunity to think about how an emergency of this magnitude might impact your child custody agreement and how you may want to make health care decisions for your child.
• Child Support. Many people may be laid off or out of work temporarily in the coming months. This could impact one parent’s ability to pay child support. If you need a modification of child support due to changes in your work hours or job, you may want to reach out to the divorce lawyers at the Elliot Green Law Offices in Brooklyn, New York today.

These are just some of the things to consider as this pandemic develops. In the coming weeks, we are likely to learn more. If you are in the process of getting divorced or are thinking about getting divorced, know that the divorce lawyers at the Elliot Green Law Offices in Brooklyn, New York are prepared to handle the complex situations that may arise and are taking steps to stay informed as much as possible. If you need to reach us, USAttorneys.com is also here for you to get you connected with the Elliot Green Law Firm as soon as possible.

However, sometimes parents, in an attempt to evade higher child support payments, may quit a job, take fewer shifts, or otherwise not work in a manner that reflects their potential earning capacity. In this case, the courts may base child support amounts on “imputed income,” which is an estimate of the parent’s estimated earning capacity based on their field, their education, and their work history, or income history, rather than estimate of child support based on their current income. In order for courts to arrive at an imputed income, the courts must determine that the non-custodial parent is voluntarily unemployed or has taken a voluntary reduction in income to evade child support payments. However, a non-custodial parent may be able to dispute these claims by the court by showing that either he or she experienced an involuntary loss of employment, an involuntary reduction in work hours, suffered a disability, or is otherwise unable to work for legitimate reasons.

Claiming voluntary impoverishment of a former spouse in order to seek higher child support payments can sometimes be a complex process. For example, a parent may have a lower-income job that allows him or her to be available to care for the child after school or may take a job that allows him or her to play a more active role in the child’s life. In other cases, voluntary impoverishment is an attempt on a parent’s part to reduce his or her child support payments, and in this case, having a divorce lawyer like the Elliot Green Law Offices in Brooklyn, New York may be able to assist you in fighting to ensure your children receive the support they deserve.

What are Some Factors the Courts May Consider in Imputed Income in New York?

If the courts do need to impute income to a parent who is determined to be voluntarily not working to avoid paying child support payments, the courts may look at a number of factors when determining what payments the parent may be required to make. Factors can include the parent’s ability level, health, education, work history, work training, the parent’s attempts to find work, the parent’s role in caring for the child, and any other relevant factors. If you are being accused of voluntary impoverishment, and feel this accusation does not reflect your situation, you may be required to show the courts why your earnings might be lower than expected. For example, were you ill, disabled, or otherwise unable to work? Did you lose your job because of a lay off or other legitimate change in the industry in which you work? Was your income reduced for legitimate reasons? If so, you may be able to fight your case in court.

If you are a parent seeking child support, and believe your ex is avoiding child support payments by avoiding work or by being underemployed, you may have options under the law. Furthermore, if you are a parent who has been asked to pay child support and are facing accusations of voluntary impoverishment, you may have the right to fight your case in court by showing that you were laid off or lost your job legitimately, or by showing that your industry has changed. The Elliot Green Law Offices is a Brooklyn, New York divorce law firm that may be able to help you. Our attorneys can review your divorce case, review your income, and estimate the amount of child support you may be required to pay or receive under the law. Our lawyer can also address situations involving child support that may be more complex, like child support modifications, and situations where a parent might be intentionally avoiding work to avoid paying child support. Reach out to the Elliot Green Law Offices today or connect with USAttorneys.com to get matched with a divorce lawyer at our firm.

What Might Be Included in a Cohabitation Agreement?

A cohabitation agreement can be tailored to each couple’s needs. Unlike marriage, where all couples are granted certain rights unless a prenuptial agreement is in place, cohabitation agreements can address specific issues of concern if you plan to live together as an unmarried couple. These agreements can address issues like shared and separate property, debts, financial responsibilities, pets, and other concerns. Here are some things that can be addressed in a cohabitation agreement:

• Each person brings personal property into a relationship, and if you are moving in together, you might each be bringing your own personal property to the home, or one party may even own the home. A cohabitation agreement can make clear which property you’ll consider separate property, and which property you’ll consider shared property. If you plan to make purchases together in the future, a cohabitation agreement can also clearly outline how shared property would be divided should you ever break up. The cohabitation agreement can also make clear which party gets to stay in the apartment if you should you break up. If one person owns a home, the cohabitation agreement can make clear whether the other party has any equity in the home for helping pay the mortgage. Sometimes couples might discuss this, but without putting anything in writing, a partner that contributes to a mortgage may not have the right to benefit from increased value of the home should the other partner who owns it sell.
• Financial Responsibilities. When couples live together, they begin to share certain financial responsibilities. These responsibilities can include rent, food, utilities, and other costs. Discussing how these responsibilities will be divided can be included in a cohabitation agreement so there is no disagreement going forward.
• If you have a pet together, the law may view the pet as property. A cohabitation agreement can make clear who will have custody of the pet should you break up and also outline provisions for visitation.
• Health Directives. What happens if one of you gets sick? What happens if you get so sick you can no longer make decisions for yourself? A cohabitation agreement may include provisions that would give your partner the ability to make these decisions for you should you be too ill to make them.
• If you want to leave property to your partner should you pass away, without being married, there needs to be a clear document outlining your wishes. A will or an agreement outlining your wishes should you pass away may also protect your partner.

These are just some of the issues that couples may want to address before they move in together. Putting it all down on paper can give each party in the relationship added peace of mind and protection. A cohabitation agreement isn’t just a document about what happens if you break up, it is also a document that offers both of you protection should the unexpected happen. Finally, if you do plan to put a cohabitation agreement in place before you move in together, you’ll each want to hire your own lawyer. A cohabitation agreement that has been reviewed by each party’s counsel, is stronger and can take each party’s interests into account. Ultimately, the cohabitation agreement should protect both parties involved, not just one person. Moving in with your partner? Have questions about some steps you can take to make expectations clear and to protect your legal rights? Speak to the Elliot Green Law Offices, a family law firm in Brooklyn, New York today. Or, reach out to USAttorneys.com to get connected with a lawyer at the Elliot Green Law Offices.

A prenuptial agreement signed and notarized in the U.S., may not be considered valid or acknowledged in a foreign country. If your divorce gets initiated in a foreign country, and your prenuptial agreement was signed and drafted in the U.S., this could create additional complications. This is where having a foreign prenup in place may be able to protect your interests and assets. Your family lawyer may need to coordinate with family lawyers in your home country or in the country where you have significant assets to ensure that both documents are enforceable in both or multiple jurisdictions.

If you have citizenship in more than one country, are a citizen of another country, or have assets in another country or multiple countries, a foreign prenup may be able to protect these assets should you get divorced. However, some countries may not recognize prenuptial agreements at all. This is why you may want to consult with a family law attorney familiar with the issues facing couples in international marriages and international divorces.

While no one wants to think about divorce when they are getting married, if you are entering a marriage with significant assets, if this is your second or subsequent marriage, or if you have children from another marriage, a prenuptial agreement might protect your interests and your children. Even couples who do not have significant assets may choose to put a prenuptial agreement in place. A prenuptial agreement can make clear what debts are the responsibility of each party (for example, if one or both parties entering the marriage have significant student loan debt).

The Elliot Green Law Offices is a family law firm in Brooklyn, New York that may be able to assist you if you need a prenuptial agreement or a foreign prenuptial agreement. Planning on getting married to a person from another country? Planning to get married and apply for a family-based visa for your partner? A foreign prenup may be able to protect your rights and interests as you move forward with the next chapter of your life.

Understanding How Different Jurisdictions Might Impact a Foreign Prenuptial Agreement

You cannot assume that a prenuptial agreement signed and executed in the U.S. will be valid in another country. If you or your partner live in different countries, or if you have a residence in a foreign country, your lawyer may need to look into the marriage and divorce laws in the other counties that could impact your marriage. You may need to coordinate with family lawyers in your home country or in the other country to execute and create a prenuptial agreement that will be valid in all jurisdictions that may impact your marriage. Different countries might have different requirements for prenuptial agreements to be enforceable. And in some jurisdictions, prenuptial agreements may not be enforceable at all. If you plan to put a prenuptial agreement in place in the U.S., but also have residence or assets in another country or if your future partner is from another country, you may want to speak to the foreign prenup law firm at the Elliot Green Law Offices in Brooklyn, New York today. Marriage is a union of love, but it is also a financial and legal union that can have implications for your assets and future liabilities. Have questions about how you can protect yourself, and make clear each party’s financial and legal rights when entering your marriage? The Elliot Green Law Offices are foreign prenup lawyers in Brooklyn, New York that may be able to assist you.

What Else Should Be Considered With an International Marriage?

The world is more globalized than ever. Businesspeople and creatives might work in many different countries and might have ties around the world. Individuals in a marriage might come from different countries and they might even reside in different countries. What implications might this have for a prenuptial agreement? A prenuptial agreement might need to take into account the countries where each party in the marriage is from (each person’s citizenship), the countries where each party resides or does business, and the countries where each party might choose to live in the future. Couples with ties to many countries, might specify in their prenuptial agreement the jurisdiction that might apply should they get divorced, though this can be complex, because divorce is often initiated at the local government level, and if couples don’t live in the place where they plan to establish jurisdiction, the enforcement of the prenuptial agreement can also get complex.

Marriage and divorce when multiple countries are involved can be complex. Have questions about your rights and options under the law? The Elliot Green Law Office is a foreign prenup law firm in Brooklyn, New York that may be able to walk you through the various legal remedies that may be available to you.

However, before you sit down for the conversation, it is important to be prepared not only emotionally, but practically. Do you understand the financial consequences of divorce? Do you understand your rights in terms of division of property, assets, alimony, and child support? Where will your children live and how will major decisions be made? What are your rights when it comes to child custody? Before breaking the news to your partner, it may be wise to speak to a qualified divorce lawyer in Brooklyn, New York, like the Elliot Green Law Offices to better understand the financial consequences and your responsibilities when it comes to divorce. A good family lawyer can also help you take important steps to protect your children and your finances, before you speak to your spouse about your desire to get divorced. Divorce can change everything. It can raise difficult feelings. Preparation is key.

When it comes to telling your partner that you want a divorce, timing is important. According to Huffington Post, plan to talk to your partner at a time when you both have time to process the information, like at the start of the weekend, or at a moment when the children are being cared for by grandparents or other caretakers. When having the discussion, think carefully about the words you’ll use. While you might feel that your partner is at fault for the marriage failing, this conversation doesn’t have to be about blame. Focus on the fact that you are not happy and that you believe the marriage is over. Talk about the ways that the both of you have tried to work out your issues and honor the effort that your partner may have played in trying to save the marriage. However, if you feel that it is over, being direct and to the point, and leaving no room for discussion will make the conversation easier and allow you and your partner to move toward the next step: filing for divorce.

When it comes to discussing your desire to divorce one question individuals might ask is how honest they should be. For example, what happens if you have cheated or if there is infidelity? Here it is helpful to speak to a qualified divorce lawyer in Brooklyn, New York before you have the conversation about your desire to get divorced. The things you reveal during this conversation can have the potential to shape the course of your divorce case. Revealing some things can make a divorce more contentious, especially if decisions about finances, alimony, and child custody must be made. For these reasons, it might be wise to speak to a divorce lawyer, like the Elliot Green Law Offices in Brooklyn, New York before you speak to your partner about your wishes to get divorced. Tough questions might come up during that discussion and you’ll want to be prepared to answer those questions in a way that best protects your rights and the best interests of your children.

Elliot Green Law Offices
32 Court Street, Suite 404
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: 718-260-8668
Phone: 718-689-0282

How the ultra-wealthy divorce depends largely on the state in which the couple resides. In the case of the Bezos’s divorce, the Atlantic reports that because the couple lives in Washington state, everything they own related to Amazon could be considered community property and subject to a 50/50 division. It isn’t clear how the couple will negotiate splitting their stakes in the company. They could divide the stock among themselves, or they could continue to hold onto the assets together in a partnership.

However, if a wealthy couple lives in New York, the couple’s assets would be subject to New York’s equitable distribution law. Under New York laws, the couple’s assets aren’t always split down the middle. Instead, a judge will hear many factors relating to the length of the marriage, the contributions of each partner, and any other relevant information. If you are wealthy and are thinking of getting divorced in Brooklyn, New York, you may want to speak to a qualified divorce lawyer like the Elliot Green Law Offices to understand your rights and get a better idea of what to expect.

When dividing your assets following a divorce, you’ll need to separate marital property from separate property. According to the New York City Bar, marital property is anything acquired during the marriage. Separate property is anything purchased or acquired by the individuals prior to the marriage. However, separate property can sometimes be considered marital property in cases where assets have appreciated, where individual bank accounts were comingled, or in situations where one partner contributed to maintaining property or assets. This area of divorce law can get complex, so couples are wise to hire a family lawyer like the Elliot Green Law Offices in Brooklyn, New York to sort out what is considered martial property and what might be considered shared property.

If you and your ex own a company together, have amassed wealth, or if your stocks are of significant value, the best way to approach your divorce is from the perspective of a business arrangement. This means separating the emotional side of your marriage ending from the financial side—something which can be very hard to do.

If you are considering getting divorced and have some wealth, it is important to take steps to protect your financial well-being and future. Visit the Elliot Green Law Offices, a divorce lawyer in Brooklyn, New York, who can help you today.

Elliot Green Law Offices
32 Court Street, Suite 404
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: 718-260-8668
Phone: 718-689-0282

If you are considering a separation, here are some reasons why divorce might still be your best option:

Debt and investment decisions made by your ex can impact your financial well-being. According to Forbes, you could be on the hook for any debt your ex amasses while you are separated, but not divorced. Divorce formally disentangles you from your ex financially and legally. If you are only separated, anything you do while apart can have a mutual impact on your financial lives.
If you find a girlfriend or boyfriend, it could complicate your divorce. Adultery or infidelity can complicate any divorce, and if you are in this situation, you should speak to a qualified divorce lawyer as soon as possible. But, if you separate, and then later meet someone new, the new person could also make a divorce settlement harder to reach. Any money you spend on a new partner can complicate a financial settlement in divorce, or could complicate alimony.
Closure. Finalizing your divorce brings a level of closure separation simply cannot achieve. Once you are officially divorced, you are free—legally, financially, and emotionally, to embark on a new journey in your life.

Still, there might be many good reasons why couples might choose long-term separation instead of divorce. Woman’s Day recently reported on a study conducted by Ohio State University that found that many couples who cannot afford to divorce, choose long-term separations instead. Couples might choose to remain legally tied together so that one partner doesn’t lose health insurance or other benefits.

There might be a new incentive to separate before divorcing, at least for 2019. The new tax law regarding alimony awards has just gone into effect and the courts are still navigating its impact in new divorce cases. Couples who can wait, might choose to separate first and then divorce so that their divorce attorneys can get a better grasp of how courts will interpret the new alimony tax laws when dividing assets and when making alimony awards. Precedents will likely be set in the coming months. If you plan to wait to divorce for financial reasons, tax reasons, or emotional reasons, you’ll still want a separation agreement in place. A separation agreement can cover all the important details that a divorce agreement would cover—like child custody matters, division of assets and debts, and other important details.

If you are considering getting divorced or separated in Brooklyn, New York, reach out to the family lawyers at the Elliot Green Law Offices today to learn more about your rights and options. Our firm can help you finalize your divorce agreement or separation agreement to protect your family and your interests. Visit us at https://www.elliotgreenlaw.com/ to learn more.

Elliot Green Law Offices
32 Court Street, Suite 404
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: 718-260-8668
Phone: 718-689-0282

• Decide and stick to it. If you are still considering getting divorced, ask yourself if you have exhausted all your options. Have you seen a marriage counselor? Will you really be happy on your own? The fantasy of the single life can be far different from reality. If you have truly exhausted all your options, and divorce is in your future, decide and stick to it. Vacillating will only cost you more money, time, and emotional energy. Once you get the ball rolling on your divorce, it is important to move forward with determination and to have a plan.
• Have a plan in place. Have you spoken to your partner about wanting a divorce? If you haven’t had this conversation yet, consider planning first. In fact, it might be wise to speak to a qualified divorce lawyer like the Elliot Green Law Offices in Brooklyn, New York. Our firm can help you understand your rights, options, and responsibilities, and can help you take steps to protect yourself legally and financially. According to Pop Sugar, you may need to speak to a financial advisor so that you can better understand what your financial landscape will be like after divorce. Dividing financial accounts, assets, property, and debt can be challenging, so it’s important to understand what you’ll need before you begin the process. For example, will you need to ask for alimony? Will you need to get a job or a better job to afford living on your own? These tough questions should be addressed before you break the news to your spouse.
• If you have children, take steps to protect their interests. One of the most challenging aspects of divorce will involve your child custody decisions. While divorce can be difficult on children in the short term, children are often better off living in two happy homes rather than in one divided home where anger and resentment is present. Consider seeking the guidance of a counselor to help yourself and your children emotionally as you navigate the changes to come. If you plan to leave the family home when getting divorced, speak to a lawyer because any choices you make could impact your child custody arrangement. If you want custody of your children, you’ll need to establish that you are your children’s primary caretaker.
• Seek support. Talk to trusted friends and family about your decision to get divorced before you begin the process. Divorce is likely going to be one of the most difficult decisions you’ll ever make and will likely be one of the most challenging times in your life. You need a strong support network in place.
• Take care of yourself. Have a plan in place for self-care before you begin the process. According to the Huffington Post, one of the best ways to fight depression is to exercise regularly. Make sure you are getting enough to eat. Avoid alcohol and other drugs. And give yourself space to feel your feelings.

If you are thinking about getting divorced in the New Year, now is the time to begin planning. Speak to the divorce attorneys at the Elliot Green Law Offices in Brooklyn, New York today to learn more. 

Elliot Green Law Offices
32 Court Street, Suite 404
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: 718-260-8668
Phone: 718-689-0282