Why You Should File For Divorce First

Though divorce is complex enough on an emotional front, the financial and legal aspects of divorce only adds to the stress. If you are ready to get a divorce, please read on to learn more about what we can do for you. Here are some of the questions you may have:

Why do I need to file for divorce first?

The main reason spouses file first is so they have time to prepare. If you file first, you allow yourself time to speak with an attorney, establish a budget for your future, as you will now, presumably, be living on your own, and get all the legal documentation needed for a divorce in order beforehand. When you are not the one who files first, your spouse may spring divorce on you, and you may have to scramble to take care of all these aspects as soon as you can. As you can see, this is a situation almost always worth avoiding.

Can filing for divorce first save me money in the long run?

Fortunately, it can. By filing first, as mentioned above, you allot yourself time to create a budget, choose the best attorney for you, and even secure a line of credit, in some instances. Additionally, though it may seem out of place, you can also file a Temporary Restraining Order against your spouse. Though you may not wish to do so since these restraining orders are generally associated with violence, or threats of violence, they are actually quite useful when filing for divorce.

When you file a restraining order, all joint accounts containing marital assets are put on hold, and all financial activity is halted. This means that once the restraining order is filed, your spouse can no longer lend or borrow money, or change the terms of your insurance, retirement, or investment plans until your divorce is finalized.

What are the other benefits of filing first?

One of the biggest annoyances when it comes to divorce is the fact that they are generally decided in the jurisdiction in which they are filed. Rather simply, this means that if your spouse is currently living in a different state and he or she files first, you may have to travel to your spouse’s location to litigate your divorce. If you are ready to file, all you have to do is reach out to our experienced firm, and we will get you started.

Contact our experienced Massachusetts firm

For over 30 years, The Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley, P.C. has provided quality legal support and representation for clients in Bristol County and all of Massachusetts. Our firm’s experience eases the stress of clients while providing the legal services they deserve. If you need help through a contested divorce, contact The Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley, P.C. for a consultation today.