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Divorce Articles

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How to prepare for divorce | Divorce preparation checklists
Divorce is a complex, stressful process. Preparation is vital, but where do you begin? These checklists can put you on the right track.

Does it matter who files for divorce first?
Can filing for divorce first help your case? Find out the advantages and disadvantages so you know what will work best for you.

5 important questions to ask your family law attorney
One of the best ways to find the right family lawyer for your divorce is to ask the right questions before you hire one.

Divorce forms & divorce kits: Do-it-yourself guidance
A list of all the basic forms you'll need to start a divorce case. Free parenting plan template.

How to get a divorce without a lawyer
Divorce can be expensive due in large part to lawyer's fees. Many spouses wonder whether they can divorce without a lawyer. Find out how.

Divorce coaches: What they do & how much they cost
A divorce coach may be helpful if you are divorcing or contemplating divorce. Find out what they do, what to ask them and more

What is a legal separation? | Legal separation vs divorce
Legal separation gives you most of the benefits of the divorce without dissolving your marriage. Find out whether it will work for you.

Divorce settlements

How to write a divorce settlement agreement
Your divorce settlement agreement is one of the most important documents you'll create in your lifetime. Here's what you need to know to start on one.

Uncontested divorce
Divorce doesn't have to be contentious. Most spouses reach an agreement and turn it in to the court to get an uncontested divorce.

Amicable divorce | How to divorce amicably (with checklist)
Amicable divorce allows spouses to end their marriage without waging a legal battle. Find out how to make your divorce as painless as possible.

Divorce mediation
Mediation is recommended or required in most divorces. Here's a checklist to help you prepare, info on how divorce mediation works, and more.

How to get a skeptical spouse to the mediation table
If your spouse isn't so sure about divorce mediation, you can convince them to give it a try with these suggestions.

Qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) in divorce
If you're thinking about splitting a 401(k), consider a QDRO. Learn about tax consequences, the approval process, timeline and costs.

Divorce process

The divorce process step-by-step
If you want to end your marriage, you must go through the divorce process. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare accordingly.

Contested divorce: What it is, how much it costs & more
When spouses disagree on the terms to end their marriage, they have a contested divorce. A contested divorce can be costly in many ways. Do your research.

How long does a divorce take? Uncontested & contested
The length of the divorce process can be daunting. Find out how long it takes to divorce and what you can do to get a quick divorce.

Divorcing while pregnant

Getting a divorce while pregnant | What states allow it
Your divorce will eventually come through. But if you're pregnant, it may take longer. Paternity may be an issue. Prepare for your divorce process.

Divorcing with kids

Divorce and child custody: Deciding 2 topics in 1 case
Divorce and child custody are two of the most hotly contested family law matters. Typically, they're handled together. Know what separates them.

Negative & positive effects of divorce on children
Divorce effects every child differently. Find out how your divorce could impact your child and what you can do to help them cope.

The worst age for divorce for children
Divorce affects every child differently. Is there an age when it is particularly tough for the child? A look at children's typical reactions by age.

How to help a child deal with divorce
Divorce can take a big toll on children. They'll need your help to cope with the changes that come along with it. Find out how you can support your child.

5 tips for parents when divorce is inevitable
Does it look like you and your spouse are destined for divorce? If you have children, you'll want to read the tips provided by top family lawyers.

12 considerations for divorce with kids
Divorcing parents need to protect their children from the brunt of the breakup. Here are 12 considerations you don't want to overlook.

Special circumstances

Birdnesting divorce: Co-parenting in the same house
Birdnesting tasks parents with moving in and out of one home instead of the children traveling between two. Could you live under the same roof as your ex?

Divorcing a narcissist & getting child custody
The strategies and tools you need when divorcing a narcissist and going to court for child custody. Communication tips, the evidence you need and more.

Explore examples of common schedules

Join the 50,000+ other parents who have used our co-parenting tools

Organize your evidence

Track your expenses, journal what happens, and record actual time. Print organized, professional documents.

Co-parent civilly

Our parent-to-parent messaging system, which detects hostile language, lets you collaborate without the drama.

Get an accurate child support order

Child support is based on parenting time or overnights in most jurisdictions. Calculate time instead of estimating.

Succeed by negotiating

Explore options together with visual calendars and detailed parenting plans. Present alternatives and reach agreement.

Never forget an exchange or activity

Get push notifications and email reminders, sync with other calendar apps and share with the other parent.

Save up to $50,000 by avoiding court

Write your parenting agreement without lawyers. Our templates walk you through each step.

Make My Plan

Examples:

Schedules

Long distance schedules

Third party schedules

Holidays

Summer break

Parenting provisions

Scheduling:

How to make a schedule

Factors to consider

Parenting plans:

Making a parenting plan

Changing your plan

Interstate, long distance

Temporary plans

Guides by location:

Parenting plans

Scheduling guidelines

Child support calculators

Age guidelines:

Birth to 18 months

18 months to 3 years

3 to 5 years

5 to 13 years

13 to 18 years

Terminology:

Joint physical custody

Sole physical custody

Joint legal custody

Sole legal custody

Product features:

Software overview

Printable calendars

Parenting plan templates

Journal what happens

Expense sharing

Parenting time tracking

Calculate time & overnights

Ways to use:

Succeed by negotiating

Prepare for mediation

Get ready for court