If you’re getting a divorce with kids in Arizona, you may be feeling very unsure of what the next few months or even years of your life are going to be like. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be the overwhelming ordeal it may seem like right now. Here are a few tips to help you get through the process as painlessly as possible.

• Hire a lawyer. DIY divorce is not an advisable option, especially when there are kids involved. There’s simply too much at stake. Doing it yourself may seem easy at first glance, especially if the split is amicable, but there are things that can come up during the divorce process that require professional expertise. Having a family law attorney at your side every step of the way will ensure that everything is done correctly, the parenting agreement is solid, and there are no loopholes or loose ends that will send you back to court at a later date.
• Keep the kids clear of the fighting. Once you’ve secured a lawyer for your own protection, it’s time to make sure the kids are protected too. Remember that Arizona courts prefer to split parental rights equally in a divorce with kids, so you will need to find a way to make your relationship as co-parents work for the sake of your children. Try to keep the fighting away from the kids, and resist the urge to use them against the other parent. Don’t tell the kids more about the divorce than they need to know, and try to be objective in the details you do give them.
• Be realistic about what you need. Part of the goal of a divorce with kids is to make sure everyone is taken care of moving forward. That means figuring out what is needed for child support, but also could mean addressing the need for spousal support. Spousal maintenance might be a temporary order, just until the divorce is finalized, or for a set period of time following the divorce. Your lawyer will go over your income and expenses with you to help determine whether spousal support is appropriate while you get back on your feet following the divorce.
• Focus on the best interests of the child. In Arizona, family courts prioritize the best interests of the child over all other concerns. Regardless of what is convenient for you or your co-parent, the court considers the child’s needs to be all important in a divorce with kids. It may help you to assume the same focus as you’re going through this difficult time.
• Don’t get lost in the emotional weeds. Don’t forget that the number one reason why you have a lawyer to represent you is to keep your divorce on track and make sure everything is done right. It’s important to let your lawyer handle everything as much as possible. Limit the fighting and emotional decisions by keeping conversations with your co-parent focused on immediate parenting needs. Let your lawyers handle all matters pertaining to the divorce.

Divorce with kids can get messy, which is why it’s important that your lawyer has your back! Contact Simon Law Group, PLLC, today to discuss your case, and find out how to make this transition as easy for you and the kids as possible.