JT James, M.A., LLLT

If you are expecting a relatively simple and low-conflict divorce, it probably does not matter whether you or your spouse initially file for divorce. However, if you believe that your divorce may involve a contentious court case or custody battle, it could be slightly advantageous to file first for divorce. Filing first may give you

1. Be Informed and Realistic About the Process Understand how the process works and come to it with realistic expectations. Courts can be unpredictable. If you approach the process with bad faith, and no willingness to settle—you may put yourself in a situation where a judge will rule far less favorably than you would have

If you have decided to file for divorce and are trying to figure out how to be smart about it, these 25 tips may help. They will help you inventory your life, and better understand how to prepare for your future. 1. Order a copy of you and your spouse’s credit report. 2. Make copies

In Washington State the process to legally separate, or divorce are similar in some respects, but distinctly different. To better understand the process and to make the best decision for your unique situation, let’s compare and contrast the two. In both legal separation and divorce, the parties will need to characterize property as community property

In most every divorce, one party or the other, if not both, are faced with difficult decisions, financial difficulties, and challenging times. The decision to sell the family home may be one of those very had decisions. If you have done the math and know it is a good decision but are still struggling with

The family home (aka marital home) can be a sticking point in divorce. There are so many emotions attached to it. It may be a place of happy memories before everything went topsy-turvy. It’s where your kids grew up, or if they are still at home, where you want them to grow up. You may

Once Upon a Time There is no doubt, if you have children with an ex who turned out to be a psycho, there was a time the two of you were happy together and you NEVER would have predicted this outcome. Yet, now, you find yourself perusing an article for tips on how to manage

Despite good intentions and great love for their kids, many parents find themselves acting out and regretting their actions during and after the divorce. The overwhelming emotions of divorce (i.e., sadness, regret, anger, despair, etc.), leave many parents feeling out of control—especially in the heat of the moment. In some cases, the drama plays out

I’d like to share this list of resources I found helpful during my divorce. Included are many other resources recommended to me along the way: Divorce &/or Separation  The Intelligent Divorce: Taking Care of Your Children, by Dr. Mark Banschick  Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss what Matters Most, by Douglas Stone  The