Holy ##$@!!! - I was served with divorce papers !!! Now is the time to take action instead of spending valuable time worrying. Follow this three day action plan and you will feel better immediately.
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What to Do The Day You Were Served With Divorce Papers
Don't panic about the divorce - best decisions are made with a cool head
Sit down, relax, and read the divorce papers several times.
Don't call your spouse in anger - no contact is best for the moment.
Read this entire website - knowledge about the divorce process always helps take the fear away.
When you finish the above steps, take a short break and then read all of the materials again until you thoroughly understand what is ahead.
If you have children, do not draw them into the marital conflict. This is best for your children and will put you in the strongest position when your case goes to court.
You have 20 days from the date on the summons to send a required answer to the divorce papers. No more than 20! So don't go into hibernation mode.
If possible, take off your job tomorrow and devote some thought and planning time to the situation.
Talk with friends and family about the divorce. If it was a secret, it is about to be "out of the bag."
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The Day After You Were Served With Divorce Papers
You must decide if you will represent yourself for your divorce case or hire an attorney.
If you want an attorney, make your telephone calls. Try to hire someone that commonly handles divorces.
If you are a do-it-yourself person, continue reading all you can for the next 7 days. You have almost two weeks to act and you must become well informed.
Review the location and amount of all your assets. If possible, remove money from accounts and put it in a place of security. Do not deprive your spouse of necessary funds to live on. That would backfire on you.
Review your credit cards and any other sources of credit. If possible, cancel cards that are joint accounts or remove your spouse's name from the card.
Speed is your best tool - be thorough and act today.
Go into conservation mode and build a rainy day fund. You may soon need it.
Begin to collect all records of assets, amounts owed, property, deeds, and family business records.
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Your Other Steps After Being Served With Divorce Papers
Continue your education on divorce issues. This is one of the biggest and most important projects of your life right now. Read books and attend seminars. Become an expert.
Make a financial plan or a household budget for the next 12 months. Don't spend unnecessary money.
Get a notebook and a holder for paperwork. Set up a central collection point for all the information you gather during your divorce. Keep a detailed diary and jot down anything you learn from your educational efforts.
Don't fall into despair. All stressful events eventually pass. Yes, getting a divorce petition is very stressful. And you may feel your life is coming apart. But the vast majority survive their divorce, begin new lives, and eventually regain happiness and satisfaction.
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