The first one, can the marriage be saved? Divorce can be stressful and expensive along with having an emotional toll for the spouses and the children.  If there is a way to get counseling or some other steps to keep you and your spouse together that should always bee considered.

 

Second would be, examining the Massachusetts State Divorce Laws in terms of what needs to be looked at to keep you and the children secure and safe and the different requirements with that.

 

A third might be to try and save the marriage.  Divorce is not an inexpensive process, not only are there attorneys’ fees, but there are going to be two sets of households and if there are disagreements about who might need to pay the bills until the temporary motion date.

 

A fourth would be building a network.  Divorce can be very difficult for both spouses

and it can also have an impact on family and friends as well and if you can get a support group for people suffering through divorce, other community recourses that would be beneficial. 

 

A fifth is to hire an experienced divorce attorney it is crucial in terms of finding that somebody that has worked in the field and understands the best way to go about filing for a divorce and the best strategy.

 

A sixth way is to put the children first, even though there is a lot of blame in divorce cases, trying not to alienate the children and focusing on the kids is an important step. 

 

A seventh is to protect your safety.  When people are filing for divorce, a lot of real raw anger and emotions come out and if you are worried about those reactions and how the spouse might react; there would need to be looking at it in a way that it would be safe; particularly, if there is a history of violence and taking the necessary steps to make sure that you nor your children are at risk.

 

An eighth step is getting your documentation together.  If you are able to make copies of tax returns, financial accounts, liabilities, income, debt, mortgage papers, proof of ownership would be helpful.  Taking stock in all personal and joint assets; which can be personal items or jewelry and air looms and things of that nature is helpful as well.