--- title: Issues to Consider Prior to Proceeding with a Divorce description: What should you consider prior to proceeding with a divorce? Read this blog to find out. image: https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hubfs/34842907_s.jpg --- [![Goosman Lawfirm](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Goosmannlaw%20October2017/images/Goosmann_Law_Firm_logo_4C-white.png?width=1250&name=Goosmann_Law_Firm_logo_4C-white.png "Goosman Lawfirm")](http://goosmannlaw.com/) - [COVID-19 Toolbox](https://goosmannlaw.com/covid-19-resource-toolbox/) - Our Team - [Attorneys](https://goosmannlaw.com/attorneys/) - [Non-Attorney Staff](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/non-attorney-staff/) - Practices & Industries - [Practices](https://goosmannlaw.com/practices/) - [Banking & Finance](https://goosmannlaw.com/banking-finance/) - [Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Workouts](https://goosmannlaw.com/bankruptcy-restructuring-workouts/) - [Business](https://goosmannlaw.com/business/) - [Divorce & Family Law](https://goosmannlaw.com/divorce-family-law/) - [Employment](https://goosmannlaw.com/employment-law/) - [Environmental, Health & Safety](https://goosmannlaw.com/health-safety/) - [Estate Planning](https://trustlawcounsel.com) - [Gestational Surrogacy & Adoption](https://goosmannlaw.com/gestational-surrogacy-adoption/) - [International Law](http://goosmannlaw.com/international-law/) - [Litigation / Trial Law](https://goosmannlaw.com/litigation-trial-law/) - [Local Counsel](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/local-counsel/) - [Mergers & Acquisitions](https://goosmannlaw.com/mergers-acquisitions/) - [Rapid Response](https://goosmannlaw.com/rapid-response/) - [Industries](https://goosmannlaw.com/industries/) - [Agribusiness & Cooperatives](https://goosmannlaw.com/agribusiness-cooperatives/) - [Construction](https://goosmannlaw.com/construction/) - [Cyber Law and Telecommunications](https://goosmannlaw.com/cyber-law/) - [Education](https://goosmannlaw.com/education/) - [Health Care](https://goosmannlaw.com/health-care/) - [Manufacturing](https://goosmannlaw.com/manufacturing-law/) - [Multifamily Housing](https://goosmannlaw.com/multifamily-housing-law/) - [Non-Profit & Tax Exempt Organizations](https://goosmannlaw.com/non-profit-law/) - [Real Estate](https://goosmannlaw.com/real-estate/) - [Transportation](https://goosmannlaw.com/transportation/) - [Tribal](https://goosmannlaw.com/tribal/) - Our Firm - [Firm News](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/firm-news) - Careers - [Attorneys](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/attorneys/) - [Administration](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/administration/) - [Internships](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/internships/) - [Client Testimonials and Results](https://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/client-testimonials-and-results/) - [Culture, Diversity, and Community](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/culture-diversity-and-community/) - [Women-Owned Business](https://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/women-owned-business/) - [Associations & Memberships](https://goosmannlaw.com/associations-memberships/) - [Firm History](https://goosmannlaw.com/firm-history/) - Blogs - [CEO Law Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/ceo-on-your-side) - [Construction Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Cyber Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Deal Maker](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/deal-maker-on-your-side) - [Divorce Docket](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Food for Thought](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/agricultural-lawyer-on-your-side) - [HR Legal Insider](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side) - [Law Doc](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/health-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Paralegal Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/paralegal-review/) - [Real Estate Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/real-estate-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Risky Business](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/risk-manager-on-your-side) - [The Banker’s Suit](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/banking-lawyer-on-you-side) - [Trial Law Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/trial-lawyer-on-you-side) - [Trust Law Counsel](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side) - Resources - [COVID-19 Resource Toolbox](https://goosmannlaw.com/covid-19-resource-toolbox/) - [Podcast](http://podcast.goosmannlaw.com/) - [Videos](https://goosmannlaw.com/videos/) - [FREE eBooks & Tools](https://goosmannlaw.com/free-ebooks-tools/) - Contact Us - [Office Locations](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/) - [Sioux City Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/sioux-city-law-firm/) - [Sioux Falls Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/sioux-falls-law-firm/) - [Omaha Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/omaha-law-firm/) - [Spirit Lake & Spencer Law Firms](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/spirit-lake-and-spencer-law-firm/) - [Real Estate Closings Office](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/real-estate-closing-office/) - [Submit a Testimonial](https://goosmannlaw.com/submit-a-testimonial/) - [Sign Up for Our Newsletter](https://goosmannlaw.com/sign-up-for-our-newsletter/) - [Pay Online](https://goosmannlaw.com/pay-online-3/) - [  (855) 843-4531](tel:855-843-4531) ![](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/Lockbox%20Lawyer/close-button.png) [tel:855-THE-GLF1](tel:855-THE-GLF1) [Divorce](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce) [Divorce Attorney](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce-attorney) # [Issues to Consider Prior to Proceeding with a Divorce](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/issues-to-consider-prior-to-proceeding-with-a-divorce) By [Goosmann Law Team](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team)   |  1, November 2018 [READ NOW](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/issues-to-consider-prior-to-proceeding-with-a-divorce) [Read Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/issues-to-consider-prior-to-proceeding-with-a-divorce#article) [![](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Logo1.jpg?width=60&name=Logo1.jpg)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team) [Goosmann Law Team](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team)  Tags: [Divorce](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce) [Divorce Attorney](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce-attorney) A common question for clients considering a divorce focuses on what things they can do to best prepare themselves for their potential divorce. As with everything, it always makes sense to plan out a course of actions and evaluate your options before proceeding, a divorce is no different and consulting and experienced and qualified family law attorney is a sound first step in the that process. By taking simple steps before filing, a client can set themselves up for a much more successful process once the divorce action is initiated. First, marriage counseling can be a solid initial step, particularly if you are unsure divorce is the right option. Also, ask your attorney what to expect during this process. Understanding the legal system will help alleviate anxiety and will help you know what to expect during court hearings. Next, look to collect as much information as you can concerning the family financial situation. More specifically, look to collect copies of pay stubs, bank statements, and W 2’s/Tax Returns. That information will be necessary for the court to look at when determining child support and division of assets. Additionally, if you have personal valuables that are a priority for you to keep after the divorce, make sure they are in your possession, particularly if you are concerned that your spouse may take them after you file for divorce. Preserve evidence of bad behavior exhibited by your spouse, such as text messages or emails. If you do not have a separate bank account, open one or set aside money for personal expenses (note that these funds will still likely be considered marital assets and will need to be accounted for as part of the final distribution of marital assets). If you are afraid your spouse will clear out the bank account when you file, let your attorney know this, so he/she can take steps to prevent this. Finally, remember divorce creates a range of emotions and different reactions to this life change. Seek counseling, if necessary. Do not disparage your spouse in front of your children or try to prevent them from having a relationship with the other parent due to your anger or hurt feelings. Do not engage in unhealthy behavior such as uncontrollable drinking or risky behavior. Do not use social media inappropriately. All of this can come back to haunt you when you are trying to convince the judge you are the better parent. Explaining away poor decisions or Facebook photos/postings that are unflattering is embarrassing and can hurt your case. By taking some of these simple steps you can help prepare yourself for a potential divorce. These steps can help ease you through this difficult process and help you move on successfully with your life. To speak to one or our divorce attorneys, contact our Omaha, Sioux City or Sioux Falls office today. [![CONTACT US](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/489404/ec70fe7d-ad02-40c5-93ba-4800375ab6e9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/489404/ec70fe7d-ad02-40c5-93ba-4800375ab6e9) ### Select Different CTA for each Post from Blog Editor [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/489404/a8cefc17-3b9d-4de0-89cd-e60a64752422.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/489404/a8cefc17-3b9d-4de0-89cd-e60a64752422) ### Subscribe Our Blog Thanks for submission!! - Recent - Popular ### Posts by Topic - [Divorce & Family Law (91)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce-family-law) - [Family Law News and Insights (52)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/family-law-news-and-insights) - [Divorce (19)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce) - [Divorce Attorney (6)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/divorce-attorney) - [Child Custody (5)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/child-custody) - [Firm News (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/firm-news) - [20/20/20 Rule (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/20-20-20-rule) - [Agriculture (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/agriculture) - [CEO (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/ceo) - [COVID-19 (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/covid-19) - [Fertility (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/fertility) - [Guardianship (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/guardianship) - [Human Resources (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/human-resources) - [In Vitro (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/in-vitro) - [Iowa Divorce (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/iowa-divorce) - [Litigation & Trial (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/litigation-trial) - [Litigation News and Insights (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/litigation-news-and-insights) - [Real Estate News and Insights (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/real-estate-news-and-insights) - [Social Security Benefits (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/social-security-benefits) - [Trust Law Counsel (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/trust-law-counsel) DISCLAIMER: The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By visiting this website, blog, or post you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Goosmann Law Firm attorneys and website publisher. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice from Goosmann Law Firm, PLC, or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this Post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction. #### Let Us Know What You Thought about this Post. Put your Comment Below. [Previous Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/four-things-to-look-for-when-hiring-a-divorce-attorney) ##### [Four Things to Look for When Hiring a Divorce Attorney](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/four-things-to-look-for-when-hiring-a-divorce-attorney) [Next Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/my-ex-isnt-following-the-court-order-what-can-i-do) ##### [My Ex Isn’t Following the Court Order, What Can I Do?](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side/my-ex-isnt-following-the-court-order-what-can-i-do) ### Contact Info **Sioux City Location** P. 712-226-4000 F. (712) 224-4517 **Sioux Falls Location** P. (605) 371-2000 F. (605) 275-2039 **Omaha Location** P. (402) 280-7648 F. (402) 505-3967 --- [Disclaimer](http://goosmannlaw.com/list-all-blogs/disclaimer/) | [Privacy Policy](http://goosmannlaw.com/privacy-policy/) ### Locations **Sioux City Location** 410 5th Street Sioux City, IA 51101 **Sioux Falls Location** 5010 S. Minnesota Avenue, Suite 100 Sioux Falls, SD 57108 **Omaha Location** Advent Building 17838 Burke Street, Suite 250 Omaha, NE 68118 ![Goosmann](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/Lockbox%20Lawyer/goosmann-white.png?width=250&name=goosmann-white.png "Goosmann") Goosmann Law Firm is a FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM with locations in Sioux City, Iowa, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Omaha, Nebraska. Goosmann Law attorneys are licensed to practice in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Their attorney team's practices and industries include but are not limited to Agribusiness and Cooperatives, Banking and Finance, Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Workouts, Business, Construction, Cyber Law and Telecommunications, Divorce and Family Law, Education, Employment, Environmental Health and Safety, Gestational Surrogacy and Adoption, Health Care, Litigation and Trial Law, Manufacturing, Mergers and Acquisitions, Municipal, Nonprofit and Tax Exempt Organizations, Real Estate, and Transportation, Tribal, Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, and Probate Law. Goosmann © Copyright 2017