We Have Decided to Divorce, Now What?

ByBob Merlin August 4, 2025August 4, 2025

After deciding to divorce, you and your spouse have many choices to make. The first steps include gathering information, deciding on a divorce process, and talking about living arrangements, parenting time, and financial planning. With cooperation and the right support, you can move forward with fewer disputes and more control.

Start With Research, But Be Cautious

Once you have made the decision to divorce, it is natural to start searching online for answers. While there is a lot of information available through A.I. and other sources, not all of it is accurate or reliable. It is a good idea to start by consulting with at least one experienced attorney. Many people speak with more than one to find someone they feel comfortable working with.

Decide on Your Divorce Process

You have choices about how to move forward. Will you work together or take your dispute to court? Options like Collaborative Divorce and Mediation allow you to make your own decisions instead of handing control to a judge. If you have minor children, you will need to talk about where they will live, how parenting time will be shared and the financial support of the children.

Some couples are able to agree on terms themselves and then ask a lawyer to prepare the legal documents. Others prefer more guidance. If emotions are high or trust has been broken, you might need extra support from professionals, including a therapist or divorce coach.

Gather Information and Plan Ahead

Divorce involves many practical steps. If you want to save money, work together in gathering documents such as bank statements, retirement account balances, and mortgage details. Consider what your next chapter might look like. Will you stay in your current home? Will you live separately? Do you need to find new work or relocate? These early questions will help to shape your financial and parenting decisions.

Court Isn’t the Only Path

It is important to know that most divorces in Florida are resolved outside of court. You are not required to go through a legal battle. When couples work together, they save time, money, and emotional strain. Collaborative Divorce and Mediation give you more flexibility and privacy. You can meet with divorce professionals who help you find solutions rather than having a judge make decisions for you.

Choosing Your Next Steps

Divorce brings a lot of unknowns, but you can make thoughtful choices that reflect your values and goals. Taking the time to understand your options and plan carefully will help you move forward with less conflict and more confidence.

Contact the Law Offices of Robert J. Merlin

At the Law Offices of Robert J. Merlin, we help clients approach divorce with respect and thoughtful planning. If you and your spouse have decided to move forward with divorce, contact Robert J. Merlin at (305) 448-1555 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.

The Law Offices of Robert J. Merlin, P.A. are located at 250 Catalonia Avenue, Suite 706, Coral Gables, Florida 33134.

Bob Merlin

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Bob Merlin is a Florida Bar Board Certified Family Law Specialist, he practices in the areas of divorce, time-sharing of children and parenting plans, child support, alimony, paternity, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, and cohabitation/partnership agreements.

As an experienced Collaborative attorney, Bob continually hones his skills in the Collaborative Process and trains other professionals how to become a Collaborative professional as he is.

“My goal is to help divorcing and other family law clients make well-informed decisions so they experience a more efficient process and feel more in control over their futures.”

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