In the first post of this two-part series, we discussed some document preparation that you can do once you have decided to divorce in Jacksonville, Florida. Record gathering can help your divorce attorney by providing them access to the big picture. A complete understanding allows them to ensure that you get a divorce settlement you not only can live with, but are happy about.

It is not just record gathering that can help the attorney understand the big picture. Bring to the table any questions or concerns you may have for your future. Think ahead about issues that you will want a say in.

When it comes to debt, who do you want responsible for paying it? Do you want to have continuing debt liability or would you like to sell the home, car, etc? Do you want to find a way to give up assets so that you can walk away without the liability?

Do you have kids? What are some things you want in terms of child care, custody and visitation? Do you have college plans for your children? Who do you want to pay for tuition? How do you want discipline handled in the future? Are you going to want them raised under a certain religion? What if your soon-to-be ex-spouse wants to move?

Setting goals or thinking about what you want in three, five or even 10 years can help determine what you will want to include in your property settlement or custody agreement. Getting a handle on these questions can also help determine what kind of spousal support you may want to seek. Being prepared now makes everything in the future easier.

Source: The Huffington Post, "We're Getting A Divorce, Now What?" Linda Descano, Feb. 1, 2012