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Home 9 Divorce 9 Your Summer Divorce Checklist

When divorce hits your Summer hard, Make sure you're prepared

Nobody plans on divorce. Unfortunately, many couples find themselves in one, no matter how hard they try. The Summer months tend to see an uptick in divorces, most likely because of more freedoms allowed with school-aged children. While this is a difficult time for almost everybody, there are things that you can do to ease the stress, hardships, and hurt. Use this divorce checklist to help you through.

Before Divorce

Many marriages end simply because of drifting or growing apart. Many marriage counselors advise that the parties try to reconnect before making a final decision. Typical activities could include:

Couple Time: Having exclusive time together without the stress or attention that comes with childcare can help strengthen bonds that are disappearing.

Marriage Counseling: Marriage counseling can help navigate through issues that the two of you are having a difficult time with.

Self-Time: Remembering your own self-rejuvenation time, even though you are trying to strengthen as a couple, is imperative. It allows for relaxation and unhindered thoughts.

Pre Filing Considerations

Sometimes, even with the most effort, divorce is inevitable. Preparing yourself and your surroundings can help the process go much more smoothly.

Bank Accounts: How many bank accounts do you have separately and together? What are the totals for each account? What types of accounts are there?

Credit Cards: How many credit cards are in your name? Your spouse’s name? Together? What are their balances?

Titles: Do you own your home? Whose name is on the title? Whose name is on any vehicle titles? Who paid the initial down payment? Did another home get “rolled” into this one?

Investments: Do you have investments together or on your own? What are their balances? Will stocks need to be considered? Did you contribute money to retirement both before and after marriage?

Business: Do you own a business together? Is it currently profitable? Who controls the business on a daily basis?

Income: Do you have savings? Do you currently have a job? Will you need to find work once separated?

Self Care

Aside from the financial details, it’s important to ensure that you are taking care of yourself. Divorce is stressful and can seriously damage work, other relationships, and even your health. Taking time for yourself can help relieve the everyday stress of the divorce process and keep you healthy through this difficult time.

Your Emotional Team: Enlist trusted friends or family members from your circle to regularly check on you. Use them to vent, talk, cry, or wherever else you may need to do to feel better.

Exercise: Make sure to get plenty of exercise to keep energy levels high and your mood elevated.

Legal Representation: Choose a family law attorney that you trust to guide you through the divorce process. Talk to a few different attorneys to find the right one. Selecting an attorney you communicate well with can help alleviate unnecessary stress.

Balekian Hayes Can Help

If you are navigating a divorce, know that you are not alone. The Balekian Hayes team provides compassion and direction to make this life transition as smooth as possible. Call our team to discuss your legal options and to talk to an honest lawyer.

Contact Us

From the bottom of my heart, I cannot recommend Balekian Hayes enough. As a father fighting to protect his daughters and secure meaningful protections for our future, I needed more than legal representation — I needed a team that understood what was truly at stake. This firm didn’t just manage my case; they stood beside me while I fought for my children with passion, discipline, and faith. They recognized my effort to always put my girls first and reinforced that commitment at every turn.

Lisa at reception is the heartbeat of this firm. From the very first call, she treated me with sincerity and compassion. On days when I felt overwhelmed or discouraged, Lisa gently reminded me that my faith was evidence and that trials are temporary. She consistently reassured me that everything would work out the way it was meant to. She addressed every concern directly or made sure someone did. Her kindness grounded me more than she probably realizes. She sets the culture — patient, understanding, and steady.

Bryn is one of the hardest working professionals I have ever encountered. She was my go-to throughout the case and handled every detail with empathy, precision, and follow-through. What stood out most was how she consistently reinforced that I was a great father. When doubt crept in, Bryn reminded me that my effort to secure protections for my daughters mattered deeply. She genuinely cared about the outcome, not just legally but personally. Her calm strength made some of the hardest moments feel manageable.

And then there is Emory. Emory is exceptional. Her knowledge and strategic leadership transformed our case and ultimately led to a strong victory for my family. But what separates her is her empathy. She saw my pain. She recognized the weight I was carrying as a father trying to do everything right. On days when I questioned whether I was doing enough, Emory consistently reminded me that I was doing amazing — even when I didn’t feel like my best self. She pointed out the victories I had already achieved before she and her team ever stepped in. That perspective restored my confidence. “Relax — we’ve got this,” she would say, these struggles may feel like loses right now, but soon they will be your victories— and she meant it. She fought fiercely for the protections my daughters deserved while also protecting me emotionally through the process.

This firm was the greatest blessing of my year. To the fathers out there: I know how heavy this road can feel. But when you have Balekian Hayes in your corner, the burden truly lifts. They honor your role. They fight for your family. They believe in you when you need it most.

Personally, I know what it feels like to lie awake at night wondering if you’re doing enough… if you’re going to protect your children… if the system will truly see your heart. I lived it. As a father fighting for my daughters and the protections they deserve, I needed more than legal advice — I needed a team that understood what was truly at stake. From day one, Balekian Hayes saw my passion, my effort, and my unwavering commitment to put my girls first. They didn’t just represent me or defend me in court — they strengthened me as a father. Without hesitation, I can say this firm was the greatest blessing of my year.

To my team I am beyond thankful for your effort, thank you all so much for these blessings we get to live.

If you’re praying for help — this is your sign. Make the call.

John

“Dedicated lawyers who will work hard and fight for you. Kris and Justin went above and beyond in my case. A big thanks to both of them. I would not hesitate to recommend.”

Dustin

“Balekian Hayes is the best law firm I’ve ever had the pleasure of doing business with. Very happy with everything!”

Travis

“I had a fantastic experience with Balekian Hayes law firm and highly recommend them. I initially met with Kris in 2007 regarding a potential divorce. She immediately knew what an emotionally challenging and stressful time this was going to be for me and didn’t want me to be alone during this journey. She helped me plan effectively to protect myself, my financial future, and my time with my kids. I interviewed several attorneys prior to meeting her, but none had the compassion and law knowledge combination that she and her team did. Hiring her was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Elizabeth

“Ms. Hayes was not only an excellent attorney throughout the duration of my case, but counseled me through some very tough financial decisions and marital obstacles outside of litigation. We forged a friendship that will last well beyond our professional relationship and I was blessed to have her on my side.”

Previous Client

“She was and continues to be professional, caring, and honest.
Ms. Balekian Hayes is a bulldog who fights for what’s best for the child.”

– Krystal