We just had the "divorce" talk, now what do I do?

The immediate upheaval you will face after you tell your spouse that you want a divorce will be difficult to deal with.  After all, the world will not stop simply because you are going through a divorce.

Before you file, you and your spouse should try to come to an agreement regarding temporary arrangements during the divorce.  Things to think about include: living arrangements; access to accounts; bills; insurance coverage; household items; maintenance payments (commonly known as alimony); and, if you have children, parenting time and child support.  It is best to put together a list ahead of time so that you are fully prepared.  What is on your list will depend on your unique circumstances.  If you and your spouse disagree regarding any issues, you can ask the court to enter temporary orders. 

It is important to note that once proceedings begin, you and your spouse will be under an automatic order not to cancel, modify, terminate, or allow to lapse for nonpayment of premiums, any of the following that list you, your spouse, or your children as being covered or as a beneficiary: health insurance; homeowner's or renter's insurance; automobile insurance; or life insurance policies, unless fourteen days advance notice is provided to the other party and there is written consent from the other party or an order of the court.