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When you said "I Do", you thought that promise would last forever. Unfortunately, that promise is now ending in divorce. It's not only an incredibly emotional time, but one that's fraught with legal and financial issues. What will happen to the house? The children? Will you have to pay spousal support? Watch this video clip get your questions answered so you can land on your feet and start your new life. Access all the material referenced in this video and more Get Divorced.

Get Divorced Video Transcript

When you said "I Do", you thought that promise would last forever. Unfortunately, like almost 50% of the marriages in America, yours is ending in divorce. It's not only an incredibly emotional time, but one that's fraught with legal and financial issues. What will happen to the house? The children? Will you have to pay spousal support?

It's critical that you get the facts about divorce, as well as competent legal guidance, so you can land on your feet and start your new life.

First things first: is a divorce your only option? If you're still uncertain about divorce, but don't want to continue living with your spouse, a legal separation may be an alternative.

What about an annulment? Unlike a divorce, an annulment voids the marriage. But not all marriages can be annulled. You must meet certain criteria, which may vary from state to state.

If a divorce is your only viable option, you'll need to begin preparing. Get your financial situation in order. Open your own bank account and credit lines, purchase your own health and life insurance policies and, if you're not working, get your resume up to date. For a complete checklist of practical steps to ease your transition, learn more on lawyers.com.

Next determine the type of divorce that's right for you. Consider a dissolution if you and your spouse can work together amicably to reach a mutually agreeable settlement.

In any case, you'll need to make a court filing. Make sure you have all your important documents together. Lawyers.com has a list of all the documents you'll need as well as guidance on how to:

• Identify whether your state is considered a fault or no fault state when determining grounds for divorce.
• How to document and track your marital assets.
• Guidance about property division, including whether or not you'll have to sell your house.
• Determining whether you or your spouse must pay spousal support or child support.

Have questions about other life events? Then go to the Life Events section on lawyers.com for more helpful video tips.