Plan Ahead When Dealing With Divorce Say Experts
No one wants to think about the process of divorce. Let’s face it: it’s like a death.
Nothing is more stressful than the dissolution of your marriage and or family, especially when kids are involved. However, if you and your spouse have attempted other options and have decided that divorce is the only way for you, then you have some work cut out for you and the more you think ahead the less stressful your divorce will be for you and all of those impacted by it.
But just like everything else in life, planning for any legal action is also necessary whenever you can. Divorce is definitely one where planning ahead can make a difference, even if your spouse is the one serving you with notice.
Here are a few critical steps you should be taking to prepare for a divorce, regardless of your income level and your circumstances.
* Hire a lawyer you can trust and feel comfortable talking to. Find the right one for your situation. Some lawyers only work with people who are initiating divorce, some work only with people on the receiving end. Do you know if it might be a civil divorce, or are there many issues and you want someone who will fight and stand up for your rights? Beware of conflicts of interests between you, your spouse and your attorney.
* Watch your stress levels. Divorce is a stressful and emotional process, so your physical and emotional well-being might be at risk. See your doctor if you’re not feeling well, and don’t be ashamed to talk to counselor or a close friend to help ease the stress and worry.
* Get your financial house in order. Start by gathering financial documents and papers, and any kind of financial records for you and your spouse, including tax returns, pay stubs and investments. Keep these documents together and make sure you keep copies for your own files. Check with your bank or investment advisor as well to find out if you need a written authorization at some point.
· Collect real estate and other property documents and papers.Give your attorney copies of any documents relating to property ownership and personal property. While it’s unlikely that your soon-to-be will fight with you over who owns your clothes, the ownership of an antique brooch from someone’s side of the family could quickly become a heated debate. Know whose name is on the titles for any houses, land, cars, boats or other vehicles.
* Open separate checking and credit accounts. Separate your paychecks and any other joint accounts from your spouse’s as soon as possible. Get a credit card in your name and start using it to build your own credit rating and history.
* Try to get your own separate health insurance. This might be difficult in some states, but it doesn’t hurt to check.
* Figure out how much money will come in and how much will go out each month. If you and your spouse both work, you’ll need to know how far your single income will take you after the divorce. Consider looking for a new job now if you don’t think your current income is enough.
* Focus on Your Children by attempting to make child custody, visitation and support as smooth as possible. Children are often the most discussed part of a divorce and can lead to some of the worst fights. Make important decisions regarding any children or other dependents as quickly as possible.
· Revise your will before the divorce is final and make sure to put in provisions for custody of your children in the event of your death. Discuss with your attorney who you would like to raise your children.
· Document when you visit with your children, for how long, what you do with them and how much money you spend for clothing, food and entertainment. This may be important later if there is a fight over child custody, visitation or support.
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