On behalf of Gary Kirk of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP posted in Family Law on Tuesday, February 16, 2016.
There are multiple reasons why people decide to divorce. Regardless of the reason, all couples will go through the same process. As a result, there are certain things that all should do to prepare, before actually filing. We will discuss those things in this post.
Financial matters are commonly a major issue in divorce. Because of this it is vital that certain steps are taken. The first is to gather your financial documents. Just which documents you need to find, will vary depending on your particular situation. Among others, financial statements, tax returns and banking information are necessary. Once collected, those documents should be kept in a safe place.
Along with collecting the documents, you should also take action to open your own bank and credit card accounts. These accounts should be completely separate from those you previously jointly held with your spouse. Once you have a new bank account, you should also deposit enough money so that you can cover your expenses. In addition to separating your assets from that of your ex, it also provides the opportunity to build your credit which is necessary if you plan on making any large purchases, such as a home or vehicle, in the future.
Perhaps the most important thing you can do is make sure you have a knowledgeable divorce lawyer on your side. He or she can help you to navigate through the process. Depending on your situation, it may also be beneficial to work with a therapist or financial planner. Working together, these individuals can help you begin the next chapter of your life in the best possible place.
Related Posts: Understanding home ownership and property rights in a divorce, Travelling without children during a family law dispute, Set boundaries and rules to protect kids from child custody drama, Protecting credit amidst a family law dispute