Divorce
Deciding to file for divorce is a major step, and it’s important to be prepared before the legal process begins. Whether the decision is mutual or one-sided, a clear plan can reduce stress and help avoid common mistakes. Taking time to prepare can also protect your financial interests, support your well-being, and make it easier to move forward.
Get A Clear Picture Of Your Finances
Before taking any legal action, it’s important to understand your financial situation. This includes income, debts, assets, and ongoing expenses. Collect pay stubs, bank account statements, tax returns, credit card bills, mortgage details, and retirement account summaries. Knowing where everything stands allows for better decision-making later on.
Having this information ready will also help your attorney build a complete picture of the marital estate. Courts often require full financial disclosure from both parties, so organizing everything early can save time down the road.
Review Marital And Non-Marital Property
Not everything you or your spouse owns will be subject to division. Some property may be considered non-marital if it was owned before the marriage or acquired as a gift or inheritance. It’s helpful to create a list of both marital and non-marital assets to understand what could be part of the property division process.
Take note of homes, vehicles, business interests, investment accounts, and valuable personal items. Also keep track of any debts, such as personal loans or joint credit lines. The more detail you can gather upfront, the smoother things may go later.
Think About Your Priorities
Before filing, take time to consider your goals. Think about what matters most to you—whether it’s financial stability, custody arrangements, or staying in the family home. Knowing your priorities will help guide your choices and conversations with your attorney.
If children are involved, think about parenting time and decision-making. Courts typically favor shared involvement, but your personal circumstances will affect how custody is handled. Planning ahead can help you work toward an arrangement that supports your child’s needs.
Limit Major Changes
Making big financial or personal changes right before or during a divorce can create unnecessary challenges. If possible, avoid moving large amounts of money, changing beneficiaries, or taking on new debt. These moves may be questioned later or could affect how the court views your intentions.
If you’re concerned about joint accounts or shared credit cards, it’s best to get legal advice before making any adjustments. Keeping things stable during this time may benefit both parties, especially if negotiations are ongoing.
Consult An Attorney Early
Even if you haven’t officially filed for divorce, it helps to meet with an attorney early. They can help you understand your options, your legal rights, and the steps to expect in the process. A brief consultation can also help clarify what you should and should not do before filing.
Attorneys like those at Hurst, Robin, Kay & Allen, LLC can attest to how much smoother the divorce process is when clients come in prepared. From asset division to custody planning, early legal guidance can help avoid mistakes and protect your long-term interests.
If you’re considering divorce, speaking with a divorce lawyer can help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Taking a few steps now can make a major difference later on.