What Should I Do When Planning or Preparing for a Divorce?

 Posted on June 16, 2015 in Divorce

Divorce lawyers are often asked by potential clients what they, the client, should do when planning or preparing for a divorce. This is not a situation where they are trying to hide assets or income. On the contrary, this question is usually posed to protect the person that is contemplating divorce because their husband or wife may begin to hide assets, income or other information in the event of a divorce.

While this list is not all inclusive, consider the following if a divorce seems imminent. First, gather important documents, such as:

• Birth certificates;
• Social Security Cards;
• Prior years’ tax returns;
• Wills;
• Trusts;
• Premarital Agreements;
• Bank statements;
• Credit card statements;
• Medical records; and
• Any other document that is hard to duplicate

Papers sometimes have a way of disappearing when the petition for dissolution of marriage is served on the other party.

Another tip involves children, if you have any. Stay involved in the lives of your children if you are thinking about a divorce. Divorce can be stressful and cause you to want to check out or take a break. Now is not the time to play second fiddle. Your role as the parent is important.

Financially, stay involved in the finances. If your spouse has been in control of the check book, now may be a good time to peak over their shoulder and see what your financial estate looks like. Are there accounts that you are not aware of? You may think that money is going to retirement or college accounts each month, but is it? Taking an active role in your marital estate can make a big difference later.