Tips to Keep in Mind When Preparing for Your Divorce

 Posted on February 18, 2016 in Divorce

Even couples expecting an amicable divorce should prepare for unexpected turns. Divorce is challenging, both emotionally and financially, and those about to file for divorce should take steps beforehand to prepare themselves for the process. Give yourself an advantage heading into your divorce by following these tips to help you feel empowered and ready for the proceedings.

Understand Your Financial Situation

If you are hoping to keep your divorce as short as possible, it is in your best interest to build an understanding of your household’s financial situation before filing. Attorneys say that all too often their clients come in lacking important information on their finances, and searching for them after filing with only lengthen the process. Instead, it is recommended to gather important financial documents, things like tax returns, credit reports, and financial statements before you initiate the divorce process. In doing so, you and your attorney can immediately begin devising a plan. If possible, gather your information from outside sources, like a business manager or accountant, to ensure you are getting the most detailed information you can.

Start a Divorce Journal

If you and your spouse have children, consider creating a divorce journal and making regular entries. Be sure to keep record of your involvement in your children’s lives, and make note of any times your spouse was absent. The court may find this information helpful when allocating parental responsibilities and parenting time. Include any pertinent text message and email conversations, proof of your attendance at your children’s activities and events, bills from doctors' visits, and anything else that may later be helpful.

Be Wary of Facebook

Attorneys recommend avoiding social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram leading up to and during your divorce. Anything you post has the chance of being discovered, and could be used as evidence against you. Refrain from posting photos of you drinking, or out at a party. Also, do not use a social media site as a way to vent about your spouse or your divorce. These types of posts could easily be brought up in your proceedings.

Start a Divorce Emergency Fund

Divorce experts recommend that people entering divorce set aside an emergency fund to protect you during your divorce. This is especially important for those worried that their spouse may attempt to cut them off financially if their divorce becomes conflicted. Consider setting aside cash that can be used in emergency situations, and possibly in a place to which your spouse does not have access. If you have reason to believe your spouse may attempt to steal your assets, you should also consider using a safety deposit box or leaving them in the care of a trusted third party.

Build Your Divorce Team

Divorce can take an emotional toll on all parties involved, so to ensure as smooth a process as possible, start building your divorce team. Depending on your individual case, this team could include a qualified divorce attorney with experience handling cases similar to yours, an accountant or other financial expert, child specialists if children are involved, and a therapist or other mental health professional.

If you live in DuPage County, one of the members of your divorce team should be one of the qualified divorce attorneys at the Pesce Law Group, P.C. We have years of combined experience handling a variety of divorce and family law cases, and will work diligently to ensure a beneficial outcome for you and your children. Schedule a consultation with us today to learn more about the services available to you. Our skilled Naperville divorce attorneys will help keep your divorce as stress-free as possible.

Source:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-helfend-meyer/6-things-to-do-before-filing-for-divorce_b_9117728.html