Even if you and your spouse both agree that going your separate ways is the best decision, getting ready for divorce proceedings can be complicated and stressful. If there’s any animosity between the two of you, it may be of even greater importance to have an organized plan of action for your divorce before filing any petitions.
Every divorce proceeding is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all method for making sure you are ready for everything your case might throw at you. That said, here are some basics to keep in mind as a woman preparing for divorce, all of which a dependable divorce lawyer can provide crucial help with handling.
Get Copies of Important Documents
One of the first steps any woman should take when preparing to file for divorce is obtaining and preserving personal copies of every piece of documentation related to her personal finances. While not everyone going through a divorce will need to have all of the same documents, particularly important ones that virtually everyone should have copies of include bank account information, credit card statements, retirement account details, and an up-to-date credit report, as well as deeds to property like vehicles and houses or mortgage documents.
Keep Money and Mail Separate
Even before officially filing for divorce, it can be vital for a woman to make sure that her own assets are separated from her soon-to-be-former spouse’s in bank accounts that are solely in her name. It can be very helpful to get a PO Box for things like confidential mail from legal counsel and documents regarding new banking, credit, and/or insurance accounts.
Update Estate Planning Documents
While there may be some complications depending on the final divorce Order, a woman preparing for divorce can still take proactive action to update her estate plan. Beyond just making changes to her will to remove her soon-to-be-former spouse, she can and usually should also make similar changes to her living will and any directives regarding medical care.
Inventory All Marital and Non-Marital Property
The actual asset division stage of divorce cannot be completed alone and very often necessitates Court involvement. However, preparing for this vital element of any divorce in advance can be very beneficial. A woman preparing for divorce should make a detailed list of all separate property she has sole ownership over and its value, as well as joint property she wants to get a share of or take ownership of during the asset division process.
Seek Help From an Experienced Divorce Attorney
This is far from a comprehensive list of every way in which a woman should prepare for divorce. One of the most important steps is retaining skilled legal counsel. Divorce is both legally and emotionally challenging under the best of circumstances, and women who go through it without legal representation may face challenges getting the terms they want from their final divorce Order.
Help is available from a capable and compassionate divorce lawyer who understands the unique concerns women have during the divorce process. Call today for a complimentary consultation.