Divorce can be a devastating time for any individual. The constant physical and mental enigma will you will be going through, along with the legal pressure will be too much for anyone to handle. There’s very little scope of mistake – you just got to get over it! There are also specific things that you must do before filing for a divorce.
Once you’re aware of the process and you know what’s ahead of you, you’ll find it easier to get started with the divorce process. You will also be mentally relieved; the overwhelming factor will be eliminated while you can focus on the proceedings of the divorce.
So, without further ado let’s get straight into the things you should do before filing for a divorce.
Hiring A Divorce Attorney
During filing for a divorce, it’s very important that you consult with an experienced divorce attorney beforehand. The attorney will run you through the basics of the process and will give you suggestions on what you can do next. If you and your spouse are able to settle things without a formal court case or litigation, you won’t be needing a professional attorney to back you up.
However, if you and your spouse do not agree upon certain things and file a litigation, you’ll be needing the expertise of a professional attorney. In this case, we recommend you to hire a professional family and divorce lawyer to fight your case in court.
Most people ignore this step, and this costs them valuable time and effort which they could’ve used elsewhere!
Know Your Financials!
You must have a clear idea of your financial standpoints. This includes all your assets, debts, incomes and expenses altogether prior to filing for a divorce. This will help you to understand how much you’ll have to pay your spouse for the divorce and what kinds of settlements you might reach to.
To know your financials, you must determine the assets you own and the liabilities you have. You must also bring out the income statements, your recent expense receipts and debts you own. This can be easily done by contacting your accountant and asking for them.
All of the financial listings will help you determine the equitable distribution of your marital assets and debts with your spouse.
Gather Income Statements
Every divorce filing requires the divorcees to provide the court with income statements. This helps the court decide if one has a liability over the other. If say, both of you and working as an employee, you’ll need your most recent paycheck and income tax returns.
Moreover, if your spouse is self-employed, you can provide the court with bank statements and business reports to determine the assets for your spouse.
Set Money Aside
While you’re going through this mess, it’s important that you give a thought for your immediate future as well. In case anything something goes out of plan, you must have a backup. You should set aside some liquid cash at your disposal so that you can turn to those whenever necessary.
Your attorney will help you cover up about the savings and ensure that the court lets you keep the savings on an emergency basis.
Close All Joint Accounts
Another important task before filing for a divorce is paying off all joint accounts and closing them once and for all This will keep both you and your spouse from being accountable for the transactions and running through charges that you may be charged with.
To do this, contact with your respective authority and they’ll have your joint accounts closed. You’ll also have to ensure that your credit card bills have been paid. The divorce proceedings can be very lengthy; one late payment can truly hurt your credits. Discuss terms with your spouse and pay all the bills before you negatively affect your credits.
Crafting A Post-Divorce Budget
You’ll need to decide on your post-divorce budget as well. This includes the place where you’ll stay, how you’ll be living your life and the expenses you’re most likely to incur. Discuss terms with your attorney and show the court a reliable budget. This will help you negotiate the divorce settlement in the court. Moreover, you’ll have a clearer idea about your expenses and income after the divorce.
Avoiding Social Media
Nowadays, social media has become a powerful tool for gathering evidence during divorce cases. Most attorneys refrain their clients from posting controversial posts such as drinking and partying, anything that would make it seem that the client is actually not bothered by the case. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean deleting posts that might seem controversial – this is strictly illegal.
Decide To Stay Or Move Out
Dealing with divorce can be very tough; you’ll feel that you’re ready to move out and live separately. However, it might not be in your best interests to move out as this might eliminate you from demanding a portion of the property. It’s suggested that you continue to stay with your spouse until the divorce case is over.
However, if you’re physically abused or mentally harassed in your home, it’s important that you take whatever steps necessary to protect yourself. In this case, you should discuss with your attorney and then move out to live separately for the time being.
Conclusion
Divorce is a difficult and challenging time for any individual. It’s a very lengthy process and can drain you both mentally and physically. During filing for a divorce, there are specific steps that you must follow to ensure that the process goes smoothly.
During the whole divorce process, it’s very important that you consult and hire a professional divorce attorney. The expertise and professionalism of the attorney will truly help you in the long run!
Also, you should consult with your attorney during every step you make. This will help you avoid any unnecessary consequences. This is very important because your spouse’s attorney will continuously be on the lookout to find flaws to mitigate the damages for his/her client; it’s vital to reduce your footprints!
Other than that, you should also be wary of the end results and have it all planned. Doing so, you will ensure that you’re on the right track to your post-divorce life!
