Four Things to do Before Filing for Divorce

If you and your spouse are facing divorce, there are some things you should do before you file. Whether this is a mutual decision or you are filing for divorce from your spouse, you need to get your affairs in order to make the process go more smoothly. Here are some things to do before you file for divorce.

Check Your Finances

The first thing you should do when you are thinking about filing for divorce is figure out your finances. You need to determine how much you make on your own and how much your spouse makes. This should be easy enough if you are both employed. Start gathering financial documents that prove your income, as they are needed when filing, such as pay stubs and tax returns.

If you are not employed, but your spouse is, you will need to figure out how to make a living in case you don't get enough in spousal support. If you are the only one working, be prepared to pay spousal support and factor that into your post-divorce budget. While you are checking your finances, establish credit in your name.

Figure Out Living Arrangements

After filing for divorce, you or your spouse will probably want to move out, at least temporarily. Think about your current living arrangements and whether you want to try and remain in your home or you would prefer finding your own place. If you are the one requesting the divorce, it might be easier to find your own place. Begin looking around and find a place that you can afford on your own, even with the cost of a divorce and limited budget after the divorce. If you want joint custody or full custody of your children, make sure your new home is large enough to accommodate them.

Take Inventory of Your Possessions

When you fill out the divorce papers, you will need to write down all your possessions, including property you own alone and together. Property or goods you owned before getting together with your spouse will be yours, and you should get them after the divorce. For example, if you owned a car before you met, you should still have ownership of that car. On the other hand, property you purchased after getting married is joint property, like a home or valuables. This property needs to be split between you and your spouse. Write down all property and possessions, the approximate value, and what property you want to keep.

Get an Attorney

Make sure you get a divorce attorney as soon as possible. You want to consult an attorney even before filing to get their advice with how to proceed. The attorney will help you fill out the paperwork, deal with mediation, and get spousal support or custody of your children.

For more information, contact experienced divorce lawyers in your area. 

Share