If you are starting to notice that your marriage is falling apart around you, it might be time to start preparing yourself for divorce. The sooner you get prepared, the better you will be able to navigate the many different challenges that you will have to face. Divorce can be a difficult and overwhelming experience, which is why you want to prepare yourself as soon as possible. Early planning for your divorce will help you make smart financial and legal decisions for both you and your family. Below, we talk about how to prepare yourself for a divorce. You can also read our other blog to learn what motions you will need to file in court.
Get Yourself Organized
When you are sure that you want a divorce or expect that your spouse wants a divorce, you should start making a system for documenting and keeping all the important information about your case. The information you organize will be a vital aspect of your legal proceedings. Become familiar with the information contained in your documents to help eliminate delays in your case. Getting yourself organized prior to filing for divorce can save you both time and money in the long-run.
Get Your Own Copies
You will need to obtain copies of all the relevant documents and evidence that you will need for your divorce case. You should make copies of important documents like tax returns, bank statements, insurance policies, and mortgage payments. Copies of these documents will be helpful if you have to dispute any discrepancies during your divorce proceedings.
Determine All of Your Assets
Assets and finances are usually the first things to be disputed in a divorce. Knowing exactly which assets you own will help keep you from being taken advantage of when property is divided. Make a list of all the assets you have and create a paper trail for any high-value items or properties. You will also want determine the total value for all of the assets you own. You should also take pictures of your assets in case you need to prove that they actually exist.
Find Out About Your Spouse’s Finances
Although it is important figure out exactly which assets are yours, understanding the earning potential and finances of your spouse is just as important. Find out if your spouse has any credit cards in their name and get an exact figure of their annual salary. You should also investigate to see if they have any outstanding loans or other types of debt. Knowing about all of these things can help ensure that you receive a fair divorce settlement.
Make a Plan for Your Debts
Distributing debt can be one of the most contentious issue in a divorce. Ask yourself if it makes sense for you to pay off your shared debts before your divorce is finalized. However, make sure you verify which debts, if any, were accrued before your marriage began.
Talk to a Divorce Lawyer Today
Prepping for your divorce can make the entire legal process run more smoothly. If you need help preparing for your divorce, you should immediately consult with an experienced attorney. At The Law Office of Dmitriy Borshchak, we understand how difficult divorce can be. That is why our firm is dedicated to helping families with their legal disputes. Let us use our resources to assist with your case.
Call 614-334-6851 , or contact our Columbus team of divorce attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.
