Top 10 Things To Know If You’re Getting Divorced

Whether you have already started the divorce process or believe divorce is in your future, it is important to be as prepared as you can be for such a life-changing event. Our years of experience with divorce law has provided insight that we can share.

1) Gather your financial documents, such as tax returns, bank account records, retirement statements, and investment account records. Inventory your assets, including taking photographs of the property in your home. If you do not know all the finances related to your marriage, this information will be obtained in the divorce process. Don’t forget to include pension and retirement asset information.

2) Every case is different. Your friend who went through a divorce is well intentioned, but their facts and circumstances are not the same as yours. Trust your attorney, they went to law school and practices divorce law for a living.

Divorce Advice: Avoiding Common Mistakes

Most people that have been through a divorce will tell you that during the divorce process they made many mistakes. Some heart-wrenching and some financially costly. The good news is that you can easily avoid many of the most common mistakes that people make. Here are our top mistakes to avoid:

1. Leaving a digital trail

It is very easy to get into a “digital” argument with your ex. But, please, don’t do it! This is our TOP mistake to avoid. Anything you write, can be used against you in a court of law. There are many times that people blurt out things in a text or an email that are venomous and beyond what they would voice in an argument. Let me say it again, ANYTHING YOU WRITE CAN BE USED AGAINST YOU. It is not necessarily erased and can be used out of context to set-up support for behavior patterns that your spouse wants to prove.

Top 5 Things To Know For Divorce

If you are going through a divorce and overwhelmed with emotions, please know you are not alone. Divorce is an emotionally trying time for everyone. It can seem overwhelming when first presented with this new reality, or be tempting to take action without actual consideration of the future results.  Here are our top 5 things to know when going through a divorce:

1. Gather your financial documents.

You should have a good understanding of your finances when you begin the divorce process, as your assets and debts will be taken into account during the divorce proceeding and help determine the outcome of your divorce.  You should have copies of all documents that reflect your assets and debts, such as tax returns, bank account records, retirement statements, pension or retirement funds and investment account records. If you were not responsible for the finances in your house, you will need to take an inventory of your assets and debt — including taking photographs of your home, property, and any valuables you may have inside your home — and request a credit report so you know where you stand financially.   Knowing your financial situation will also help get you started on the right foot once the divorce is granted.

5 Important Things to Do When Filing for Divorce

Ending your marriage is not a decision you enter lightly.  The dissolution of marriage has not just legal repercussions, but emotional side effects as well.  However, if you are thinking about filing for divorce, there are steps you can take to better prepare you for the legal proceedings that will follow.

1. Know Your Financial Situation: Having a detailed and documented knowledge of your assets, income and expenses will be helpful to you and your legal team as the process moves forward. A record of and access to your financial records, such as bank statements, credit card statements, and tax returns will help your legal team devise a strategic plan for your case.

2. Update Estate Planning Documents: Update important documents such as wills, trusts, pension documents, and advanced medical directives as soon as possible and make sure to take care of important financial transactions prior to filing for divorce.