Getting a divorce can be an emotional, stressful and even an angry time. So many things go through your head. You wish it wasn’t happening to you. What began so nicely with good memories and happy times is now coming to a bitter end. It doesn’t have to be this way. You could have a smooth parting of ways. This isn’t always going to happen. If it is going to be a bad situation, you will need to at least try to make the best out of this bad situation. Here are some useful tips when preparing for a divorce.
1. Organize Your Finances
Organizing finances is probably the messiest part of getting divorced. Sometimes one spouse handles this and the other spouse is totally unaware of what’s going on. Make sure that you take care of your own finances. Whatever documentation you need to get, make sure to make copies. This is important stuff, so you want to make sure you have copies for your records. Things like bank statements, credit card statements, investment account statements, property tax bills and mortgage statements should all be organized and at hand. Collect any records and information that have a bearing on your present financial situation in order to get a fair split. All this helps to go back to your individual credit history.
2. Going Back To Your Individual Credit History
It’s likely that you and your spouse’s credit was linked after you got married. Perhaps a good credit was built but now it’s going to be affected. You need to separate yourself from this by going back to your own credit history. You want to be able to get back on your feet quickly, so open a bank account in your name and apply for a credit card. If you happen to get the house or car, make sure to make the payments under your name now.
3. Closing Of Joint Accounts
If you’re pretty sure you’re going to be divorced, close any joint accounts and save yourself from any financial problems. You want to ensure that your money is secure until the financial division is legally completed.
4. Find A Good Divorce Lawyer
Do the research and find a good divorce lawyer. A good lawyer can make things simple to understand. They can also get you the result you want. There will be so many issues and factors that come into play that will go over your head. It can be complicated. You certainly don’t want to make any mistakes that are going to cost you. Hire someone with a good reputation, is experienced and has a good record in divorce proceedings to give you the best chance of success.
5. Get Support From Family & Friends
This is not going to be a walk in the park. It will affect you. Make sure that you have a network of friends and family members to give you emotional support during this difficult time. Some of the decisions in a divorce can have lifelong consequences. Don’t be alone in this; you need support to help you get through this.
Make sure to keep meticulous records, since things can get ugly. Sometimes, these things can make their way into court proceedings, so be prepared. If you have children, you need to help them cope as well. Talk to them, but just as important is to listen to them as well. They too have feelings and voices that should be heard. It’s hard on them, so do whatever you can to help them through this as well.
