Divorce can be an emotional time. And on top of dealing with the stress of separating from your spouse, you also need to manage the legal paperwork. Issues like child custody, property division, and settling debts can pose many problems. A bit of pre-planning before your divorce can help facilitate the process and make sure you stay organized.
There are certain steps you can follow to become prepared for your divorce. Being prepared in advance will give you confidence as well as peace of mind. Consulting with a Columbus divorce attorney can also help you prepare and know what to expect in each step of the process.
Steps to prepare for your divorce
- Hire a good divorce attorney.
You may want to arrive at a settlement without help from an attorney due to the added costs. However, this added cost can protect you from many costly mistakes during the divorce process. Not only that, but you will also have peace of mind that you have a legal expert by your side to assist and guide you in every step. Some Columbus attorneys also work on a contingency basis, which can benefit you with a tight budget.
- Gather financial documentation.
Organizing your assets and gathering financial documentation is integral to a divorce. According to the law, you and your spouse need to divide your marital assets equitably. Therefore, the court needs to have a clear picture of your own. Remember that only marital property is divided, and the separate properties remain with the respective owners. You need to make sure that you identify and classify marital property.
- Make a budget.
Most people go through a divorce transition from living in a dual-earning household to living in a single-earning household. If you go through the same, you will be facing some struggle in managing your expenses. Therefore, you should be prepared in advance. Recognize the differences and make a budget accordingly. Before you file for the divorce, make sure your earnings are enough to cover the costs of your living. People with children need to ensure that they can afford their children’s expenses as well. Making a plan prevents problems later.
- Get your own credit card.
If you did not have your own credit card while living with your spouse, it is time to get one. When people get divorced, they may take on additional debts due to debt division. This can come in the way of getting approved for a credit card later. Therefore, you should act proactively and apply for a credit card before your divorce is finalized.
