What Steps Should I Take Prior to Getting a Divorce?

Not all marriages last forever. If your marriage is suffering, you may be considering ending it. However, getting a divorce is a major decision. It is not something you should take lightly. There are a lot of variables involved.

Getting a divorce is not like jumping in your car and heading to the grocery store. It’s a huge step and there are a lot of things you need to do to prepare. Here is what you can do to make the process less overwhelming.

Find a Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer can be costly, but not getting one can be even more expensive. Your lawyer should be able to help you with the divorce process. They should help you find ways to save money (such as avoiding litigation) by negotiating in a smart way.

Gather Documentation

You need to gather documents to show assets and debts as well as income. This will help determine what you have, what you owe, and how everything will be split in a divorce. Some things will be more obvious than others, like homes, bank accounts, and cars. However, there are many assets that people tend to overlook, such as pension plans, inheritances, artwork, and belongings. Intangible assets you will want to consider include stock, cryptocurrency, airline miles, loyalty points, subscriptions, and memberships.

Gather all statements and other documentation showing what you own and what you owe. To prove income, you will need pay stubs and tax returns. Your lawyer can help with anything that is missing.

Establish Credit

If you don’t have a credit card of your own, now’s the time to get started. If your credit was linked to your spouse, you’ll have a difficult time getting approved for loans on your own. While you may think you won’t need credit, you may want to buy a car or house someday. Even getting an apartment on your own may require credit, so start by getting a credit card in your name.

Determine Your Budget

You likely won’t be able to maintain your standard of living after a divorce. You and your spouse won’t be sharing incomes or households anymore, so financing your post-divorce lifestyle is going to be tough. While your spouse may be paying child support or alimony, don’t count on this income. You’ll have to get your own income and pay your own bills. Plan accordingly and start trimming the fat. Get rid of expenses you don’t need.

Contact Our West Palm Beach Divorce Lawyers Today

Getting a divorce is a huge undertaking. It’s not something you can do successfully without a significant amount of planning.

One of the most important steps you should take is to get a lawyer. Brian K. McMahon, P.A. is a West Palm Beach divorce lawyer who can help you divorce with ease. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Fill out the online form or call (561) 658-1789. We serve West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Port St. Lucie, and South Florida.