Prepare in Advance for Divorce
Reaching the decision to get a divorce can be difficult. Once you’ve concluded that it’s for the best to end your marriage, there are certain steps you can begin to take immediately to ensure that your divorce goes smoothly and to protect your financial interests. Learn more below about what to do once you’ve decided to file.
Set up a separate checking account
Some spouses lose their heads during the divorce process and either withdraw substantial amounts of money from accounts shared with their spouse, or freeze joint accounts before the other spouse has the chance to obtain necessary funds from these accounts. In order to ensure that you have access to the money you need without court intervention, open a separate account to which only you have access.
Check your credit score
Many people come to discover that their spouse has been making substantial purchases behind their back only when filing for divorce. Check your credit score in advance so that you can begin dealing with these issues, and consider using a credit monitoring service if you’re concerned about further spending on joint accounts by your spouse during the divorce.
Gather important documents
You’ll need to paint a complete picture of your finances for your attorney and for the court during your divorce. Begin to collect and make copies of important documents like tax returns, loan origination documents, account statements, and titles to property. Locating and compiling these documents early will also help to ensure that these documents don’t “disappear” before you can find them.
Consider how custody might be divided
Alongside your attorney, begin to plan how you might divide custody of any children you share with your spouse. Think about how you might argue for residential custody of your children, if that is what you think is best for your kids, or consider how visitation might be arranged. Having a well-thought-out plan in mind supported by considered reasons and evidence of fitness (or a lack thereof) will make your argument much more persuasive to a court.
If you are facing a divorce in New York, ensure that you have experienced, dedicated legal representation on your side by contacting the Hudson Valley family law attorneys at Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello for a consultation on your case, at 845-236-4411 (Marlboro), or 845-331-4100 (Kingston).
