Domestic & Family Law FAQs

 

Q: What Do I Need To Prepare For A Divorce?

 A: You probably didn't expect to go through a divorce when you married, but that doesn't mean you can't prepare for the process.

 

• A divorce requires a monetary commitment. In most cases, you'll need to hire a divorce attorney who can help make financial and procedural decisions, advocate for your rights, and help you obtain the best possible settlement or outcome from a trial.

 

• Time is also a factor. Non-contested cases can get resolved in as few as 30-90 days, while more complex cases may last as long as a year.

 

• Gathering of financial information as possible and make copies. Include anything that affects your financial standing, including mortgage payments, investment and retirement statements, tax returns, credit reports and loan records. You should be prepared to disclose your entire financial position.

 

• Creating a detailed list of your assets, debts and income - and be specific. If you don't have a strong sense of your finances, don't hesitate to rely on your divorce attorney for help.

 

• Gathering details about your spouse's income, which is available on your previous years' tax returns. (With your attorney's help, your spouse can be ordered to produce this information or have it subpoenaed from an employer.) Naturally, you'll keep your divorce costs down when you and your spouse voluntarily provide more information.

 

Start establishing your own accounts for checking, insurance, credit cards, etc. If you and your spouse have equal access to joint accounts with assets, your divorce attorney may advise you to withdraw half the funds to prevent your spouse from removing all the money and putting you into a financial bind.

 

Additionally, if you have children, one parent may be ordered to pay child support to the other parent. Numerous factors get considered by the court when determining child support, including both parents' income; custody arrangements; and extraordinary expenses, such as daycare, health insurance, private school, etc.

 

And, finally, the potential for problems doesn't end after your divorce is complete. So maintain contact with your divorce attorney for guidance on issues such as changing your will and life insurance policies. If your spouse is a beneficiary for your assets, you'll likely want to make changes.

 

Schedule your free divorce assessment today by calling (314) 534.0800 or clicking here.