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You might have heard that half of all marriages end up in divorce. That’s not true anymore, as the divorce rate dropped in recent years. Still, the divorce rate is high at 39%.
Divorce has many roots, but stupid decision or not, no one should be in a marriage that doesn’t give them fulfillment. If you’re one of many who have decided they want out of their current marriage, you’ll need to prepare for divorce.
It’s a lengthy, stressful process, so you’ll have to prepare for all areas. Here’s a handy divorce checklist to help you become organized.
1. Get a Respectable Lawyer
The first thing you should do when considering a divorce is to get a lawyer. You may get one even if the other party is not yet aware of your intention. That way, you can cover all your bases before your partner makes a move.
Try to ask around to find a reputable lawyer who can give you what you deserve. Try to search on Google, using the phrase “divorce attorney near me” to get someone within the area.
Whatever method you choose, be vigilant. Don’t let your partner know sooner than you intend to and get only the best lawyer you can afford.
An attorney’s purpose isn’t only to serve papers. It’s to guide you through this complicated process. They can teach you your rights and help you make the right decisions.
Make sure you talk to them first before making any decision, no matter how small.
2. Get All the Documents in Order
Gathering all the documents you need can be quite exhausting, so request a divorce checklist of all the documents you’ll ever need. In general, the following records will be important to the divorce proceedings.
For the legal documents, you’ll likely need:
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificates of children, if any
- Pre-nuptial agreements
- Wills executed during the marriage
- Licenses
- Temporary orders
- Social security statement
Your financial documents and assets are important, too, such as:
- Year-end statements
- Tax returns, including that of businesses
- Employment records
- Financial statements (e.g. bank statements)
- Loan information
- Trust agreements
- Debt records
- Children’s bank accounts, if any
- Retirement savings accounts
If you own any real estate, including rental and vacation properties, you’ll need:
- Mortgages
- Grant deed(s)
- Appraisals
- Tax assessor’s statement
These are the common documents divorce proceedings will need. For an exhaustive list, talk to your lawyer (and ask about a divorce preparation checklist, as well). This also doesn’t include the lists you have to make, such as that of monthly bills, personal property (e.g. jewelry, antiques), livestock, household furniture, and even marital issues leading to the divorce.
What If the Spouse Controls the Records?
From the moment you feel that your marriage is heading for divorce, try to gather as many documents as you can. It can be harder to procure such documents in the divorce process if the other party is the one who takes care of the household’s records.
Yes, you’re entitled to these documents by law. However, that doesn’t mean it will be easy for you to get them if the other party is doing their best to hide them from you.
It may take a lengthy process, subpoenas, and interrogatories to access them.
3. Change All Your Passwords
This is important if your spouse knows your passwords to your email, social media accounts, bank accounts, etc. Start with your email as it’s linked to all your other accounts.
Don’t skip this step as your partner might snoop on your accounts to get information. They may also cause damage by gaining access. Changing your passwords will protect you and your privacy.
Aside from your email, change all your passwords on your accounts on:
- Your electronic devices
- Social media (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
- Credit card accounts
- eCommerce websites (e.g. Amazon, eBay)
- Cloud services (e.g. iCloud, Dropbox)
- Bank accounts*
Keep note: you can only change the password if the bank account is yours alone. If it’s a joint account, neither side can touch it. Talk to your attorney first before making a move.
4. Pack Your Stuff in Advance
There’s no telling how your divorce proceedings can go; it can get nasty in a flash, so it’s best if you’re prepared to leave when you need to leave for safety or a whole other reason.
Note, however, that you don’t move out of a marital home as much as possible. You may not be able to go back until after the divorce settles. That aside, this act has legal ramifications that can hurt your side.
In the eyes of the law, you’re abandoning the family. The other side can play that angle to let the proceedings go in their favor. That’s why it’s not recommended to leave even if your relationship with your soon to be ex-spouse stays amicable.
5. Prepare Housing Arrangements
No matter which way the divorce process goes, you and your ex-partner will live in separate houses. Make sure you already have that covered before or during the divorce so you won’t have to deal with it afterward.
Keep in mind your children when looking for homes. You may look for a rental or a home you can afford that’s in a school district, for instance.
6. Get Emotional Support
Preparing for divorce is never easy, no matter how cooperative both sides are. The emotional toll it takes on either side is draining. You’ll need the right support system to get through it all.
You’ll need friends and family members to be there for you. You may also seek people going through the same mess; knowing someone can relate to you is a huge relief. You can also ask them how they’re coping and what they’re doing to manage the stress.
A therapist is always an option, too. It’s good for both you and the process if you can maintain emotional stability so you don’t make bad decisions.
Stay Organized With a Divorce Checklist
Divorce can be messy for all parties involved. You need to become as organized as possible in all areas to give yourself space and energy to deal with the process. Create a divorce checklist with the help of our tips above and your attorney to make the process easier.
If you need more help, don’t hesitate to explore our other guides right here. Get all the tips and advice you need, right here, today!
