Thinking about divorce? Take these steps now

If you are reading this post, chances are that you are considering filing for divorce. If this is the case, you are definitely not alone, especially this time of year. Many couples decide to divorce before the holidays, but choose to put off the filing until the holidays are over for their children’s sake or for tax purposes.

However, even if you have not yet filed for divorce, there are still steps that you can take to prepare. In an article on our website, we discussed several of these steps relating to finances at length, including ascertaining all marital assets and debts, locating and preserving papers and password, understanding earning capacity, establishing credit, and consulting a lawyer.

Perhaps the most important first step to take when considering a divorce is to locate and make copies of all important documents. This includes all financial account statements, legal records such as your marriage license and any important contracts such as a prenuptial agreement. It’s wise to make copies before the divorce proceeding starts in case your spouse is unwilling to hand over documents.

Next, even if you aren’t ready to file for divorce, it would be wise to start meeting with family law lawyers so that you can find a lawyer who best suits your needs. Once you decide on a lawyer, you can then discuss preliminary issues, including the type of divorce proceeding that may be most appropriate in your case such as mediation, collaborative law or traditional litigation.

Taking these steps right away can help preserve your rights and interests during your divorce, even if it still might be a few months down the road.