With a New Year right around the corner, many people are contemplating making big changes in their life – including filing for divorce. Regardless of if you are planning to get divorced, or if you are in the middle of it, there are a few things you can do to help ensure you are prepared.
The fact is, divorce is serious and if you aren’t careful, you may make some costly mistakes when 2018 arrives. One of the best things you can do when planning for divorce is to hire an attorney; however, the tips here may also make the process a bit easier.
In the New Year, you may be planning on cleaning out, getting things ready for taxes and more. However, before you lose track of any important paperwork, make copies of it and then keep them in a safe place. This is especially important if you have joint accounts or other things that your spouse may take away if you file for divorce. Make sure to get copies of everything that may be relevant. This will help ensure you have the information you need about assets when it is time to file the paperwork.
Make sure to list all of the main items in your home. This includes things such as automobiles, appliances, jewelry, artwork, furniture and more. Make sure you also check any storage areas in your home, as well as any safe deposit boxes you have. It is important that you know what marital assets you have, especially if you may lose access to them if you were to move or make a change in the New Year.
The first of the year is a great time to take an inventory of what household expenses you have, and what your budget is. If you can, go through yours and your spouse’s check register for the prior 12 months and write down everything. Keeping track of the cash you are spending will help you determine the expenses and who contributes what to the budget.
Perhaps the most important thing you can do if you are facing a divorce in 2018 is to consult with a divorce attorney. They can review your situation and help you know what steps need to be taken to ensure you get what you want out of the divorce. Try not to rush into a decision and find the right lawyer who has death with similar cases in the past. This will help ensure you get the best possible outcome for your divorce situation.
If you are facing a divorce, it may be tempted to move out and move on as quickly as possible. But if you want the best possible outcome, make sure to use the tips here. More information about filing for divorce and ensuring you are prepared for 2018 can be found by consulting with an attorney.
If you want to learn more about filing for divorce, contact the attorneys at Estevez-PazosLaw Firm, P.A. by calling 305-717-7130. They can help ensure you are prepared for the situation that you will be facing at the first of the year.
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