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As divorce attorneys, we often see the effects spouses must face when they attempt to end their marriage without proper planning. Preparation is key for everything we do in life and, considering how much is on the line when dissolving a marriage, it is particularly crucial to carry out certain steps before leaving your spouse. Doing so can mean the difference between a bumpy ride and smooth sailing, so continue reading to ensure you navigate these troubled waters with relative ease.
Planning for a Smooth Divorce
In addition to being an emotionally challenging process, divorce is also incredibly complex, which is why preparation is so vital. A substantial amount of paperwork, including financial documents, are necessary to ensure all assets and property are properly divided, so no one ends up with the short end of the stick.
Here are some steps you should take before you get the ball rolling on the divorce process:
- Gather all pertinent financial documents: Unsurprisingly, spouses are not always forthcoming or helpful during the divorce process, so if you put off this step, you might experience some difficulties obtaining certain financial documents from your spouse. Gathering these documents will be a much easier task if you get started before you inform your spouse of the divorce. Financial documents you must obtain include pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns.
- Change and secure your passwords: It is not uncommon for spouses to know each other’s passwords. If you plan on leaving your spouse, now is the time to start changing your passwords to ensure your spouse cannot access any of your personal information or accounts after you announce your decision to file for a divorce. No matter how amicable you expect your divorce to be, you can never truly predict how your spouse might react. Take the right steps to protect yourself just in case.
- Preserve as much electronic evidence as you can: Take pictures of your valuables, such as jewelry, paintings, and furniture and store them on an external hard drive. You should also take pictures of VIN numbers for your vehicles and other important assets you need to keep track of. It is not uncommon for spouses to attempt to hide assets, so documenting them through photographs and storing them on a computer or external hard drive will come in handy if something goes missing.
Contact a Compassionate Divorce Attorney Today!
If you are planning to get a divorce, you must secure skilled legal counsel. At Miller Cushing Holladay, our divorce team is backed by more than 35 years of combined legal experience and a commitment to helping clients navigate the most complex legal matters. Taking this crucial step can make a big difference in the success of your case, so make sure to reach out to our team as soon as possible.
Contact us today at (704) 810-1400 to schedule a private consultation to discuss your situation. You do not have to go through this on your own.