3 Tips You Need To Know When You File For Divorce

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Divorce can be a difficult and stressful time in your life. By taking the right steps, you can protect yourself during a divorce situation. Here are three tips to help you survive an upcoming divorce.

Be First to File for Divorce

If you know a divorce is coming up in your future, it can be beneficial if you are the one to file for the divorce. Filing first gives you the chance to take the time to find an attorney, like Andrew H P Norton, who is best for you. It is usually a good idea to interview and talk to several divorce attorneys before you retain one, so you will need some time to set up and complete these appointments. Then, you can get your documents together before you file and save up the money to pay your attorney's retainer fee. And, by filing first you won't be scrambling to gather the money to hire your own divorce attorney.

When you meet with your attorney, you will learn information about the law and the divorce process so you will know what to expect. This can help you be prepared for making beneficial and smart decisions during the divorce process. Also, because you are making the first step to file for divorce, you will feel more in control of the situation, and will not be in a defensive position or be taken by surprise. 

Protect Your Credit 

If you and your spouse can get through the divorce amicably, then the process will be much easier. But, not all divorces can be completed with both parties remaining friends, so it is important you take steps to protect your credit. 

If you have any joint credit card accounts, close them before filing for divorce. This will prevent your spouse from charging up these accounts and help prevent you from incurring any further joint debt that will need to be handled in the divorce.  

Then, you will need to apply for your own credit card while you have reasonably good credit. A divorce situation can ruin your credit. For example, if your spouse is angry at you and chooses to get back at you by not paying bills in your name. If you open your own credit account now, then after your divorce you will still have a credit card in your name that you can use to help build up your credit.

Protect Your Finances

As you are preparing to file for divorce, you should take actions to protect yourself financially. According to a recent American Express survey, 66 percent of married couples have joint checking accounts and 51 percent have joint savings accounts. 

First, you should open a checking account in your name. With your own checking account, you will have a place to put some money you will need to pay for expenses during your divorce. In addition to retaining a divorce attorney, you may need to pay for things, such as buying your own vehicle or paying for your own place to live. 

Next, you should decide what to do with any money in your joint account. If you leave the money in the account, your spouse may pull it all out once you file for divorce. If you pull all the money out yourself, it can make you look bad in court during your divorce. A more reasonable action you can do with funds in a joint checking or savings account is to pull half of it out and put it into your own checking account.

Then, make copies of your bank statements and other financial accounts, including your tax returns, so you have them for when you file for divorce. These will be used to determine any alimony or child support decisions during your divorce. Make copies of all records of any property, investments, or other assets held in your marriage, so your spouse can't hide anything from the courts.

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31 August 2015

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