Learn helpful tips to protect yourself if considering getting a legal separation or divorce
Create an Asset Inventory
One of the main aspects of any divorce will be dividing assets and debts. When considering getting a legal separation or divorce, it will be helpful to make a rough list of the real property (land, houses, condos, etc.) and personal property (bank accounts, retirement accounts, vehicles, etc) you and your spouse own. Do your best to then find an approximate value for each of the assets.
Pull Your Credit Report
Often times one spouse had handled financial matters during a divorce so you may not be aware of all debts that were acquired during your marriage or that exist at the time of separation. Because outstanding debts must be properly addressed, preparing a list of debts will be important. One of the best ways to do this is to pull your credit report to ensure you are aware of all debts associated with your social security number.
Stay Quiet on Social Media
Anything you post on the internet can (and likely will) be used against you if your case has to proceed to court. Prior to your case starting, it is recommended that you pause, delete or significantly increase your privacy settings on your social media accounts. This will help ensure that something you may have posted about years ago can’t come back to haunt you.
Determine Your Post Separation/Divorce Budget
One of the most difficult parts when getting legally separated or divorced can be going from having one household and two incomes to having to support two separate households. Sitting down and determining what you anticipate your monthly expenses will be following the divorce will help you make important decisions, including what debt you can agree to take on and whether you may need or can provide financial support.
Consider Finding a Counselor For You (and Your Children)
The separation and divorce process can be stressful and overwhelming at times, so having an outlet for those feelings is very valuable. The same will be true for your children. If they are involved in counseling during the process, they too will have an outlet for their feelings surrounding the significant changes that they will also be experiencing.
Hire a Qualified Family Law Attorney
The court paperwork and processes involved with getting a legal separation or divorce can be complicated but hiring an experienced family law attorney can take the stress off of you by ensuring everything is done correctly. In most jurisdictions, hiring an attorney also allows you to avoid having to make several trips to the Courthouse as your attorney can typically be present on your behalf for most hearings and for presenting paperwork. While you may spend money upfront, hiring an attorney can save you time, money and stress in the long run.
–Kiley Anderson, attorney at law
Contact our office today to speak to Spokane family law attorney, Kiley Anderson, for assistance.