Before you Say I Don’t, Please Do…

 Saying “I don’t” is a hard decision to make. Maybe something just happened or maybe it’s been years in the making.  Before filing for divorce or separation, there are some steps you should take to make sure you are ready for the impending battle. Note: Not every case has to be a battle. Regardless of the amicability of the divorce, these tips are still helpful:
1. Get your support partners in place. Find a friend or two you can confide in without hesitation. You will need these people. Support partners are not limited to friends. They include therapists, religious advisors, life coaches and any other person you consider to be a healing presence in your life.
2. Gather the evidence. Regardless of whether your case settles or goes to trial, you will need all of the following documents: Last 24 months banking and credit card statements; car registrations; deeds to real property; any appraisals of real property that occurred right before marriage; escrow documents for all home purchases; refinance documents; statements for retirements, pensions and 401k’s; documents evidencing any inheritances received during the marriage; last three years federal and state income tax returns.  Should your case go to litigation, the list of documents that may become relevant gets much larger.
3. Be prepared. Divorce litigation can be mentally, spiritually and financially taxing. Get your ducks in a row. Make sure you are ready for the fight. I suggest all client’s workout for a minimum of 90 minutes daily while going through this process to let off some steam. Get your finances in order. Get your money lined up (or saved) to hire an attorney, or make sure there is available credit on your credit cards to hire someone. You don’t want to be scrambling to pay your advocate.
4. Engage in some pre-filing planning: Maybe there are unique issues to your case that require “pre-planning”. I see many clients who want some strategies on certain issues before filing for divorce. Hiring your lawyer a couple months before filing can be a good idea. For example, hitting the 10-year anniversary in your marriage can have serious ramifications. Consulting with your lawyer well before that anniversary is advised if your marriage is in troubled waters.
By becoming organized and having your exit strategy in place, the divorce process will be much easier to manage. You can be divorced by the end of summer if you are prepared.
For more information on how to best exit your marriage, call 2014 -2017 Super Lawyer of the Year Denise Placencio, Esq. at 877-317-8080. Your future and your kids deserve the very best.