Five Things to do Before an Imminent Divorce

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5 Things to Do Right Away

Before You Are Served with Divorce Papers

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If you know there is a strong possibility of a divorce in the

near future, it is recommended to start planning prior to

being served. Since there is a 50% chance of a divorce

between you and your spouse’s and your relationship

has been on the decline for a lengthy period. It is better

to be prepared by doing some of these tasks now:

Important Documents

If you have important documents, paperwork, and other

records move them to your lawyer's office or a friend's

residence. The reason is it is not uncommon for your

spouse to be sly and search your shoulder bag, desk,

files, suitcase, car, phone records, bills, and laptop or

pc/mac, searching for financial data and other proof to

use against you later.

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Bank and Brokerage Accounts

If you have a joint bank account together visit that bank

and split the joint account into two equal amounts and

open a new account in your name using that half. If you

make the most money do not leave your kids and your

current spouse without any money to live on. This will

only exacerbate the situation and you'll end up paying it

anyway. Continue to have the debts paid and then

inform your future-ex of what has occurred. The same

goes for any joint brokerage accounts. While it is true

there may be tax consequences it has to be done.

Joint Loan & Credit Cards

Close all joint credit and loan accounts by disclosing such

to the financial institutions; close charge cards and

revolving credit lines by certified mail with a return

receipt that you are no longer liable for the charges and

fees from your current spouse. It may be possible to

open a new account. Following this, Inform your current

spouse so she is not embarrassed at the gas station when

the credit card does not work.

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Living Expenses

Two people, with one being your child, are generally

unable to live on less than one, and even more so if they

are living apart and attempting to support two

households. Therefore, when living separately, it is an

optimal time to trim your expenses as much as you can.

Close any unnecessary monthly bills such as extra cell

phone numbers, land-line telephones, premium cable tv

packages. However, do not cut off the utilities on your

children and your spouse without giving them ample

notification. Make sure you can back this up later

because leaving your spouse and children without

electricity or heat in the winter time does not make you

appear favorably with the family law court judge.

Use a Divorce Attorney

Find a good experienced family law attorney by arranging

a consultation as soon as possible. Do not become

worried, there are some attorneys who offer FREE initial

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consultations. In the very first discussion, you will leave

their offices with a solid strategy and some good advice

for your individual situation in regards to your spouse,

children, work, custody rights, visitation, costs, time lines

and more. Among the divorce advice you'll receive is that

you'll be advised to not sign any documents prior to

them reviewing it. There may be other matters to discuss

as well depending on your situation.

Author: Justin DiMateo