3 Ways to Prepare for a Divorce That You Did Not See Coming

 Posted on October 30, 2020 in Divorce

For some couples, the idea of planning for divorce seems downright unnecessary. Not everyone sees the end of their marriage coming, even when it has been unraveling for some time. It is easy to remain in denial or to be so swept up in work, friends, and other activities that you do not realize the marriage is over until the warning signs are unmistakable. Marriages can end suddenly, and when they do, couples are often left to race around and pick up the pieces, with little to no preparation at all. 

How to Start Preparing for an Illinois Divorce

If you were not expecting your relationship to end so abruptly, you may be left with little choice but to face the music and begin chipping away at the filing process. Even the most peaceful splits entail a great deal of work from both parties. From arranging parenting plans and discussing possible spousal maintenance to dividing assets and planning for relocation, your hands will likely be full as you are thrust into the separation experience.

If you, like many spouses, feel blindsided by your suddenly imminent divorce, you can make the filing process as efficient as possible by making the following preparations:

• Gather your financial information right away - Whether you are accustomed to a comfortable lifestyle or live very modestly, your number one priority when you decide it is time to divorce should be to gather your financial records for a full inventory of the debts you owe, your income, and your expenses. Collecting this information right away will help give you a clear picture of your budgeting needs and options and will also serve to highlight any problem areas that need to be addressed. 

• Separate your finances - After you have collected all your relevant financial records, your next course of action should be to separate your money from your spouse’s money. For example, open up your own checking and savings account (if you do not have one already) under your own name. If you are eligible for any kind of credit, now is also a good time to open up a credit card account under your name, too. 

• Take stock of sentimental belongings - When it comes to belongings, there are certain items that are simply irreplaceable. You and your spouse will eventually settle the division of property and other valuable assets as a part of the divorce proceedings, but do not let family treasures—even small ones—that hold special sentimental value fall through the cracks. It is easy for these items to get lost in the shuffle when divorce happens quickly. Take stock now of any family photos, heirlooms, or mementos that are of special importance to you, and attempt to collect what you can right away.

Contact a Naperville Divorce Lawyer

Another way you can effectively arm yourself with the resources you need to handle a sudden separation is to enlist professional help. Working with an experienced attorney who is well-versed in family law matters and a qualified financial advisor can make a significant difference in the overall experience. Contact a DuPage County family law attorney today to address your immediate concerns and secure the proper legal representation you need to protect your rights. Call Calabrese Associates, P.C. at 630-393-3111 for a confidential consultation.

Source:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/karen-covy/how-a-simple-divorce-checklist-can-keep-you-from-making-these-10-common-mistakes_b_8271322.html