Once you have made the decision to divorce, you have taken the first step toward your new life. Unfortunately, once you do make the choice to end your marriage, there are many more questions you need to answer and decisions to make. Furthermore, there are a number of steps you have to take in order to prepare to file for divorce.
It is never as simple as making a call to a divorce attorney and then showing up in court in a month or two. Divorce is a long process that takes a significant amount of planning. The following steps can help you prepare for you divorce.
Assess your finances
Take a close look at the state of your finances. Make a complete list of your assets and your debts. Not only should this inventory include anything that you brought into the marriage or that is separate, but it should include all of your marital property. This will help you see exactly where you stand and what your various options are in terms of a divorce settlement.
Gather income documents
Proof of income is very important in terms of your divorce. Gather as much evidence as you can about your income and your future ex-husband's. This will be very important in order to determine both a fair settlement and whether or not you qualify for spousal support. If you cannot obtain copies of paycheck stubs, then prior year tax returns and even bank statements can provide the information you need.
Make a budget
Another item that will help you when it comes time to negotiate over the marital property, such as the house in Denver, is a post-divorce budget. By having a picture of what your income and expenses will look like after divorce, you will see how different settlement options will fit into your life and be able to choose the one that is the most beneficial.
Close joint credit accounts
If you and your husband have joint credit cards, close them immediately. The last thing you want is for your name to be associated with any additional debt, especially if it is not yours. If you leave these open, you risk your husband lashing out in anger and running up some heavy debts on the cards.
If you are planning to divorce, it is important to take certain steps to prepare. The above tips can help you get ready for the day that you file for divorce.