Helpful Actions To Take Before Divorce

Divorce Lawyer

Divorce. It is one of the most painful and life-changing events a person can go through. Only the loss of a loved one is harder to get over. When the end of a marriage is imminent, is there anything that can be done to prepare? Some preparation can start before the court process. Discover a few helpful actions that may prove beneficial while trying to move through the process of legally ending a marriage.

Establish Individual Credit

Money is a fundamental element of every marriage. Many couples share everything jointly from the time they say “I do” until they separate. This means that all accounts and credit are dependent on the other. Before filing for divorce, establishing an individual bank account may prove beneficial for a few reasons. It eliminates the worry that the other spouse will drain all money before the divorce. It also helps to gain independence, even for spouses living on one income. In many states, if one spouse brings in the income, they cannot cut the other spouse entirely until that one either gets a job or is awarded alimony.

Create a Budget for During and After the Divorce

Because money is so crucial to everyday life, understanding how to manage it during a divorce and beyond may help alleviate stress. It may not be a pretty picture, but looking at the financial situation honestly and openly will prove more beneficial than ignoring things. Create a budget for during the divorce and one for living as a single person afterward. A post-divorce financial picture may not become evident until much later, but having a general idea can help divvy up expenses. It can also help make decisions such as whether or not to remain in the marital home or if a new place will be more affordable.

Find a Support System

A divorce can be isolating, especially if there are not a lot of people around who have been through it. Finding a few people that can provide emotional support is crucial to getting through the process. This might come in the form of a therapist or counselor, family, friends or a group therapy setting. It is not a good idea to discuss a divorce on social media. These posts can become evidence against you should the proceedings be divisive.

The decision to divorce and the process itself is personal. Since each person deals with it in their own way, a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective. Perhaps the best thing that a person can do before divorcing is hiring a qualified divorce attorney, such as from Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC, to help navigate the tricky waters ahead.