Once you and your spouse decide to divorce, you should understand the impact it will have on your future. Preparing your finances for divorce should be one of your priorities after making the decision to split from your spouse.
Here are five basic steps that will put you in a better position as you prepare your finances for divorce:
- Gather all your financial records. This includes, but is not limited, to bank and retirement account statements, pay stubs and life insurance policies. If it’s related to your finances, you will need it.
- Take inventory of your assets and debts. It can be time-consuming to do this, but it will give you peace of mind. Property division can be a sticking point for many divorcing couples, so you need to thoroughly understand what your assets and debts are in order to negotiate the best settlement that you can.
- Open individual accounts. This is a big step toward a better life in the near future. Close your join accounts and opt for those in your name only. For starters, open checking and savings accounts and apply for a credit card.
- Understand your budget. Since your financial situation is changing, your budget may need adjusting as well. For example, as a one-income family, you may not be able to keep up with your current level of spending. Adjusting your budget now can help you avoid future trouble.
- Get help. There are many sources of assistance to which you can turn, such as a tax professional and financial advisor. Furthermore, don’t hesitate to discuss your situation with trusted friends and family members, as they may be able to provide insight you’re overlooking.
If you neglect to prepare your finances for divorce, you may end up regretting it in the future. Conversely, if you follow these steps, you’ll feel much better about your situation and ability to live a better life once your marriage is over.
It’s never easy to prepare for divorce and discuss matters of property and debt division, but it’s something you need to tackle head-on in order to reach a better place. Being organized and knowing your legal rights can be quite helpful.