Preparing for Divorce: What You Need to Do Now

So, you’ve made the decision to divorce. The process will be challenging, emotional, and fraught with uncertainty. But you can make the process significantly less confusing by reading over our blog posts and learning how to prepare. In this article, the Philadelphia divorce lawyers at the Law Office of Lauren H. Kane will discuss how to prepare for your divorce and what steps you should take before you serve the papers.

• Organize financial and legal documents – The one thing you have to know about divorce is that there are a lot of documents that need to be filled out. When you divide up your property, you’ll need to prove what assets you and your spouse own, how much those assets are worth, and who owns how much of the asset. You will also need to change several legal documents such as deeds to your homes or cars. You should organize and review these financial documents especially if you have concerns about your former spouse attempting to move money or hide assets during the divorce.

• Obtain a credit report – It’s not just assets that are divided during a divorce. Debts are also divided. A credit report can give you a clear picture of what debts will need to be addressed during the equitable distribution process. A credit report will also make you aware of any debts that your spouse has incurred without your awareness. This is particularly beneficial if you believe your spouse has been hiding their financial activities from you.

• Change your passwords – You’ll want to protect your personal accounts against the potential that your spouse could deplete them without your knowing. It’s always a good idea to change your passwords before initiating a divorce.

• Plan out child custody arrangements – For those with children, one of the most significant decisions you’ll need to make during your divorce is how to arrange for custody and visitation schedules. For example, which parent will make decisions concerning the child’s educational and healthcare needs? Will both parents have the authority to do this? How will the children split time between the two households once you’re separated? How much child support will you pay or do you need? Thinking about these questions early in the process can spare you some difficulty later.

• Hire an attorney – You should consult with an attorney early in the divorce process. It will be easier to make informed decisions with the help of a skilled family law attorney. A divorce lawyer can answer your questions and take control of the necessary paperwork so that you can focus on your personal well-being, your children, and the next chapter of your life. An attorney can help you successfully resolve your divorce by taking account of your goals and ensuring they are met.

Talk to a Philadelphia, PA Divorce Lawyer Today 

The Law Offices of Lauren H. Kane represents the interests of Philadelphia residents who are pursuing a divorce. Call our Philadelphia family lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin addressing your goals and concerns right away.