Things to Do Before Speaking to a Divorce Lawyer
Although our law firm can handle much of the divorce process on behalf of clients, we urge people to consider what they need to do before speaking with an attorney. At The Trotto Law Firm, we educate clients about divorce, making sure they start planning early in the divorce process.
Take Steps to Preserve Your Financial Position
Financial issues are the most important matters to address during pre-divorce planning. Some financial considerations include:
- Joint bank accounts. If possible, establish your own bank account to keep your cash liquid and ensure protection of your assets.
- Standard of living. Determine how much you spend on all aspects of daily living and draft a budget. Gather all the documents — tax returns, bills and bank statements — that you will need to support your budget.
- Credit card. Apply for a credit card independent of your spouse to establish credit.
- Marital debt. Try to limit purchases that might increase the marital debt. At the early stages of the process, you don't yet know how debt will be allocated and which spouse will have to pay it.
Tasks to Undertake Before You Speak With a Lawyer
Other tasks that you should consider during pre-divorce planning include these:
- Consider a legal separation. If you are legally separated, you can be covered under your spouse's health insurance. If you become divorced, you will have to provide your own health insurance.
- Document your goals. What are your hopes for custody, spousal maintenance and child support?
- Consider where you would like to live. Can you afford to pay the bills associated with living in your house or will you need something less expensive?
- Get counseling to help you deal with the uncertainty and anxiety that accompanies divorce. You have a long road ahead and it's important to obtain the support you need to travel it.
Performing some of these tasks will be more difficult after a divorce action is filed. Once the divorce process begins, relevant documents may be harder to locate. You can alleviate some of the stress of the process by thinking ahead. If you are contemplating filing for divorce (or suspect your spouse may be considering a divorce), you are welcome to consult with our lawyer to learn what to do before beginning the process.
Contact The Trotto Law Firm in Rochester, New York, to learn about pre-divorce planning and how you can begin protecting yourself right away.
