With Spring right around the corner, the change of season comes with the deep desire to start getting rid of the old and bringing in the new.
Cleaning out the closets, getting organized, opening up the windows, and airing out the house. It feels good!!
Now that many of us are still staying and working from home due to the coronavirus, getting organized is a welcomed pastime.
For those of you thinking about divorce, this is a productive time to get divorce-ready and organized.
Here are 5 Helpful Tips:
One of the questions I often hear when we book a consultation is, “What
documents do I need?”
That’s when people start scrambling to find all their paperwork.
So….
1.) Locate and Organize your Financial Documents
a. make a list of all your financial documents;
b. locate them;
c. make copies.
As part of your divorce preparation, knowing about your finances, and gathering the documents will give you solid knowledge and power. This will also save you time, expense, and anxiety. Once you gather all the documents, make a copy for yourself. You may want to put the copies in a safe place in your home until you are ready to hire a divorce attorney/mediator.
2.) Please Check Your Credit
I’ve seen so many clients get side-swiped by not knowing about their credit. Don’t be one of them. During your marriage you may not have been paying attention to your individual credit. As a woman, if you are going to be newly single after divorce, your credit will be critical to your financial wellness. Please get a copy of your credit report now! This way if there are any discrepancies or issues, you can start working on fixing them.
Also keep a close eye on your joint credit card statements. Especially if you think your spouse is cheating. You may just find purchases your spouse is making for a girlfriend or a boyfriend. This documentation will be valuable once you get your divorce underway!
3.) Get a Bank Account and Credit Card in your Name!
If you don’t have your own bank account or credit card, you should! Be discreet. Use a different bank from where you have your joint accounts. Open both a checking and savings account in your name only. Apply to different credit card companies, but do not use your home address, and do so before you will actually need the credit card. All of this can be done online.
4.) Know your Tax Situation.
Divorce will change your future tax status. Divorce may mean a significant change to your income structure. There may be spousal support, capital gains, and sale of investments and assets. Tax considerations account for some of the complexity of dividing assets in divorce.
5.) Put Together Your Divorce Dream Team.
Divorce is complex, costly, and can be painful. But it doesn’t have to be. Consider a divorce mediator, a financial planner, and a therapist. Select what works best for you. If cost is a consideration, and an amicable approach is possible, consider mediation.
My psychologically-based divorce mediation process is highly effective, and the preferred divorce choice for many couples looking to save money and to divorce quickly.
If you find yourself thinking of divorce, get ready, get prepared, and call me.
I can answer all your questions and walk you through the process. I know it can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. I can help!
Take advantage of a free one-hour consultation with me.
During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic all our
FREE 1 HOUR CONSULTATIONS are conveniently
conducted virtually to reduce risk.
Stay healthy and safe!
Warm regards,
Lois
Call New York Divorce Lawyer Lois Brenner now to book your free consultation.
212.734.1551