Although we are all trying to enjoy the holidays, some of us are using this valuable time to prepare for life moving forward as we look to a new year.
Now is the time to take the necessary steps to make changes in your life that you may have been putting on the back burner.
Maybe you want to change careers, take some classes, get married, or plan to start a family.
For those of you who have been thinking about divorce, it’s the perfect time to change your life and to prepare!
Preparation can help you protect your position and minimize liabilities during this important transition period in your life. Being prepared can also increase your odds of obtaining what you want in your divorce settlement.
If you have been thinking about getting a divorce in the New Year, you can do the following right now!
Start by gathering all of your important information:
- Individual tax returns for the last 3-5 years
- Business tax returns for the last 3-5 years
- Bank statements
- Pension statements
- Retirement account statements
- Stock portfolios
- Stock options
- Trusts
- Mortgages
- Credit card statements
- Loan documents
- Proof of your income
- Proof of spouse’s income
- Life insurance policies
- Health insurance policies
- Copy of any prenuptial agreement
- Copy of any postnuptial agreement
- Wills
- Living will
- Powers of attorney
- Healthcare directives
Next, analyze your lifestyle and get your budget ready. Begin by documenting what you are spending on:
- Rent/mortgage
- Utilities
- Cable
- Phone
- Internet
- Groceries
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Transportation
- Dental
- Life insurance
- Health insurance
For a complete list of what to consider you can send me an email and I will send you a FREE Statement of Net Worth—it’s a great help!
Make a list of what you want from your divorce. Consider the following:
- Custody
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Personal property
- Assets
- Retirement funds
- Real Estate
- Division of debt
- Life insurance
- Health insurance
- Jewelry
- Family heirlooms
- Car
Take some time to think about what you want. You can also discuss what you are entitled to with a divorce attorney/mediator. If you are looking for an attorney or mediator, you can research online, check reviews, ask for a referral from family or friends, or call me. I’m offering confidential and informational free consultations for anyone seeking help.
Take this time in your life to commit to moving your divorce forward and to make the rest of your life the best it can be. You deserve it!
Being unhappy, emotionally unhealthy, scared, manipulated, or even physically unsafe, is no way to live.
Call now to schedule your free consultation. 212.734.1551
I look forward to helping you prepare for your divorce and to moving toward a happier life in the New Year.
Warm regards,
Lois
Divorce lawyer Lois Brenner is a phone call away and available for an informative free consultation!
Call 212.734.1551.