If you’ve decided that your marriage just isn’t working out or your spouse just told you he/she wants a divorce, there are certain steps you should be taking to protect yourself and your children.
- Try to remain calm and collected, and don’t let your anger get the best of you. If you are feeling frustrated and angry, don’t allow yourself to make any rush decisions. Avoid screaming and mudslinging, especially in court!
- Talk to a friend or therapist. Get some emotional support if you need it.
- If you have been served with divorce papers, consult with a divorce attorney ASAP as time is of the essence. Discuss everything with your attorney – if you don’t understand something, ask for clarification. Make a full disclosure about your situation, assets and liabilities.
- Consider closing joint bank accounts. You may want to take half the money from the account, but make sure you document what you do with that money.
- Open a bank account in your own name, but keep good records. It may still be considered marital property.
- Close or freeze joint credit cards and lines of credit, and get a credit card in your own name.
- Gather important financial information, such as bank statements, mortgage statements, tax returns, pay stubs for you and your spouse, etc.
- Try to make temporary financial arrangements with your spouse for taking care of ongoing bills and the needs of the children.
- If possible co-operate with your spouse to make your divorce quicker and cheaper.
- Be open to reconciliation, mediation or settlement instead of trial.
- If you have children, assure them that they are loved, and the divorce is not their fault.
- Sever your emotional and financial bonds tying you to the other spouse. Learn to be self-reliant.
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