With the change of season comes the deep desire to start getting rid of
the old and bring 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 get 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. 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 is highly effective, and the
preferred divorce choice of millenials and spouses currently unhappy and
trapped in quarantine.
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 by telephone or TeleDivorce by Zoom or Skype to reduce
risk and maintain safety for everyone!
Stay Home, Stay Healthy & Stay Safe!
Warm regards,
Lois
Call New York Divorce Lawyer, Lois Brenner now to book your free consultation.
212.734.1551