Every year in the United States more than 780,000 couples get divorced. Over 32,000 of these divorces take place in the state of Pennsylvania.
This can be an incredibly tough time for everyone involved. Having everything you need ready for your divorce can help things to go as smoothly as possible. This is where the divorce checklist comes in.
Not sure what you need to prepare for your divorce? Then you need our checklist for divorce. Read on to find out more.
1. Plan Ahead
A divorce is not something that most people rush into. However, as well as the emotional decision-making that comes with it, you also need to think practically.
If you are getting divorced, make sure you think about where you’re going to live during proceedings. During this time, it is also a good idea to have a budget in place so you stay on top of your finances.
If you have children then think ahead about how you plan to co-parent during and after your divorce. Be prepared that your ex-spouse may want to discuss this at length so keep that discussion on your divorce to-do list.
2. Make Sure Your Paperwork Is in Place
During a divorce, your assets will be discussed and divided between yourself and your ex. Because of this, you need to have all the paperwork for this in place. This includes:
- Personal information, such as your contact details, employment information, and current address
- Your proof of state residency
- Details of children and childcare arrangements
- Details of when you were married, along with your marriage certificate
- Social Security information
- A budget according to your current lifestyle
- Financial documents needed for divorce, including bank statements and tax returns
- Details of any assets you have, such as property, livestock, valuable items, or shares
- Insurance policy information
- Retirement account and pension information
- Information on any loans or debts you have
- Business records
- Copies of your will
It is important that you provide your own copies of the paperwork rather than relying on your ex to do so. This prevents either party from omitting information about particular assets.
It is also important that you provide a list of marital problems. If you can back this up with additional supporting materials it will also help your attorney.
3. Get an Attorney on Your Side
Getting an attorney on your side is very important if you are going to get a good deal.
An experienced attorney will be able to look through all of your documents and determine what you are legally entitled to out of your marriage. This includes who remains in the family home and how much child support you will get or pay.
They will also help you to tick off items on the divorce issues checklist, such as tracking down old paperwork.
They can take care of the practical side of a divorce. Because of this, you will be able to focus on getting the right support and enduring the emotional journey.
Stick to the Divorce Checklist
Planning ahead is key to having the most successful and pain-free divorce possible and the divorce checklist can really help. Planning ahead and getting a good lawyer on your side are an absolute must.
Get in touch today to speak to an experienced divorce attorney. We’re here to help.
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