End of the Year Tips for Those Considering PA Divorce in 2012
January is often cited as the most common month for divorce. Some couples wish to wait until the close of the holiday season in an effort to avoid upsetting family traditions. This is often the case for married couples with young children. Other couples may just wish to begin the New Year with a fresh start - namely, filing for divorce.
Whatever the reason, if you are living in Pennsylvania and considering filing for divorce after the New Year, the best thing you can do is take steps to prepare yourself now. Here are some tips to help you to be proactive and to make the divorce process as painless and stress-free as possible.
Gather Your Financial Documents
It is extremely important for you to have an understanding of your family’s finances if you are seriously considering going through a divorce. A detailed knowledge of your family’s financial situation will help you and your divorce attorney to protect your rights, so educate yourself as much as possible in this regard. Before you file for divorce, begin gathering all of your financial records. This documentation includes your bank and credit card statements, retirement account information, mortgage statement, etc. Keep an eye on the mail for year-end statements and other tax information. You should make copies of everything and retain the copies in a safe place outside of the marital home. Give the copies to a friend or family member you trust. You should also obtain a copy of your credit report and monitor it throughout the divorce process.
Find a Local Divorce Attorney
As a potential party to a PA divorce, you must do what you can to protect yourself by choosing competent, high-quality legal representation. By securing an experienced, local PA divorce and family law attorney for your case, you can ensure the best possible outcome for your divorce. The divorce process is complex and can be overwhelming for many people. A thorough knowledge of the legal processes of divorce, child custody and other family law matters can substantially ease your anxiety and help you make better, more informed decisions about your case. A good divorce lawyer can help you understand issues like how child support, spousal support and alimony care calculated; what factors are taken into account for Pennsylvania child custody determinations; and how the court will likely divide your property.
Never proceed to PA family court without an experienced PA divorce attorney. The issues involved in divorce, child custody and other family law cases are far too important, and the risks are far too great. Without proper knowledge of the applicable laws, you cannot make informed decisions about these extremely significant issues. Contact a Montgomery County, PA divorce attorney now.
Open New Bank Accounts in Your Name
Plan ahead by opening new bank accounts in your name only. This will allow you to financially prepare yourself for the future. You should establish accounts that are only in your own name, including checking, savings, credit cards and retirement. I generally recommend opening new accounts at a different bank entirely.
Once you have hired a divorce lawyer and opened new accounts in your name, I recommend to my clients that you create a new email address that your ex-spouse does not know of. This way, you can receive correspondence confidentially without the possibility of your ex-spouse accessing it.
Save Money
Throughout the holiday season, consumerism thrives. Do your best to refrain from exorbitant spending so that you can put away some money (in your own bank account) to secure funds for legal and other professional fees. This is particularly important if your spouse controls access to your family’s money, as it is common for one spouse to attempt to cut off the money supply for the other as the divorce proceeds. Make sure that you have money that is secure and available to you only.
Update Your Estate Plan
As a part of financially preparing for your divorce, you should be sure to revisit your estate plan. Divorce is a major life event that necessitates updating your estate planning documents, including your Last Will and Testament, Durable Power of Attorney, Advance Health Care Directive and Living Will. With the assistance of a PA estate planning lawyer, there are some steps you can take prior to your divorce in order to prevent your ex-husband or ex-wife from making medical decisions on your behalf and other important estate planning considerations. You should have your attorney evaluate issues like who will be the executor of your Will and how children from your current marriage will be affected if you are ever to remarry. You should also change the beneficiaries you have listed on your life insurance policies, IRAs, etc.
Beginning a New Year can often inspire a fresh start. If you realize that you are heading in the direction of proceeding with a Pennsylvania divorce, preparing now will benefit you greatly in the long run.
Jason Martin, Esq. is an experienced PA family law attorney who assists clients seeking divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support and alimony in Montgomery County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County and Philadelphia County. Contact The Martin Law Firm for a no-obligation, confidential consultation.