The decision to get a divorce is an important one. That being said, many people are unfamiliar with the process and unsure of what they need to do before they begin a divorce.
Meet With More Than One Attorney
If you are thinking about getting a divorce, it is a good idea to meet with a minimum of three attorneys. It is important to retain an attorney who you trust and who you feel understands your goals. You should look for an attorney who is knowledgeable about the issues in your case. You should also know the hourly rates for each attorney you speak with, so that you can make an informed decision
Get Organized
It is also important to organize your finances and have a good idea of what you/your spouse have for real property, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investment accounts, life insurance policies, debts, personal property, and any other financial assets that have been acquired during the marriage.
The attorney you retain will also likely request recent statements for all financial accounts (checking, savings, retirement, investment, etc.), the past three years of tax returns, last three paystubs, recent mortgage statements and any other debt statements (credit cards, car loans, etc.). It will be very helpful once you retain an attorney if you have already gathered and made copies of these documents.
Create a Budget
You should also have an idea of what your monthly expenses are. This should include rent/mortgage payments, utilities, car payments, vehicle maintenance, gasoline, groceries, eating out, travel, clothing, etc. The budget does not need to be precise, but it should be a good snapshot of monthly expenses and the standard of living during the marriage.
If you are thinking about starting a divorce proceeding or are unsure of what you should do to prepare for an upcoming divorce, please call us today at 952-800-2025 or reach out via our online contact form to set up your free consultation.
