Don’t forget to prepare your finances for divorce

If you decide to divorce, it’s imperative to understand the impact it will have on your finances. Neglecting to think about this upfront can result in a variety of challenges and mishaps in the future.

The first thing you should do is gather all documentation pertaining to your finances. This can include but is not limited to:

  • Bank statements
  • Tax returns
  • Paystubs
  • Investment and retirement account statements
  • Mortgage statements
  • Credit card statements
  • List of all assets and debts

With these financial records in hand, you’ll better understand your situation and the steps to take next.

From there, turn your attention to your expenses. Once you know that the divorce process is coming, track all your income and expenses. This will help you build a budget, while also protecting against a situation in which your ex makes poor financial decisions that will impact the both of you.

While reviewing your expenses, refrain from making any big purchases. For example, now is not the best time to purchase a new car or home. These things may be on your radar, but it’s best to wait until the process is complete to take action.

Moving on, it’s always a good idea to save money during your divorce. Your financial situation is changing in many ways, so the more money you have in the bank the more comfortable you’ll feel once your divorce is in the past.

Finally, prepare yourself for the property and debt division process. You hope that everything goes smoothly, but there’s a good chance you’ll face some resistance along the way.

For instance, the both of you may want to remain in the family home. Negotiation and compromise is a must, especially when going through mediation.

No matter how much time you put into preparing your finances for divorce, there’s still a chance you’ll run into trouble along the way. When this happens, consider all your options and then do whatever it takes to protect your legal rights.

The divorce process typically results in property division and financial disagreements. The way you prepare for these disagreements has a lot to say about how things play out. By understanding your legal rights, you can devise a plan that puts you on the path to success.

Visit our website and read our blog for more information on divorce and related family law matters in Pennsylvania.

To speak with an experienced divorce lawyer, call (215) 750-0110 today. We provide FREE consultations.