Steps to Take Before Telling Your Spouse You Want a Divorce

You have thought about it for some time. Now, you have finally reached a decision. You want a divorce. It may seem as though the only thing left to do is tell your spouse. However, before you do, it is important that you take some steps to prepare. Below, our Orlando divorce lawyer explains what those are.

Obtain Copies of Documents 

It can be very difficult and expensive to obtain copies of documents from someone you have already told you are divorcing. To avoid the extra stress and cost, obtain copies of the following documents before you break the news to your spouse:

• Bank statements
• Retirement account statements
• Tax returns
• Credit card statements
• Brokerage accounts
• Real estate deeds and mortgage statements

Essentially, you will need copies of any financial account you and your spouse share, as well as copies of your own individual accounts.

Obtain Pictures of You and Your Children 

During a divorce, parents can sometimes become quite vengeful. Your spouse may try to argue that you were not involved in your child’s life or that you were neglectful. Pictures of you with your children can combat these claims. Find pictures of you and your children during happy times and store them in a secure place. It can also be helpful to have photos of you attending your child’s extracurricular activities, such as a school play or sports games.

Get a Medical Checkup 

Your physical health has more to do with your divorce than you may think. Your health will partly determine how much parenting time you receive, if you will require alimony, and more. You may also lose your health insurance if you are under your spouse’s policy. For these reasons, it is important to get a medical checkup before you start the divorce process.

Obtain a Copy of Your Credit Report 

It is important to obtain a copy of your credit report. This allows you to determine what credit cards are in both names, which is helpful when dividing marital property. It can also help you determine what creditors you owe, which is also information you will need during the divorce.

Change Your Passwords 

Even if your spouse did not know the passwords to your computer, phone, social media accounts, or email during the marriage, the chances are good that you are using passcodes that are easy for them to guess. Change all passwords to ensure that your spouse cannot access your information. Make sure your passwords are not easy for your spouse to guess.

Call Our Divorce Attorney in Orlando 

The divorce process is long and complex. You do not have to go through it alone. At Anderson & Ferrin, P.A., our Orlando divorce attorney can help you navigate the process and advise on the steps to take that will ensure your rights are protected and that you follow proper procedure so nothing hurts your case. Call us today at 407-412-7041 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our seasoned attorney and to get the legal advice you need today.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061.html