Navigating divorce proceedings can be complicated, especially if you and your spouse share children or significant assets. If your wife is a stay-at-home mom, you may be concerned the court will award her full custody. If you own a business, you most likely have questions about how ending the marriage impacts your financial future. Working with an experienced divorce lawyer can help you understand these challenges and create a plan that protects your rights and interests. The following tips will make it easier for you minimize stress during the divorce.

1. Document Everything You Do With Your Children

A family law judge considers many factors when determining custody, including how much time each parent spends with their children. The court wants to see that you are attending school functions, extracurricular activities, and doctor’s appointments. Make a point of being present during these events and document it when you do.

2. Keep Your Financial Documents Secure

Your divorce lawyer will ask for copies of financial documents to determine what your assets are as a couple and as an individual. The attorney will need information regarding bank statements, retirement accounts, and investment portfolios. Once you have these documents on hand, make sure you keep them in a secure place that your spouse cannot access. You will also need to monitor these records to make sure there is no suspicious activity.

If you own a business, you should also schedule an appraisal to determine its value. Full disclosure is essential in divorce proceedings, so do not try to hide anything when gathering your paperwork.

3. Protect Your Privacy

If you and your wife shared a computer or tablet, there may be passwords to social media profiles, email inboxes, and financial service portals saved on the device. Change these credentials and enable two-factor authentication where it’s available. If your browser wants to save the new passwords automatically, disable that function to keep your spouse from gaining access to the accounts. Similarly, do not leave confidential documents in places where they are easily visible, especially if the two of you still live together.

Ending a marriage is a difficult decision, but working with an experienced divorce lawyer will help you make plans that promote healthy relationships with your children and soon-to-be ex. The Law Office and Mediation Center of Jeannine M. Talbot in Torrington, CT, will help you secure favorable child custody and support arrangements. Call (860) 482-9004 to schedule an initial consultation today.