Divorce is rarely easy, but there are steps you can take to preserve your rights. In Hudson Valley, NY, the divorce lawyers at MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. instill in their clients the importance of knowing their rights as they go through the process. This can improve your odds of achieving a favorable outcome once the proceedings are complete.

Know Your Rights: A Divorce Lawyer Offers 3 Crucial Tips

1. Secure Documents & Personal Records

First and foremost, make sure all pertinent records and documents are secure, yet accessible. This includes bank and financial statements, birth certificates and other forms of identification, and property deeds. If there are records listing shared property or accounts for you and your spouse, it’s vital you make a copy of these documents for your records. Your ex may attempt to claim something as personal property, when in fact, it was jointly shared.

2. Itemize Marital Property

In the same token, make an itemized list of any marital property. A thorough inventory is key in this event, and some people even make a video record of their belongings for further clarification. Not only does this provide the court a physical representation of items, but the date and time stamp on any recordings will also lend validity to your claims.

3. Refrain From Signing Preliminary Documents

Your ex may request you sign preliminary documents or agreements related to custody or asset division. Under no circumstances should you sign anything without the input of a knowledgeable divorce lawyer. You might be agreeing something that can’t be remedied, and, in some cases, not even your legal team can have these agreements overturned.

Whether you have questions about employment law, need assistance with commercial litigation, or are considering a divorce, MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott, P.C. is poised and ready to be your trusted legal guide. Learn more about how a skilled divorce lawyer can help you by visiting the website. If you’d like to schedule a consultation at this Middletown, NY, firm, please call (845) 343-3000 today.