Divorce and bankruptcy can be overwhelming in and of themselves, but when faced with both at the same time, it’s imperative to set your priorities. According to the legal team at Ray T. Kennington, Attorney At Law in Ozark, AL, divorce and bankruptcy often go hand-in-hand, and there are benefits to when and how you file each. It’s always best to have an attorney at your side when dealing with family or bankruptcy law, as the smallest details can significantly impact the outcome of your case—especially with back-to-back filings.

If you’re facing divorce and bankruptcy, it’s usually best to file for bankruptcy first. Since you and your spouse are still together, debts and other financials can be combined into one case. This may increase exemptions and alternatives, as well as cut down on the legal costs of hiring an attorney. To make this work, you and your spouse need to be on civil terms. Plus, if you can handle bankruptcy first, the divorce will be much easier.

If you and your spouse are on bad terms, it may be better to handle the divorce first. You can’t file bankruptcy and divorce simultaneously—one has to be completed before the other begins. Asset and debt division during divorce may also make you eligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy rather than Chapter 13, depending on the difference between you and your spouse’s income. While, in this case, legal headwinds may be much smoother, the cost required to process your divorce may negatively impact your finances leading up to the bankruptcy filing.

No matter how you decide to prioritize your legal needs, it pays to contact an attorney at Ray T. Kennington, Attorney At Law, before moving forward. Their attorneys specialize in bankruptcy and family law and will work through every phase of your case to achieve the best possible outcome. Call (334) 445-1200 today to schedule a consultation, and visit their website to learn more about their practice.