If your marriage is no longer what it used to be, you might be considering meeting with a divorce attorney. If you do decide to move forward with the separation, there are a few steps you should take before you officially file. In the coming weeks, start utilizing the tips below to better preparing for this transition.

3 Tips to Prepare for a Divorce

1. Start Building Your Own Line of Credit

It’s very normal for couples to build lines of credit together, whether they’re shared credit cards, financed vehicles, or mortgages. However, if you don’t have a lot of credit in your own name, you’ll want to start establishing some before you get a divorce. This will ensure you have enough history to prevent obstacles with renting an apartment or getting a car once you’re on your own.

2. Review Your Finances

Divorce lawyers often say that one of the most difficult transitions for those who end a marriage is learning to make financial adjustments. To ease this strain, it’s crucial you evaluate your current assets to ascertain a realistic sense of what you’re capable of managing later on. This will also help you figure out what a fair share of shared assets should be during negotiations later on. You can do this by reviewing both individual and shared accounts, as well as your personal income, any debts you have, and the current real estate market compared to what you think is a feasible monthly budget.

3. Start Keeping a Journal

Journaling won’t just help you maintain a healthy state of mind during an otherwise difficult period. Keeping a record of your experiences, conversations, and concerns during the pre-divorce process will also serve as useful evidence during negotiations. Giving the judge a bit of insight into your day-to-day might help when it comes to agreements regarding child custody and spousal support. 

If you’re considering ending your marriage, turn to Thomas A. Corletta, Attorney & Counselor at Law in Rochester, NY. This knowledgeable divorce attorney has almost 40 years of experience guiding individuals through the associated proceedings and offering guidance to ensure the most favorable outcome. Visit his website for more information, and call (585) 546-5072 to schedule a consultation.