Considerations For Women Before Filing For Divorce

For women facing a divorce, there are several things to consider prior to actually taking any steps in the legal process. Most mistakes that women make prior to filing for divorce have to do with marital finances, lack of knowledge about family assets, poor planning regarding financial needs after the divorce and insufficient evidence required for child custody disputes.

Take a few minutes to go over the following items, and prepare yourself for a smooth, successful divorce proceeding.

5. Learn as Much as You Can About Your Family Finances

Example: Obtain bank statements, copies of tax returns, credit card statements, and investment accounts (including your checking and savings accounts).

4. Prepare a Budget for After the Divorce

Consider the amount of money you'll need to survive.

Other considerations: Are you currently working? Are you going to school or should you go back to school?

3. Decide What You Want to Do With the Marital Home

Consideration: With the economy the way it has been, often couples are dealing not with how to divide the assets, but how to allocate the debts.

2. Keep a Journal in a Safe Place

In case divorce and/or child custody becomes adversarial, you will want to have a record of events.

Examples to track: Events involving your husband or children, text messages, e-mails, photographs, etc.

1. Talk to an Experienced Family Law Attorney in Your State

Don't just go any attorney. You'll need an attorney who is experienced in family law, but also one who is compatible with your personality.