Anyone going through their first divorce is – more or less – unready. There’s nothing you can encounter that will properly prepare you for all the complications and headaches that are undoubtedly coming your way. But that doesn’t mean you have to be totally baffled. There are a few universal tips you should know that will help you get started in the right direction.
- Plan Ahead Financially: If you think you will require spousal support after the divorce in order to maintain your current standard of living, take extra steps to ensure you’re getting the right amount. Your comfort and wellbeing could be on the line if you are granted too little per month. Additionally, start opening new accounts – bank and credit – in only your name now.
- Handle Your Own Taxes: It is common for one spouse in a marriage to process the taxes for both of them, year after year. If you’re going through a divorce, you need to do your own taxes, or have a specialist do them for you. Otherwise, there could be major issues when it comes to claiming property ownership and child dependencies.
- Gather As Much Information As You Need: The financial records and medical history of your spouse could be important when a court is deciding things such as spousal or child support, or who is eligible for child custody. If information is being denied to you, retain an attorney who can help you create subpoenas for the requested documents.
- Remain Civil: “Trash talking” your spouse can be one way to blow off some steam during a divorce, but it can also be used against you. Appearing volatile or unreasonable might jeopardize the legitimacy of your claims for spousal support or child custody. Additionally, do not keep children from your other spouse until a judge decides custody rights.
- Consider Your Safety: If emotions have flared to violent levels – or you feel there is reason for such an event to occur during the divorce – you should consider getting a restraining order against your spouse as soon as possible. You don’t have to wait for the divorce to finalize before obtaining one, and you don’t have to feel embarrassed by the fact that you want protection.
If you have more questions about divorce – or if you need help with any of the steps required during a divorce – you should contact our Queens divorce attorneys at Pollak & Slepian, L.L.P. today. We have over 70 years of combined experience and would be honored to show you the difference that can make in your divorce case. Call 714.414.6757 now.
