Pre-Divorce Checklist: What to Do Before Filing

A divorce is something that should not be taken lightly. Such an event ends a marriage and can have financial and emotional consequences for all involved.

There are a lot of steps and documentation required in a divorce. It is easy to forget to do something, and one little mistake can negatively impact your life. That’s why having a handy pre-divorce checklist can be helpful.

A divorce can be overwhelming. It can be hard to remember every little detail. Avoid common mistakes by adding these items to your list.

Gather Financial Information

Make copies of all your financial information before you even mention a divorce. This includes pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, credit card bills, loan documents and anything else that shows your assets and liabilities. You’ll need these eventually, and it’s better to get these now while you can easily find them.

Get Personal Items Out of the House

If you have valuable personal items, get them away from your spouse. He or she might get angry and destroy or sell them. Stash your irreplaceable assets at the home of someone you can trust, such as a family member or close friend.

Pull Your Credit Report

Before you divorce, it’s a good idea to understand all your debts. A credit report will show all the accounts and loans in your name as well as the balances. Be sure to scan this and look for anything that doesn’t look right.

Change Your Passwords

If your spouse has access to your social media and online accounts, he or she can easily spy on you, which you probably don’t want at this time. Change the passwords to all your social media, email, banking and other online accounts.

Get a Post Office Box

Once you file for divorce, you’ll want to start separating everything, and that includes your mail. You probably don’t want your spouse getting a hold of personal mail, such as letters from your divorce lawyer. Redirect your mail to a P.O. box as soon as possible.

Get Health Insurance

If you don’t have your own health insurance (i.e. it is under your spouse’s employer), start looking at your options now. You don’t want to be without coverage, especially if you are dealing with your own medical issues.

Change Beneficiary Designations

You probably don’t want your ex-spouse to get all your assets in the event of your death. If you have life insurance policies, investments and retirement accounts, make sure you change the beneficiary. Do the same if  you have a will.

Contact a Maryland Divorce Lawyer Today

A divorce is a huge life decision. Make sure you are prepared for such an event by creating a checklist.

The Columbia divorce lawyers at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. can work with you to ensure you have everything you need to make your divorce as soon as possible. We have two offices to serve you. Schedule a free consultation by filling out the online form or calling (410) 774-5987.

Resource:

huffpost.com/entry/how-a-simple-divorce-checklist-can-keep-you-from-making-these-10-common-mistakes_n_8271322

https://www.marylandlawhelp.com/tips-for-recovering-after-a-divorce/

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