Checklist for Getting Divorced in the New Year

Making Sure You Are Fully Prepared

Many people file for divorce at the beginning of the new year; for them, the start of a new year can mean getting a fresh start in multiple areas of life. Divorce can be complex, however, and those who are filing will want to be sure they have adequately prepared for what is to come.

For those filing for divorce, consider this checklist to help you be sure you have done everything you can to give yourself a good head start.

Review Your Paperwork

Divorce involves a lot of paperwork, especially at the onset of the process. Part of your checklist should be to review the paperwork you’ve prepared and determine if you need to fill out anything else to submit. Keep in mind that Ohio has different form requirements depending on whether or not you and your spouse have children; those who do have children will have additional forms that they must complete and turn in.

It isn’t enough, however, to just be sure that you have all the necessary paperwork completed. You will want to double-check the forms you have filled out and ensure that the information you have provided is both complete and accurate. Mistakes made during this phase of the divorce process can cause unnecessary complications and add both time and cost to your divorce.

List Out All Your Assets

Part of your paperwork is an inventory of your assets, both marital and separate. This step in the divorce process can be rather lengthy, especially if you own many assets. It’s best to get started on this process as soon as possible to ensure that you are able to do this step both completely and accurately.

Gather Important Documents

The paperwork you submit for a divorce is not the only documentation you are going to need in the process. You will need various types of documents ranging from identification documents to financial statements and many more. Begin gathering these documents now so that you have them when you need them and don’t have to search for them later in the process in a panic.

In addition, be sure to make copies of important documents and keep them all in a safe place. While no one plans on this occurring, a spouse who is angry about your divorce may try to seek revenge by destroying any documents you’ve gathered to create a headache for you in the process.

Plan Out Your Finances

Divorce can be a costly process in more ways than one. Beyond the obvious attorney retainer and court costs, you also have to consider how you may be impacted in asset division as well as what your finances will look like when your divorce is finalized. To put it simply, divorce is expensive, and failing to realize this and make plans ahead of time could prove even more costly.

Start by beginning to curb your spending where you can. While you should always purchase your necessities, you may be able to find areas to cut down your spending and better save money. In addition, you also know that you are going to lose a source of income at the end of your divorce; begin making projections now as to what your income will be in addition to any expenses you will have so you can have an accurate picture of your financial life after divorce.

Consult with a Family Law Attorney

Your most valuable resource when preparing for a divorce is an attorney who has worked through many divorce cases and understands the process and requirements. Your attorney can guide you on how best to prepare for your divorce and can make sure you have what you need as you begin the process. At The Law Offices of LeeDaun C. Williams LLC, we know that sometimes the knot just unravels. When it does, know that our team is here for you and can help you navigate your divorce.

To learn more about divorce or to schedule a consultation with our Cleveland attorneys, call us at (216) 350-8511 or visit us online.