Divorce is probably one of the more stressful things in life that an individual must go through.
It can be devastating not only emotionally, but also psychologically and financially.
There are several things that an individual can do to protect him or herself financially at the very least.
Most of the following are simple changes that must be made, but that are often overlooked.
Keep Separate Property Separate For the most part, property that is obtained before marriage stays the property of the original owner after the divorce has taken place.
Every married couple never intends to get a divorce.
Some couples are more proactive in their attempts to make certain items communal property between the two of them.
This may turn out to be a disaster if a divorce actually takes place.
Get Three Types of Checking/Savings Accounts This means, you should have your own set of bank accounts, your spouse should have his or her own set of bank accounts, and the two of you should share a set of joint accounts.
Each household manages money differently.
And many times, money is the reason for divorce, more so than infidelity! Money management is something that should be agreed upon before the marriage has taken place.
Sell Joint Assets Early On If things in the relationship are headed south, it may be beneficial to begin selling join assets early in the process.
This will avoid the nightmare that most couples go through during the divorce settlement process.
If joint assets have already been sold, it is no longer a determination of who gets to keep which item but rather a simple division of money reaped from the sale of these items.
Pull your Credit Report Another common issue between couples is the fact that partners do not know what the other is buying or spending money on.
Pulling your credit report is a good financial move regardless of what's going on in your life, as there are financial predators who aim to steal your identity and use it for their personal gain.
However, it is also a good move in order to see which claims you are implicated in, or which purchases you are responsible for.
Get a Good Lawyer and Comply with the Settlement Getting a good lawyer is very important.
A good lawyer will negotiate with your best interest at heart.
He probably knows the divorce process very well and will do his best to make sure that things go smoothly.
Once the settlement has been made, it is utterly important to comply with the settlement, even if only for the protection of your personal integrity.
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