Divorce can be one of the most challenging periods in anyone’s life. Beyond the emotional turmoil, there are numerous practical steps to ensure your safety, financial security, and overall well-being. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you navigate through this difficult time.
1. Evaluate Safety
- Personal Safety: If you are in a domestic violence situation, prioritize your safety and that of your children. Contact local women’s shelters and the police. Shelters often have programs that can provide temporary safe housing.
- Pets: Ensure the safety of your pets. Take them with you if possible, or arrange for a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member to care for them.
2. Financial Preparations
- Cash on Hand: Have at least two weeks’ worth of cash readily available. This is crucial if your spouse cuts off access to shared accounts.
- Protect Joint Accounts: Transfer half of the funds from joint accounts to a separate account in your name. Keep detailed records of all transactions for legal purposes.
- Freeze Joint Credit Cards: Either freeze joint credit cards or set up notifications for any charges to keep track of spending.
- Open New Accounts: Open new bank and credit card accounts in your name to ensure financial independence.
3. Secure Your Home
- Change Locks and Codes: Change the locks on your home, update alarm codes, and relocate any hidden spare keys.
- Secure Garage Access: Change garage door codes and ensure you have all remote openers.
4. Protect Digital Privacy
- Change Passwords: Update passwords for your voicemail, email, social media accounts, banking, and shopping websites. Consider creating a new email account for communicating with your attorney.
- Social Media: Stop posting on social media and avoid changing or deleting past content. This could be considered destruction of evidence in court.
5. Document Assets
- Inventory Assets: Create a detailed inventory of your assets, including serial numbers and pictures. Use apps designed for this purpose to simplify the process.
- Credit Report: Obtain a copy of your credit report from annualcreditreport.com. This will help identify any unauthorized credit taken out in your name.
- Tax Returns: Gather copies of your tax returns, which contain valuable financial information.
6. Manage Communications
- Separate Cell Phone Account: If you share a phone account with your spouse, consider getting a separate account to ensure continuous service.
- PO Box: Set up a post office box to secure your mail and ensure privacy.
7. Update Legal and Insurance Documents
- Auto and Home Insurance: Update auto and home insurance policies to reflect any changes in ownership.
- Beneficiaries: Change beneficiaries on life insurance policies and other accounts.
- Estate Planning: Update your will, health care directives, and any other estate planning documents. Ensure that your ex-spouse is no longer listed as a beneficiary or power of attorney unless you specifically want them to be.
8. Legal Proceedings and Court Orders
- Temporary Orders: If the court grants you temporary use of the home or other assets, ensure you have legal documentation.
- Title Transfers: Make sure title transfers and deeds are promptly recorded with property records to reflect new ownership.
9. Post-Divorce Considerations
- Change Locks Again: Once the divorce is finalized, consider changing the locks and alarm codes again to ensure security.
- Separate Utility Accounts: Make sure all utility accounts are in your name and update billing information accordingly.
- Financial Planning: Consult with a financial planner to reassess your financial situation and plan for your future.
10. Communication with Children
- Text Communication: Ensure reasonable communication with your children when they are with the ex-spouse, but respect the visitation periods and avoid excessive or disruptive messaging.
By following this checklist, you can protect your interests and navigate the divorce process with greater confidence and security. Remember, it’s crucial to work closely with your attorney throughout this process to ensure all legal requirements are met and to receive personalized advice tailored to your situation.
Contact Boswell Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you.
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