Advance Planning for Divorce Proceedings
Clients of the Houston, Texas, family law firm of Myres, Dale & Associates, P.C., frequently hear us urge divorce clients to make early preparations for potential challenges that will arise during the course of the divorce proceedings.
Complete conflict avoidance during a divorce is next to impossible. There are steps you can take during early divorce planning, however, that will help save time and money.
Gather Financial Information
Part of planning for a divorce is organizing the proper documentation. Collect current and past financial records. Preserve the financial facts before they begin to change. Collect tax returns, bank statements, a listing of financial accounts and locations. Acquire information on your assets and your liabilities. Is there a safety deposit box? What's in it? Obtain credit reports for you or your spouse. Do you have a credit card in your name?
Find out what you owe on your house. How much equity do you have? What's the monthly mortgage payment?
Document Parenting Issues
Planning for a divorce should include documenting the relationship each parent has with the children. Gather information from teachers, doctors, neighbors, ministers and child care providers. These people are knowledgeable about parenting skills and may make good witnesses.
Consider the Timing
Practical planning for a divorce includes getting health check-ups for yourself and your children. If you have a serious health condition, it may affect the divorce strategy.
Will your children graduate from high school soon? Are you close to completing a college degree? Consider whether you should postpone a possible divorce until after these milestones are accomplished.
Think About Your Living Situation
Temporary separate living arrangements can be one of the most costly aspects of a divorce. Consider creative alternatives: Does your property have a garage apartment? Does a working spouse have access to a corporate apartment? Does a family member have an extra bedroom?
Plan for the Future
If you have not been working outside the home, you may need to seek employment; are you employable? Have you considered child care needs if you must work? Children spell love T-I-M-E. Do you need to decrease your work commitment to spend more time with your children as the divorce proceeds? Will your family need counseling?
Think About How You Want the Divorce to Proceed
Litigation is stressful. Are there alternatives to going to trial in your case? Do you want to attempt to negotiate an agreement using mediation, a collaborative law process or arbitration? Are there facts about your case that make traditional litigation the preferable choice?
Get Early Legal Advice
Part of successful planning for a divorce includes seeking early legal advice from a qualified lawyer. Schedule a confidential consultation with an attorney at Myres, Dale & Associates. Call toll-free 866.506.1221 or send us an e-mail.
