If you are facing divorce, there are several things you can do to protect yourself. Here are my 5 Steps to Take Now if You are Facing Divorce:
1. Get a handle on your finances. Know what you own, what you owe, the income of your spouse and the household expenses. Your lawyer will need all of this information to properly advise you. Be sure to photocopy records in case your spouse starts trying to hide assets.
2. Documents and safeguard personal property. Inventory and photograph your household furniture, art, jewelry and other items of value. Inventory and photograph the contents of the safe deposit box or family safe your family may own. Also, photocopy any important documents in the safe or safe deposit box (if you did not already do so when collecting the financial records). It is unfortunate, but often these documents and property will disappear once the divorce process starts so get your proof in place now.
3. Decide how to handle the credit accounts. If a divorce is imminent, you do not want to be liable on any accounts on which your spouse has charging privileges. It is not unheard of for an angry spouse, upon learning of a divorce, to go on a shopping spree. Likewise, some lawyers may advise their clients to take out cash advances on joint cards to provide a cushion while the divorce is pending or to charge a large amount in lawyer fees on joint cards. You will want to consider canceling such joint accounts or at least reducing the spending limits.
4. Do not leave the home without legal advice. I know that things are stressful. I know that they will get worse once your spouse knows you are definitely moving forward with divorce. Unfortunately, there are several reasons to avoid leaving. The most important ones are the following: it could jeopardize your custody claim (if you leave the children in the home with your spouse), it could affect your property interests in the house, and you will lose leverage in the negotiations.
5. Talk to a qualified, experienced divorce lawyer. An experienced divorce lawyer I know is fond of telling his clients that you do not need a lawyer to get a divorce, but you need them for the consequences of your divorce. He is right. You can likely get a divorce by finding some forms on the Internet or hiring a lawyer that advertises for cheap uncontested divorces. If you have no children, a marriage of only a year or two in duration, no assets or debts have been accumulated during the marriage, and you and your spouse agree on everything, then you probably do not need a divorce specialist. Otherwise, you would be well served to talk to someone who does specialize in divorce and family law.
And now I'd like to invite you to learn more about Alabama divorce laws, the divorce process and other tips on finding the right divorce lawyer in Alabama when you visit http://www.AlabamaFamilyLawBlog.com
From Michael Sherman - Alabama Divorce Lawyer, Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and named to The Best Lawyers in America.
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Published by Miami Florida Family Law Attorney Gil Izquierdo, Esq. www.MiamiFamilyLawyer.net. To learn more about his services or to schedule a no-charge, no-obligation consultation contact him now ›