Going to divorce? Preparing well is vital for the future

Ending a marriage is a significant decision that will have implications for every member of the family for years to come. The long-term consequences of this decision will affect financial stability, and preparing well is a crucial step in laying the foundation for a strong post-divorce future. Thinking ahead can also allow a North Carolina spouse to save time and avoid additional stress when it is time to proceed with the divorce process.

Prepare now for the future

Finances are one of the most important considerations in any divorce, regardless of the income of either spouse. The following steps could be important for the financial well-being of someone who is preparing to divorce in the near future:

• Gather financial documentation, including proof of income
• Close any joint credit accounts
• Start working on building credit independently
• Evaluate and close any remaining accounts

It will also be important to establish a post-divorce budget based on projected future circumstances. Each spouse will experience some financial changes when separating and divorcing, and it’s prudent to prepare for that now. Adjustments to lifestyle may be necessary, but a budget can make it easier to adjust to these changes.

Thinking long-term

Long-term stability should be the priority when seeking a financial settlement during a divorce. Working with a North Carolina spouse may prove beneficial when considering how decisions will affect a spouse in the future. When considering terms, it will be helpful to remove temporary emotions from the equation as this could lead to choices that will not make sense long-term.