The importance of assessing your finances before divorce

It’s easy to get swept up in the emotional process of separating from your spouse and forget about the practical realities of a divorce. The truth is that the outcome of the divorce may have a lasting impact on your life. Therefore, it helps to have a holistic view and look beyond the emotional side of things to better ensure that you can safeguard your interests.

An excellent place to start is assessing your finances if divorce is on the horizon. This means taking stock of your current financial situation and anticipating the changes that will come about after the dust settles.

Proper financial planning can help you avoid nasty surprises

The sudden shift from double to single-income households could lead to drastic financial changes. A clear picture of your current financial position, including your income, expenses, assets and debts, will help you plan accordingly. You may also be entitled to alimony or child support or need to negotiate for your fair share of joint assets and debts. Without understanding your finances, it’s easy to make mistakes that could impact your financial future.

Protecting your financial interests

Knowing what you are entitled to from the marital estate will help avoid instances where one spouse hides assets or misrepresents financial information to shortchange the other. Some of these cases go unnoticed, and many end up with less than they deserve. It will be easier to notice red flags or anomalies if you know where things stand before the divorce.

Protecting your financial interests during divorce

Here are some steps you can take to prepare yourself financially for divorce:

• Gather all your financial documents, such as bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, credit card bills, mortgage statements, etc.
• Make a budget and track your spending habits.
• Review your credit report and score.
• Consult a financial planner or advisor.

Most importantly, it helps to seek legal guidance as early as possible to better protect your legal rights and financial interests. Divorce is never an easy process, and unexpected issues may arise. Staying ahead of the situation will increase your chances of a desirable settlement.