Five Important Steps To Take When Preparing For Divorce in Los Angeles, California

At the Land Legal Group, our Los Angeles, California divorce attorney knows how difficult ending your marriage can be. Preparing for a divorce can be even more stressful, but maybe a necessary component for those who do not have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement in place.

There is a lot to consider when the idea of divorce becomes a reality. When it is time to prepare for this life-changing event, there are five important steps you can take to plan for the next steps.

Step One: Understand your household finances.

If you do not currently have access to bank statements, including savings, retirement, or investment accounts, now is the time to get up to speed.

If asking your spouse for the information outright will compromise your position, it is possible to access your combined tax returns directly from the IRS. Likewise, if you are listed on bank accounts or other assets, you have direct access to those accounts by contacting the banks directly and requesting balances and statements.

The more you know about your finances when we begin working on your divorce, the better positioned we will be to apply a strategic approach to getting the best results.

Step Two: Create an emergency fund.

This is especially important if you have very little access to your household finances. Consider the fact that once the divorce is announced, your spouse may remove your access to bank accounts, credit cards, or ATM transactions. You are going to need money to survive, and creating an emergency fund – as you would for a job loss or other emergency – it just smart.

Step Three: Make a personal plan to leave.

If announcing that you want a divorce is going to mean leaving your home, you are going to need somewhere to live. Consider the expenses associated with renting an apartment, or determine who in your support group can house you while the divorce is processed.

Step Four: Write things down.

Emails, text messages, and social media behavior can become valuable evidence during divorce proceedings. This is especially true when child custody is a component of your divorce, as you will be able to demonstrate the other parent’s involvement in your child’s activities and everyday life.

The more information you have recorded before filing for the divorce, the more prepared we will be to fight for the custody rights you deserve.

Step Five: Build a positive support group.

Divorce is a polarizing topic for most people. And when it comes to friends and family members, you can be sure everyone will have an opinion on your decision to leave the marriage.

It is important to surround yourself with positive people who will support you today and going forward. This person, or group of people, will differ for everyone. It could be a therapist. A sibling. A best friend. No matter who you choose, the important aspect of this relationship is that you trust the person to be kind and stand beside you during this difficult process.

This is especially true if children are involved. They, too, are going to need emotional support and will rely on you to keep them safe by avoiding any negative conversations about their other parent.

How Can The Land Legal Group Help Me Prepare For A Divorce?

When a divorce becomes the only viable option for moving forward with your life in a positive way, our Los Angeles County divorce lawyer will provide the guidance you need to remove the anxiety from the process. Our law firm acts as a family advocate who will outline your divorce in its entirety, so applicable terms for child custody, child support, and spousal support are all prepared confidently.

If you are considering a divorce and are not sure where to turn, contact our Los Angeles, California divorce attorney at the Land Legal Group today by calling 310-552-3500 to schedule a initial consultation. Our experienced divorce lawyer will deliver clear-cut advice to provide the confidence you need to move forward with your decision, so you can start anew.