How to Protect Oneself Through a Divorce

According to the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology, nearly 50% of first marriages in the United States in end divorce.

Going through a divorce can make you feel like you are alone during a difficult, confusing time in your life. Issues with credit, child custody and division of assets can pile up and you may not know where to start. However, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself as you progress through the divorce process.

Instructions

1. Hire a lawyer. No matter how amicable the divorce, you will need a lawyer to guide you through the legal process of ending your marriage.

2. Determine which lines of credit are joint accounts and which are in your name only, then determine which of the joint accounts have outstanding balances and which are paid off.

3. Cancel all joint credit accounts that are at a zero balance.

4. Contact the credit service for any line of credit that has an outstanding balance and freeze the account. You will have to still pay minimum payments until the divorce is finalized, but this will prevent your spouse from driving up the balance.

5. Take inventory of all marital property. If possible, use a camcorder or camera to make a visual record of all joint assets.

6. Work out a plan for housing with your spouse if possible. Continue sharing the home until the divorce is settled or work out a time share situation. Do not move out, especially if children are involved, as this can hinder any claims you might make to custody or property.

7. Secure emotional support. Losing a marriage partner can be devastating. Make sure that you do not neglect your mental health while securing your financial and personal future.

8. Keep a journal. Record purchases and contacts that you and your spouse make as well as interactions with any children that might be involved. Record only the facts, not how you feel about them.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek help and advice from friends that have gone through a divorce, as many of the problems you face are common to all divorces.

References

• S.P.A.R.C.: Steps To Protect Yourself During Divorce
• Bankrate Archives: Getting a divorce? Protect yourself financially
• Divorce Statistics