Your Divorce Checklist

Ending a marriage can be both legally and emotionally complicated. One of the best ways to make this process go as smoothly as possible is to have a plan in place when setting out. We’ve included a few steps that can help you when preparing for your own divorce, but if you still need help navigating this process, or want to learn more about divorce in Florida, don’t hesitate to set up a meeting with a member of our dedicated Fort Lauderdale divorce legal team today.

Gather Important Documents

Couples who have decided to file for divorce can help simplify the process by collecting important documentation ahead of time, including

• Marriage documents, such as prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, estate planning documents, the parties’ marriage license, and copies of life insurance policies for both spouses;
• Financial documents, including a list of joint assets and debts, records related to retirement plans and investments, income-related documents, copies of the parties’ joint tax returns for the past five years, a list of the contents of any security deposit boxes, and a list of the parties’ household expenses; and
• Other important documentation, including log-in credentials for joint accounts, vehicle titles, and property deeds.

While couples who go through divorce will usually be required to submit to a full financial disclosure, having this documentation ready ahead of time can simplify the process and ensure that both parties remain honest.

Take Steps to Separate Your Life

Entering into post-divorce life requires a lot of changes and couples can help simplify this transition by focusing on:

• Opening a separate credit card or bank account;
• Protecting their information, which concludes changing passwords to email and social media accounts;
• Itemizing their belongings, including personal items, family heirlooms, and other separate property; and
• Updating their insurance documents and amending any power of attorney designations.

In addition to taking these steps, a couple will also want to address where the parties will live while the divorce is pending.

Figuring Out Your Living Arrangements

Many couples want to physically separate once they decide to get divorced, meaning that at least one spouse will probably have to move out of a shared residence. Deciding which party stays in the home can be complicated and could be at least partially dependent on whether the couple shares children, in which case the primary caretaker may want to remain in the home. If two spouses are unable to agree on who will remain in a shared home, they may need to ask the court to decide who gets exclusive use of the property while the divorce is pending. It’s also a good idea to speak with an attorney before moving out to make sure that no one is giving up a right to the property by relocating.

Hiring a Lawyer

Even couples who are intent on an amicable divorce could end up in conflict with a soon-to-be former spouse. One of the best ways to avoid this and to ensure that the parties’ rights are protected is to retain an experienced attorney, so if you are preparing for divorce, consider reaching out to dedicated Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. today. You can reach us by phone at 954-945-7591 or via online message.

Source:

floridasupremecourt.org/content/download/326948/file/05-117_FullPageRules.pdf