What Women Should Know Before Filing for Divorce
Divorce is stressful for all involved, but women tend to get the short end of the stick. Unlike what is portrayed in movies, women are not looking to screw over their spouses or hide assets. Not all are looking for revenge. On the contrary, many are uneducated about the divorce process and need guidance from a lawyer who can offer them solid advice.
Women in general are in search of answers. They want to make the right decisions and they want a fair outcome. Many are undecided about their next steps. They are unsure if they want to stay or leave. If children are involved, women are often very concerned about how the divorce will affect them.
If you are a woman considering divorce, it is best to be prepared. Good preparation will help you financially and emotionally. Here are some things to know before you end your marriage.
Understand Your Household’s Financial Situation
While many married women have a job, pay bills and have a solid knowledge of their family’s finances, many women are in the dark. They leave the bills to their husbands, and as a result, they have no clue. They may have no knowledge of their husband’s income or expenses. This is not acceptable. Before meeting with a lawyer, make sure you have a good idea of how much you can spend on the divorce and what your finances will look like post-divorce.
Start Saving Money
The average divorce costs more than $15,000. While there are some ways to lower that cost, you’ll still need a huge chunk of cash to divorce. If your spouse decides to stop supporting you financially, you’re going to need money Open up your own account and start putting away money. Borrow money from a friend or family member if you have to.
Get Organized
A divorce requires a significant amount of paperwork. You’ll need tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, credit card statements, mortgage statements, deeds and other documents showing assets and liabilities. You will likely have many appointments, attorney correspondence and other documents. Get a file together of your divorce-related paperwork so you have everything in one place.
Reduce Expenses
After a divorce, two incomes become one. Even if you get alimony or child support, you’ll essentially have to survive on your own. Start cutting expenses now. If you have two vehicles, sell one. While you may be set on living in the marital home, it may make more sense to downsize and rent an apartment. Stop eating out. Get rid of any unnecessary expenses, such as the cable bill when you don’t even watch TV.
Seek Legal Help
Divorces are major events and everyone, especially women, need to be prepared. Don’t handle such a situation on your own in order to save money. Get good advice from an experienced family law attorney.
If you’re considering divorce, make sure you understand your legal rights. Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney Edward J. Jennings, P.A. can help you understand your options and get you a fair outcome. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call 954-764-4330.
Resources:
usatoday.com/story/money/2018/11/26/how-much-does-cost-get-divorce-most-expensive-states/38446243/
forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2019/08/09/why-women-should-seek-out-financial-advice-before-divorcing-or-separating/#6fb153d8f2b8
https://www.ejj-law.com/what-to-discuss-with-your-divorce-lawyer/
