There is typically an increase in the number of new divorce filings early in the year. This may be partly due to people waiting for the holidays to end, while others may simply have simply resolved to make a major change in their lives.
In fact, because divorces are so common early in the year, some family law attorneys refer to the first working Monday of the year as “Divorce Day.”
If you are thinking about filing for divorce in 2018, you may wonder what steps you should perform before initiating the process. Taking these three actions early in the year can help prepare for the process.
1. Collect Your Financial Data
One of the biggest issues that spouses need to resolve is the distribution of assets. Taking inventory of your income, debts, expenses and savings will help streamline the divorce process on your end. This information can also be beneficial when calculating possible alimony or child support payments.
2. Log Out Of Social Media
It can be tempting to post important details about your life on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms. The unfortunate reality is that any social media posts you make can be used against you during divorce proceedings. If you need to talk about your upcoming divorce with friends or family, do so over the phone or in person.
It is also a good idea to comb through your post history and remove any posts that could be incriminating.
3. Determine What Your Goals Are
Divorce is a major moment. It is possible that you have certain goals as you transition into this new phase of your life. Reflect on your current situation and determine how you want your life to look once you are single.
It can also be a good idea to discuss these goals with your divorce attorney, too. When your attorney understands what your goals are, they can develop a plan that better situates you to achieve them.
