1. Gather important documents.
This includes important legal documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. It is also important to gather financial documents such as bank statements, mortgage information, and tax returns.
2. Contact an attorney.
It is important to have an attorney represent you during the divorce proceedings. They can help to ensure that your interests are protected and that the process proceeds smoothly.
3. Draft a budget.
This will allow you to determine how much money you will need for living expenses during and after the divorce.
4. Determine child custody and visitation arrangements.
This can be a difficult process, but it is important to come to an agreement so that each party knows what to expect.
5. Decide who will leave the family home.
This can be a contentious issue, but it is important to come to an agreement so that everyone involved knows what is happening.
6. Notify friends, family, and employers.
It is important to let people know about the impending divorce so that they are not caught off-guard.
7. Transfer bank accounts and other assets.
You will want to make sure that all of your assets are transferred into your name so that you do not lose any money during the divorce proceedings.
8. Close joint credit cards and cancel subscriptions.
It is important to close all joint credit cards and cancel all subscriptions in both of your names in order to protect your credit score.
9. Create a new will.
This is important in order to make sure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death.
10. Update your beneficiaries on life insurance policies and retirement accounts.
You will want to make sure that your beneficiaries are updated so that your loved ones receive the money they are entitled to after your death.