Unfortunately, not all marriages last forever. At some point in the relationship, a couple may no longer be compatible. If you think a divorce may be in your future in Michigan, there are some things you should do to prepare.
Copy documents
You should go through household files and make copies of tax returns, bills, bank statements, check registers, retirement account statements, wills, Social Security statements, mortgage documents, car registrations, credit card statements, etc.
Consult an attorney
An attorney can help you be informed of your legal rights and responsibilities. If there are things you shouldn’t be doing during the divorce process an attorney can let you know. Giordano Law, PLC offers free initial consultations to help clients learn more about the divorce process in Michigan.
Gather information about your spouse’s income
If your spouse earns a regular salary, it is likely easy to find a pay stub or W2 form, or to identify their income level on previous tax return documents. If they’re self-employed, own a business or receive payments in cash it may be more difficult to determine their earnings. Though much of this information can be discovered during the actual divorce process, gathering relevant information beforehand, if possible, may be beneficial to your attorney when analyzing the facts of your case.
Put your kids at the top of any agenda
The divorce process can be hard on children. It is important to keep their schedules as normal as possible and stay involved in their academics, sports, activities, etc. Further, no matter how hard a divorce process may be, it is important to encourage the relationship between the children and their other parent and to shield your children from any negative comments about your spouse.
Know the household budget
If you haven’t been involved in paying the bills each month, now is the time to learn how much money is going out. This includes the mortgage, utilities, and other household expenses. Also keep track of how much you spend on a daily basis so you can know how much you need after the divorce is finalized.
A divorce is never an easy process but with planning and an attorney to help, you can stay informed and be ready for a fresh start when the divorce is finalized. If you are interested in learning more about which process may be right for you, contact our office to schedule a free consultation.