In the business world, a company will create an exit strategy to leave an investment while minimizing its overall losses. A divorce exit strategy works the same way, giving you the chance to leave your marriage with minimal complications and losses.
If you’ve searched online for “divorce lawyers near me,” then you know how many options are out there and how difficult it can be to decide on the right divorce lawyer or law firm for you. Let’s look at the exit strategy checklist to help you through your divorce and explore how Youngblood Law, PLLC, can help.
Start by Writing Everything Down
Your first step should be to start a journal and write down any important information about your marriage. This information could include dates, names, facts, or anything else that might help. By gathering evidence now, you’ll make it easier for your divorce attorney to argue your case down the line.
Once you’ve started your journal, keep it in a secure location that only you can access. Your spouse could easily undermine your eventual case if he or she accidentally discovers your journal.
Remain an Active Parent
If you and your spouse share children, it’s crucial that you remain an active parent. Not only will this help their development, growth, and self-esteem, but it will also improve your case once the divorce proceedings begin.
Be sure to note in your journal the times that you took your children out for recreation or meals, ways that you were there to show them support, your involvement in their education, and anything else you can think of that might clearly show your presence in their lives.
Gather Information and Protect Your Data
Once you’ve started your journal and taken note of how you show up for your kids, it’s time to collect necessary documents and make copies for evidence. If you share a bank account with your spouse, download relevant bank statements and postings. Copy receipts, especially for mortgage payments, utilities, and any other large expenses.
As with your journal, be sure to secure your personal data. If your spouse knows your passwords, change them before collecting evidence. If there’s a chance your spouse might notice, simply create a new email account that only you know about.
Prepare for Your New Future
Setting up a budget is often difficult, but it’s even more challenging to do this if you and your spouse have shared finances for years. Be sure to consider things like spousal support, child support, and any other costs associated with the divorce process.
Don’t Take on New Debt
Even in a collaborative divorce, spouses will have to divide assets and debts. It’s best to remain frugal and keep your finances stable until you and your spouse complete divorce proceedings. If you take on any new obligations during this period, you could complicate your case even before hiring a divorce attorney.
Separate Your Finances
The next step is to open an individual bank account. In general, one of the most challenging aspects of divorce law and divorce proceedings has to do with finances. By opening up a new account ahead of time, you’ll make it far easier to transition to living on your own.
Once you’ve set up this account, start funding it to help you through the transition. Be sure to budget enough to support yourself and your children but be careful not to take out any funds in other accounts that might belong to your partner.
Look Into Other Healthcare Choices
If you have insurance through your spouse’s insurance policy, you will need to get your own insurance after the divorce. Your coverage will end once you finalize the divorce proceedings. If your spouse has insurance through work with family coverage, you may need to consider getting separate insurance for your children or keeping your children on your spouse’s policy.
Talk with Your Spouse
Talking to your spouse is often the most difficult step of the process, but it’s also the most necessary. Try to keep the talk amicable if possible and remain calm. This will not only make the process easier, but it can also help improve your case down the line.
It’s not easy to focus on custody, finances, assets, and other concrete aspects of divorce proceedings. It can be even more difficult to take stock of the emotional impact a divorce can have on you. Be gentle with yourself, not just in this step but throughout the proceedings.
Youngblood Law, PLLC: Definitive, Decisive, Dedicated
Do you need the advice of a divorce lawyer in Texas? Before you continue to search for “lawyer for divorce near me,” know the experienced and compassionate attorneys at Youngblood Law, PLLC, can assist you. We believe that divorce proceedings don’t need to be toxic, and we work to help build a new and happy future for our clients.
Call us today at (817) 601-5345, or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.
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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Youngblood Law, PLLC
2501 Parkview Dr Ste. 500
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 601-5345
https://youngblood-law.com/