Pre-divorce planning is taking a proactive approach to exiting a marriage that is not working for either spouse any longer. If you have arrived at the decision that the marriage is over and that you will file for a divorce, there are some steps that you can take in preparation to make the divorce process more efficient. By planning ahead, you can avoid being blindsided despite the obvious signs that divorce is imminent. If you have reason to believe that your spouse is being unfaithful or is hiding assets, you could face disastrous consequences if you do not take a proactive approach to planning your life post-divorce.

Pre-divorce planning is not about taking advantage of your spouse or trying to cheat them out of a fair settlement. The goal is to get ahead of the speeding locomotive of divorce by making careful preparations that will serve you will in the short term.

Gather important documents, if you can

If you cannot collect everything by the time you see an attorney, it is okay: we can help you obtain the documents you need. But you may have a more realistic understanding of what hurdles you may face if you can review as much documentation before you take your next step.

Make sure that you know where all of your family’s important documents are such as past tax returns, the title and registration paperwork for your vehicles, the deed to your home or any other property that you own together, life and homeowner’s insurance policies, brokerage and investment accounts, wills and estate plans and any other important documents.

List your income, assets and debts, credit card statements, unpaid loans, mobile phone bills, usernames and passwords for online bank accounts, utility companies and other monthly services.

Financial planning is important

Obtain a copy of your credit report to make sure there are no debts of which you aren’t aware, and also to learn about your chances for qualifying for credit on your own, post-divorce. Don’t open a new bank account or credit card in your name without first speaking to an attorney. You should not transfer any accumulated funds from a joint account into your own. Speak with us first.

Make smart decisions about your behavior

If you have children, continue to focus on their needs. You might give some thought to how you will broach the subject of divorce when the time comes. You might consider finding a family counselor who will help ease your children’s’ transition.

Safeguard your digital footprint

If you and your spouse have had shared email or other accounts, create a personal email account. Change your passwords to your social media, email and voice-mail accounts especially if they are all the same, or if your spouse knows what they are or can easily figure it out. Consider using a master password app that securely logs you in to all of your accounts and devices.

Exercise restraint on social media

Do not delete your accounts or anything contained within them, as this will be considered “spoliation” of the evidence and could have a very negative effect on your divorce. However, do take a hiatus from posting until after the divorce is final. Remember that anything you post is subject to discovery and isn’t always perceived in the context in which you intend. And, regardless of how your spouse is behaving towards you or what they may be saying about you, approach them with a business-like, civil attitude. Don’t post even “abstract” references to them or their behavior on social media! Above all, do your best to set a good example for your children, if you have any.

Future planning is important, too

Take the time to give a lot of thought about what you want your next chapter to look like. You might schedule an in-person or video consultation with a Nashville divorce attorney to get an assessment of your situation and guidance on how you might proceed when you decide to file for divorce.

There is nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it. You can get legal advice for all your critical issues about divorce from a skilled Nashville divorce attorney, but you can also get advice and guidance from a counselor or a psychologist. Divorce is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through. Taking the time to prepare will make you feel empowered and you are less likely to be blindsided.

If you are looking trusted legal advocates as you prepare for divorce, the skilled Nashville family law attorneys at Miller Upshaw Family Law, PLLC, are here to represent your interests through all the difficulties. We answer your questions and recommend the best next steps for you and your family. Please call 615-391-4200 or use our contact form to reserve an appointment with our dedicated legal team.