End-of-Year Checklist for Individuals Contemplating Divorce

 Posted on December 30, 2011 in Divorce

Most couples who have recently decided to go their separate ways choose to wait until after the holiday season to file for divorce. Of course this is understandable, considering all the family obligations and events this time of year.

Once the New Year begins it is a time for turning the page and for fresh starts. Perhaps not surprisingly then, nationwide, more divorces are filed in January than any other month of the year. Even if you have chosen to wait until the beginning of next year to formally begin the divorce process, there are steps you can take as this year comes to a close to properly prepare.

One important step you can take is to collect year-end statements from your accounts. You will need to supply information regarding your bank accounts, brokerage accounts, credit cards and mortgages. As you receive month and year-end statements from these accounts keep them together in a safe place. If all your accounts are currently shared, you may also want to consider taking the step of opening new bank accounts and credit cards in your own name.

Another valuable step you can take is researching Illinois divorce attorneys and other professionals such as counselors or financial experts. You can set up appointments and consultations for January now. That way you can relax as this year winds down, knowing you are ready to begin the New Year on the right foot with the assistance of a knowledgeable team of experts.

Source: Forbes, End-of-the-Year Checklist for Divorcing Women, Jeff Landers, 6 December 2011