Five Steps to Take Before a Divorce

Five Steps to Take Before a Divorce

Trouble may have been brewing for years in your marriage or the decision to get a divorce may have come suddenly and as a shock. In either case, it is important to be prepared for what is to come. Divorce proceedings in Michigan have the potential to impact your rights to property, money, and children. Our Macomb County divorce attorneys recommend taking the following five steps to ensure you are prepared.    

Preparing to File for a Divorce in Michigan

Filing a divorce petition through the Macomb County Courts is one of the most difficult decisions you can ever make. You likely thought long and hard before taking this life changing step. After consulting with our Michigan divorce attorneys and preparing to file, there are some important steps you should take that can help to protect you throughout the process. These include: 

1. Make an inventory of all property and assets you own.

Make a list of all homes, land, vehicles, household furnishings, personal belongings, business interests, financial accounts, and retirement benefits you and your spouse have accumulated over the course of your marriage. 

2. Get copies of important documents.

Make a folder containing important personal information, including your marriage license, Social Security cards for you, your spouse, and your children, birth certificates, and photo identification. Get copies of the title to your home and any vehicles or other property, recent statements from financial accounts, balances for retirement benefits, and past tax returns. 

3. Calculate your current income, expenses, and how you will manage after your divorce.

Consider your current income and expenses to get an idea of how you will support yourself in the aftermath of your divorce. If you make considerably less than your spouse, you may be entitled to alimony payments. 

4. Give thought to any potential divorce settlements.

Under the Michigan Statutes, marital property is divided on an equitable basis in divorce. This means that both parties get a fair share based on circumstances in the case. Consider whether you will want to remain in the family home, what personal property is important to you, and what you might be willing to trade in negotiating a settlement. 

5. Consider plans regarding children.

Courts are generally in favor of time sharing arrangements that allow both parents to remain active and involved in their child’s life. Consider how this would work in your situation and whether there are any special issues that could impact these arrangements.  

Reach Out to Our Macomb County Divorce Attorneys

At Lucido & Manzella, P.C., we provide the trusted legal guidance you need when getting a divorce in Michigan. Reach out and call or contact our Macomb County divorce attorneys online and request a consultation today.