Getting a divorce can be an extremely stressful and difficult process. There are many things that you need to work out and get in order before you can move on with your life and get a fresh start. The first step that you need to take is to consult with a professional divorce lawyer to set up a plan to divide up assets. Here are a couple simple tips that can help you get on track before you file for divorce.

Cancel Joint Credit Cards Or Pay Off Loans

In order to protect yourself from your former spouse racking up thousands of dollars in debt, you need to cancel credit cards or loans that your spouse could charge to. They will need to be paid off in full, but if they are not paid off then you are still held responsible for any charges that are made on the account while it is still active. You might want to sit down with the bank and see if you can separate your debt from your spouse's debt.

Start Your Own Bank Account

When you are married you most likely share a bank account and it is common to have paychecks directly deposited into a joint account. Sit down with someone at the bank and ask to have your name removed from the accounts that are registered to your former spouse. You will need to get voided checks that can then be given to your employer to have them re-route all paychecks to your new account to ensure that only you have access to the funds.

Sell Off Joint Assets Of Value

If you have any assets of value such as a house, car, or savings account with money that you have built up together then you need to divide them accordingly. Attempt to sit down with your former spouse and come up with a compromise that will give both a fair share of the assets. You will want to prepare the house to go on the real estate market by cleaning up clutter and contact an agent that can help you sell. A car can be traded into a used car dealership or sold in a private sale. Advertise in the classified section of your local newspaper or use a local website to find a buyer quickly.

Sitting down with a divorce lawyer will have you come up with a plan to help you protect your assets and ensure that you don't get taken to the cleaners by your former spouse.

To learn more, contact a divorce lawyer like Harold Jarnicki Attorney At Law. 

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