Predivorce Planning Services
Divorce preparation can begin long before the legal process takes place. If you are considering divorce, take the steps necessary to put yourself in the best possible position. At the Twin Cities law firm of Hill Crabb, LLC, our lawyers will counsel you about the strength of your case and what life changes could be made in advance to put you in the most advantageous position to achieve your desired results.
Elements To Consider When Planning Your Divorce
There are a number of issues to be addressed during the divorce process. The facts and circumstances of each case will determine the specific issues to be addressed.
These issues may include:
- How will personal property be divided?
- How will retirement and other financial accounts be divided?
- How will marital debt be apportioned?
- Who will be awarded the marital homestead, and is any equity equalizer payment due to the other party?
- How will other marital assets be divided?
- Will a professional valuation be necessary to determine the value of any of the marital assets, and how will that valuation be paid for?
- Will either party be awarded spousal maintenance? If yes, how much and for how long?
- How will we file federal and state taxes for the year of the divorce? How will we apportion any taxes owed, or divide any refund?
- Who will be awarded physical and legal custody of the minor children? Will custody be shared jointly, or will one party have sole custody?
- What is the parenting time schedule for the children?
- Who is covering medical insurance for the children?
- Who will be awarded the dependency exemption?
When you first meet with us, we will thoroughly examine your circumstances to help you determine the important concerns in your divorce.
Gathering Documentation
One of the most time-intensive and costly aspects of a divorce is gathering and reviewing information related to marital assets and liabilities. You can get ahead of the game and save money by gathering your financial records in advance. These financial documents will be used by your attorney to counsel you on what you might be entitled to in a final division of assets and debts, will be used to support your position and sometimes to identify misinformation in your spouse’s reported information. Gathering this information can take time, especially if your spouse is handling the finances in your marriage. The earlier you begin the process, the more time you will have to locate information.
Planning For The Future
In addition to gathering financial documentation, you will want to take steps to prepare and plan for life leading up to, during and following divorce. Divorce is one of the most stressful events a person can endure. While a good family law attorney will take care of the legal aspects of the divorce so you can focus on daily life, it can at times feel all consuming. Planning for the next steps in life can make the divorce process easier for you and your family.
Take The First Step Toward Your New Future
As experienced Minnesota divorce lawyers, we can assess your situation and provide you with specific information and advice tailored to your unique situation. Our predivorce preparation advice includes things such as whether or not to remain in the marital home, whether or not to pay down debt, whether to seek employment, and whether to go back to school. Contact our law firm today to discuss predivorce planning for your case by calling 612-568-5967 or filling out our online contact form.