If divorce is now part of your everyday vocabulary or thoughts, it's in your best interests to collect your thoughts as well as financial documentation. A high stress time is a hard time to think straight, make good decisions, and know what to do next. We understand. This article and your divorce attorney will help you to do all those things.If you are considering divorce, use this <a href="https://www.attorneys.org/legal-information/divorce/pre-divorce-advice">pre-divorce checklist</a> to get you started along the right path. To be sure you have a complete checklist customized to your state law and your personal situation, consult with a qualified divorce attorney for proper legal advice.Exhaust all reconciliation efforts.It's okay to take your time with divorce; there is usually no legal need to file for divorce immediately.*Meet with a therapist and spend some time thinking through the long term consequences of divorce. Some folks wait a year or so before actually filing.Bottom line - Wait to file until your anger has subsided, some time has passed, and you've spoken with a trained therapist. It is okay to consult with a divorce lawyer and find out your rights and choices, even if you're not sure you want to file immediately.*If you are in an abusive (verbal, physical, emotional, etc.) relationship, don't wait. Get out now. Get help now.Meet With a TherapistWe mentioned meeting with a therapist above, but because it's such an important concept, we'll make it an individual checklist item.Bottom line - Never use your children or your lawyer as sounding boards. Work with a trained therapist.Consult With an Attorney Who Vows to Work CooperativelyCooperation is the key to success. If you have an attorney who reminds you of a pit bull or shark, attacking his or her prey, walk away, quickly. That aggressive attitude will pull you down, land you in court, increase your fees, and get you less of what you want.On the other hand, an attorney who will work with your spouse's attorney to create your own Marital Agreement or guide you through mediation, will be a trusted advisor, keep your fees to a minimum, and get you more of what you want all at a lower emotional and financial cost.Jot down a list of your questions, thoughts, and concerns. Be sure to include issues such as your children's best interests, whether you should move out of the family home, whether you should take assets out of joint accounts, your rights to your spouse's retirement benefits, life insurance, health insurance, credit cards, the family business, vacation home, covering future expenses, and anything else you think of.Bottom line - Hire a "good guy/girl" attorney, collect information, and ask your questions. You'll reap the benefits.Collect DocumentationImmediately start the treasure hunt for credit reports, financial statements, tax returns, loan applications,

Pre-Divorce Advice

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