How to Avoid Costly Divorce Mistakes

Aviod these costly divorce mistakes. Divorce is an emotional time. Your world is falling apart both emotional and financially. Make sure you take care of yourself. Protect yourself even before you file for divorce.

1) Emergency/Divorce Fund-All women should have a stash of cash even if they think their marriage is perfect. At least three to six months of living expenses should help until Temporary Support is ordered by the divorce court. Do not assume he will do the right thing & take care of his children.

2) If you believe he is cheating, get solid proof. Do not confront him. This will only give him the advantage of hiding his tracks. Hire a private investigator to follow him. It is well worth the expense in the long run. A good attorney should have a name of a private investigator. Short on cash- enlist the help of a few friends & use their vehicles to follow him. Get pictures, video & cell phone records to prove your case. The judge wants proof not suspicions.

3) Interview at least three Family Law Attorneys. Find out if they settled most of their cases or if they prefer to go to trial. It is least expensive to settle. I would pick one that is a strong negotiator that will settle my case before trial if at all possible. Pick an attorney that has the majority of their cases are in your county. You want one that knows everyone at the local courthouse. Make sure you know their hourly rate. The best situation would be to have the attorney agree in writing to a maximum amount of fees, if the divorce actually goes to trial. A nasty divorce can take all your money & assets. Get references from recently divorced friends and relatives.

4) Do not remain in the martial home. Let him stay in the house. Let him carry the big mortgage payments. In this real estate market, he could be carrying the house payment for a long time. Go find a place that you can afford on your income with enough room to accommodate your children. Unless the home is paid off then by all means stay until the divorce is final.

5) Make sure you document all assets. Take photos/video of the entire contents of the house. Also, take pictures of any cars, boats, etc. Make copies of all financial records- 401K, Bank Statements, Stock Accounts, Cd's, College Savings Funds, Pay Stubs, Business Profit & Loss Statements, Tax Records, Car Titles, Credit Card Statements, etc.

If you think your spouse will always do the right thing, think again. The utilities are turned off by an angry spouse on their own children. The bank accounts are emptied leaving no funds to buy the children food. The private school bill goes unpaid & your child has to change schools. Just remember to protect yourself.