Realizing that a relationship you invested so much in is headed for divorce can be rather stressful for anyone. During such a trying time, it is easy for you to forget so much that is important as you handle hurt feelings and an uncertain future. You must find time and prepare for divorce and after that. Here is a list of what you must do to adequately prepare for divorce in Oklahoma.
1. Document assets and debts.
You need to document every asset you brought into the marriage, all that you received as a gift during the marriage, and what you as a couple own. A list of your properties and assets will be required during the discovery period of your Oklahoma City divorce. Having a clear picture of what you own and what you co-own with your spouse helps you form a good picture of what you will get after the divorce is finalized.
Be sure to document debts as well. If you took out any debts without your spouse’s knowledge, you need to keep track of them as you will be solely responsible for payment.
2. Take enough money to live on from joint accounts before the temporary injunction takes effect and freezes all marital assets.
Typically, couples in a marriage may have joint and sole banking accounts. A dependent spouse in a marriage has access to joint accounts, but not necessarily the sole accounts of their partner.
If your marriage is going for dissolution, it would be prudent to withdraw some cash from joint accounts you have with your spouse. You should take as much as you need for upkeep and attorney fees.
For community property, a spouse can take up to 50% from the account. Taking more than 50% may cause the other spouse to make reimbursement claims. Be careful, particularly if your soon-to-be ex is vindictive.
Dependent spouses who ignore this step find themselves unable to cater for their needs after a temporary injunction freezes marital assets.
3. Make plans about your living arrangement during your divorce proceedings.
Plan on where you are going to live. If you are the dependent spouse, it is quite critical to make crucial arrangements, so you do not find yourself out in the cold.
Agree with your spouse who gets to stay in the house. If there are young children involved, agree on where they will stay and with which of you. If the two parents cannot approve of where the children remain, court intervention must be sought to determine the best interests of the children.
4. Develop an emotional and practical support system with friends and family.
Divorce can be one of the most trying times in a person’s life. It represents a loss of partnership, dreams, and shared ideals. Comfort and closure should be sought at this time from caring for friends and family. Develop a network of support where you can talk about your feelings and thoughts.
Starting alone after having lived for some time with a partner may be rather tricky. Join a support group and share experiences with others who have gone through similar experiences.
No-Cost Consultation: Oklahoma City Divorce Lawyer
Whether you are going for an agreed, easy divorce or you are preparing to fight it out in court with your spouse, a skilled Oklahoma City divorce lawyer can provide the expertise you need to be more confident of a favorable outcome. Call us today to find out how an experienced family law advocate can ease your worries and help attain the result you prefer.
For a initial consultation with an experienced Oklahoma City divorce attorney, call 405-880-8222 today.
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