While going through a Florida divorce can be overwhelming, it is important to take a step back and ensure that you are doing everything you can to safeguard your interests – whether financial or those related to your children.
If you and your spouse are divorcing amicably, you will most likely be able to work out these issues between you. If your divorce is adversarial, however, it is prudent to consider these suggestions to protect yourself during divorce:
Children Issues
- If you have children, don’t move out too soon. A decision to move out right away may impact the ultimate custody decision. If your relationship with your spouse is extremely contentious and negatively impacting your children, consider time-sharing the family home.
- Insist on 50% custody or parenting time or as much as your work and lifestyle will permit. Settling for less may set a precedent that will be upheld in court.
- Do not allow your spouse to take the children and leave. Neither one of you has the right to take the children away from their family home or from each other.
- Keep a journal. Divorce can entail many disagreements about custody and parenting time. Record what parental responsibilities you perform on a daily basis, what items you purchased for the children, what disputes you have with your spouse and what your children state in their conversations with you.
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Financial Issues
- Cancel all joint credit cards. Inform your spouse that you intend to cancel the cards.
- Be sure originals of all your personal papers and records and copies of all your jointly owned records are in a safe location outside the family home where your spouse cannot access them. This includes everything from your birth certificate, passport and pension papers to bank statements, real estate records and tax returns. A safe location does not include any part of the marital residence or any automobile.
- Make a digital record of all marital property. Use a camcorder to inventory your entire home and its contents. It is advisable to do this with your spouse.
- Get a credit report. Know what debt is outstanding at the time of the divorce.
- Contact brokerage companies. Notify brokerage companies in writing of your separation/divorce. Request that they not make any transactions without your approval.
General Issues
- Engage an attorney. It is important to have someone in your court looking after your rights. Look for an attorney who is experienced in family law and one you feel is dedicated to obtaining the best solution for you.
- Don’t sign anything without having your attorney look at it first.
It is difficult to predict everything that will happen in adversarial divorce proceedings. With that in mind, it is important to take steps to protect your interests. First and foremost, that means enlisting the services and counsel of an experienced family law attorney.
Find a Divorce Attorney that can Protect You
Board Certified Marital and Family Law Attorney Charles D. Jamieson understands that divorce is an extremely sensitive and important issue. Thanks to extensive experience and a focus on open communication, Attorney Jamieson adeptly addresses the complex issues surrounding divorce while delivering excellent personal service. To discuss your divorce, please contact The Law Firm of Charles D. Jamieson, P.A. online or call 561-478-0312.
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