California Divorce Checklist: Before and After

In this day and age, millions of people are undergoing relationship dilemmas. Do not think that your situation is a unique and isolated occurrence. Many others are going through the same painful thing right now. Here are some pointers on how to at least try to save your once shared blissfulness.

• Try counseling. You should try every avenue to keep your marriage.



• If divorce is the only option, hire the right Southern California divorce lawyer. Take your time in finding him/her.



• Find out if there are any legal repercussions for moving out of the marital house and taking children with you.



• Try to divide assets and liabilities with your spouse and make sure that you consult your lawyer before making any final decisions.



• It is very advisable and very practical for you to save your money as much as you can.



• Dissolve ALL joint bank and credit card accounts in writing and verbally as well.



• Remember that knowledge is power. Educate yourself and learn as much as you can about the divorce process. And all prospects about it. The more you know how the process works, the more successful your divorce will be.



• Talk to everyone that matters about the situation, especially if children are involved. Tell them what is happening and what will be happening.



• Prepare emotionally and mentally. Counseling will help you lessen the impact of the divorce.



• Decide when, where and why you will talk to your soon-to-be ex-spouse. This will lessen the unnecessary arguments.



• Be thrifty. Your lifestyle will change due to the divorce.



• This is a great time to get a Will.

Once the divorce proceedings begin, most spouses eventually figure out that it would be best to arrive at an agreement outside the court. An amicable settlement has been proven to save couples a lot of money and aggravation. Here is the checklist before settling your divorce:

• Make sure you clearly understand everything in your settlement agreement and other related documents before signing. If you do not understand something, consult a professional.



• Make sure that the settlement agreement is thorough and complete.

After the proceedings are over and done with, and everything including the kitchen sink has been settled, it´s time to move on. But before you do, there is a list of things you must take into consideration. Here is your post-divorce checklist:

• Save several copies of your Judgment or Decree and Marital Agreement. There may come a time that you need them for any transfer of properties and other such things.



• Make sure that you file your "Certificate of Divorce of Dissolution of Marriage"



• Make sure that all joint accounts are closed and distributed accordingly and making sure that there are no any outstanding checks



• Make sure that all properties are distributed properly and do not forget anything.



• Make sure that all insurance is addressed and reviewed



• Take care of all change of name notifications and make sure that wills are modified or changed



• Keep a journal of all visitation and support payments



• If your spouse declares bankruptcy, contact a lawyer immediately.

It is understandable to feel overwhelmed if you are headed for a divorce or currently doing through one. At Wallin & Klarich, our skilled California divorce attorneys have assisted many clients with making their divorce a successful one in which they are able to move on with their lives without losing everything. For more information on how we can help you with your divorce proceedings, matters relating to child custody and support, division of assets, among many other family law issues, please contact our Family Law Firm today.