Getting Through Your Divorce One Document At A Time
Even when your divorce is an amicable one, you still have to file plenty of divorce paperwork. Whether you are just in the beginning stages of filing for divorce or you are working on your responses to some complicated questions, it's important to get help when you need it. You must also provide plenty of documentation in order for your divorce to be settled property. Documents can include tax returns, investment portfolios, proof of income, mortgages, CDs, life insurance policies, and more. During your divorce, all of your financial information will be scrutinized in order to figure out how each asset and debt in your marriage will be divided.
Getting Your Divorce Started
To get your divorce started, you must file a petition for a divorce. This is done by going to your local Probate and Family Court and submitting your completed form. Each court can be slightly different, so it's important to talk with one of the clerks to determine you are using the right forms. The petition is used to state why you want a divorce and what you want the court to do about your marriage. In general, most people file for a no-fault divorce citing irreconcilable differences. Make sure that you have the filing fee with you or you won't be able to file your divorce paperwork.
Once the Divorce Begins
There are restrictions placed on shared assets such as bank accounts, once your divorce begins. One party can't go and empty out a shared bank account while in the middle of the divorce. All assets will be divided up during the divorce, and you can't just take what you want before the divorce is final. Each party must fill out financial forms, disclosing any personal assets, income from the past three years and current income. When you believe your ex is trying to hide assets, this is where your divorce can become complicated.
Know What You Want Out of the Divorce
Before you start fighting over everything you and your ex spouse own, take the time to figure out what you really want out of your divorce. If you aren't worried about money and you just want to get out, don't get caught up in fighting over every small thing. While you are entitled to a fair share of your marital assets, it's important to know what you want before you begin negotiating with your ex.