I hear that question all the time. My firm works exclusively with women who are going through divorce, and every one of those women is confronting significant change. Some clients have been blindsided by husbands who suddenly “found someone new.” Others initiate divorce proceeding themselves. Either way –and every way in-between –the process involves a tremendous amount of disruption and upheaval, and it’s only natural to feel somewhat overwhelmed at first.
So, where should you begin?
As a Divorce Financial Strategist™, it probably comes as no surprise that I would advise you to tackle your finances first.
Here are steps you can take to get your financial house in order as you prepare for divorce:
- Take inventory of all financial documents and records. It’s critical that you immediately gather all your financial records, including bank account information, mortgage statements, credit card bills, wills, trusts, etc. (See this Divorce Financial Checklist to make sure you’re not forgetting a key document.) Make copies, and then find a secure place to keep them. Don’t keep these records in your home. Take copies to a trusted friend/family member, or use a safe deposit box that your husband can’t access.
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