How Can I Protect My Rights If My Spouse Wants A Divorce?

When two people split after having sworn their undying love and after vowing to spend the rest of their lives together, everything is complicated. However, at it’s irreducible minimum, divorce is the legal division of assets. While there is much more to divorce than money and things, the equitable distribution of money, debts, things, and time with kids is the basic function of divorce. Knowing this will help you protect your rights and keep you moving forward in the process. Here are a few things you may consider doing to protect yourself if you you think your spouse wants a divorce.

If your spouse wants a divorce, follow the paper trails

As discretely as you can, begin to gather an exhaustive compilation of all financial records. This should include:

• Checking accounts
• Credit card statements
• Savings accounts
• Retirement accounts
• Past few tax returns
• Loan balances
• Monthly bills

Essentially you want to gather any documentation that reflects your current standard of living, all current financial assets, and any debts and liabilities. Keep all of this in a safe place in case you need it.

Take Lots Of Pictures

Do you have pictures of everything of value in your home for insurance purposes? See if you can get those pictures or it may be even better to take them yourself. If your spouse leaves the house and takes anything of value with them, be sure to make note of those things.

As you’re taking these pictures, consider which of these items you are most interested in keeping. Be reasonable and don’t expect to keep more than what is fair and equitable. These exercises are helpful for some to help them get their minds off the high emotions at play. For others, emotions escalate as they begin to think about their home being divided into two.

You don’t have to go through this process alone. The moment you suspect that your spouse wants a divorce, consult the true advocacy of Ann A. Thomson. An understanding family law attorney can help protect your rights, lighten your load and guide you through the process from the start.

The Benefit Of Our Law Experience

Ann A. Thomson’s (Seal Beach family law attorney) Orange County office is poised to serve you and your family with any matter pertaining to divorce and family law. Feel free to contact us online anytime or call 562-431-4333 for your free initial consultation with an experienced and proficient California Family Law attorney.