There’s no doubt about it: divorcing in Texas is never easy. Before you call it quits, though, you should have a game plan in place. Although there’s no blueprint that works for everyone, knowing how to prepare for a divorce can help you get through the process with less stress.
Make sure you have the support you need
No matter how long you and your soon-to-be-ex were together, divorce can feel lonely and overwhelming. Before you end your marriage, get the right team together to support you through every up and down. It’s a good idea to choose a lawyer that you feel comfortable with. However, your lawyer is also not your therapist. Your friends also can’t be your lawyer. That’s why finding the right support group beforehand is so important.
Get your finances in order
When you’re facing divorce, changes in finances will be among your biggest stressors. You might be going from two incomes to one, and you’ll be living in separate residences. Make a list of all of your marital assets. Gather information like:
- Copies of tax returns
- Pay stubs
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Pension plans
- Other assets brought into the marriage
Come up with a realistic after-divorce budget
Finding your financial footing after a divorce can be scary. Be proactive about getting your own checking and savings account before you divorce. Reroute your paychecks to your private account. Then, set up your own retirement account. If you stay in the house, don’t forget to transfer house bills into your name. Finally, prioritize your spending. Look for things you can temporarily cut out until you get back on your feet. This could include bills like subscription services and cable.
Divorce is hard. Hopefully, you can use the above tips to make the process much easier and less costly in the end.