What Everyone Should Do Before They File For A Divorce
Are you currently considering a divorce? If so, there are a few things that you should do before you file for divorce.
Gather Important Documents
The first thing that you'll want to do is start gathering all important documentation in your home and get them someplace secure. Ideally, take them to a place out of your home, such as your office or a lockbox at a bank. Start with your documents like your passport, birth certificate, and Social Security card so that you know that you have them and they are in your possession.
You can then move on to getting the important financial documents. This includes tax returns, credit card statements, and bank records. Make copies of these documents so that you have your own copies that you can reference later.
Secure Your Privacy
You should start taking steps to secure your privacy so that other people cannot gain access to your information. This includes changing passwords to sign in to your phone and computer as well as changing passwords to social media accounts, email providers, and other secure sites that could have information about you. You do not want your spouse to start snooping for information in places that they should not have access to. If it requires a password to get in, change your passwords to ensure everyone is locked out.
Even a shared cell phone plan can allow a spouse to see records of phone calls and text messages if they also have access to the account. They can receive a log of all incoming and outgoing communication and the number you are communicating with, even if they can't see what was said.
Look Into Health Insurance
Are you currently on the same health insurance plan as your spouse through their employer? You'll want to start looking at what your options are to switch to your own health insurance. Ask your employer what your options are to have an individual plan or a plan that just includes you and children. It will help to be prepared in case you are cut off from your health insurance plan by your spouse if they are in control of it.
These are just a few things you should be doing before you file for divorce. Reach out to a divorce lawyer for more information about what you could be doing to protect yourself. They understand divorce law and can help you navigate it.