Marriage Exit Planning Week
(March 1 - 7, 2010)
If you’ve decided to leave your marriage, this is the week to put an action plan together. Pre- divorce planning involves carefully planning out often- overlooked aspects of your life. The better your plan, the smoother the divorce will go and the better your position will be in your post-divorce life. Below are a few areas to start thinking about.
Tips:
- Finances: If you’re expecting alimony and child support to take care of your finances after a divorce, you might be in for a big surprise. Most spouses will fight to keep as much money as they can. As a precaustion, make plans for your own stream of income.
- Career: The best way to avoid financial ruin is to make your career plans a top priority. If you’re already working but your income won’t be enough when you’re single, start re-planning your career. If that involves career counseling, re-training or going back to school, do it now while you can. Any money spent in this area will be considered joint money and not deducted from your settlement.
- Children: If you’re a parent, you need to be prepared for how to tell your kids about the divorce. In doing so, you also need to learn ways to help them cope and to understand how their lives will be impacted.
- Support System: News of a divorce can create different reactions in your friends and family. Some people will feel threatened and fear their marriages will be at risk if they interact with you. Others--the unconditional friends--will be there no matter what. Knowing who belongs in this category is important.
There are many aspects to consider when planning for a life without your spouse. Instead of hoping the best will happen, take control and make sure you’re protected. If you need help making sense of it all, the Divorce Help Clinic is here for your.
