The financial impact of divorce can be enormous and stressful to consider. In many cases, the fear of the unknown makes planning for your financial future after divorce difficult. There are tangible ways to conserve financial resources during divorce to protect your financial future and the financial future of your children. Here are some tips for protecting your money during divorce:
1. Consider what method you will use to settle the terms of your divorce: You may not realize it but you have choices when it comes to how you settle your divorce. Divorce mediation is far less expensive than traditional litigation, largely because you are not required to pay huge legal bills. You can settle the terms of your divorce without setting foot in a courtroom. Mediation encourages cooperation, collaboration and compromise rather than conflict. When you work with a firm like AMS Mediation, you can expect to spend around $4000 on your divorce, thousands of dollars less than a court battle. Conserving resources, time and stress are just several of the many benefits of mediation.
2. Find all joint financial documentation: Generally, you and your spouse will split all joint assets. This includes property, bank account balances, retirement balances, investment income, etc. As early as possible, spend time getting a handle on your joint finances so that you can advocate for yourself during the process.
3. Make changes to your bank accounts: Once you decide to separate, you should consider closing your joint bank accounts and opening individual ones. This gives you a place to deposit funds that you can save during the divorce process.
4. Make a budget: Divorce is filled with change. It is easy to lose track of spending during this time but sticking to a budget is a really easy way to conserve funds during this time. You will likely have to set up a second living arrangement (for you or your spouse) and many couples report that they feel like resources are constrained during this time. Following a budget is a huge step toward financial independence.
5. Take a break from making big financial decisions: If you are able, put off any big financial decisions until you have a sense how your finances will be after divorce.
The team at AMS Mediation understands the financial impact of a divorce on a family and we work hard to help you conserve financial resources throughout the process. For more information about our divorce mediation services, give us a call at 952-2521492.
