divorce settlements

For most couples, the divorce process starts the moment they realize their marriage is beyond repair, long before they get attorneys involved and start the legal process. It can be months, and in some cases years, between the time a couple decides to dissolve their marriage and the time the divorce is finalized by the court. So, it’s no wonder that once they do have their divorce decree in hand, they want nothing more than to sit back and heave a sigh of relief. But there’s still work to be done.

Once a divorce is finalized, there are loose ends to tie up, some of which are time sensitive. To make sure you don’t miss important deadlines or forget to update important documents, it’s a good idea to create a post-divorce to-do list. For help on what such a list should include, read “Post-Divorce Checklist: Exactly What You Must Do After Divorce.”

It isn’t unusual in a marriage for one spouse to assume responsibilities for managing the family finances and investments. Hopefully, that spouse has a good handle on the family’s overall financial health; the non-managing spouse, on the other hand, too often is unaware of details that could serve him or her well when catastrophic events like death or incapacity and even divorce disrupt a marriage. While the death or injury of a spouse can come without notice, divorce is usually preceded by signs. When you first notice those signs, it’s time to assess your financial situation so you can make decisions that will lead to your financial security now and in the future.

In her article, “3 Documents Women Investors Need Before a Divorce,” author Leslie Thompson discusses specific documents that can help you accomplish this. Although geared toward women, this advice is beneficial for anyone who’s headed for divorce without a clear understanding of their assets and liabilities.

Articles Tagged with divorce settlements

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