Planning- DivorceMeKnot.com

2023 Divorce Planning Page

DMK Quote "It is never too late to be what you might have been." George Eliot

Books for separation, divorce and everything after.

KNOT Fact

MIND TWISTER RESULTS

About 7 of 10 Americans will have a lasting first or second marriage that will not end in divorce.

See the MIND TWISTER and References on the Divorce Problems Page

Divorce Documents File Box

Purchase one for each spouse's financial and divorce documents

Don't leave spouse without this!

Toxic Divorce

When the worst case scenario you imagined would be good about now...

..read this guide about custody battles and toxic divorce.

Avoid Common Mistakes Men Make When Divorcing

Divorce Checklist

1. Decide to divorce with spouse

2. Negotiate settlement with spouse, if possible

3. Research legal options

4. Interview attorneys, mediators, alternative dispute resolution service providers, arbitrators

5. Interview private investigators and/or forensic accountants, if needed

6. Understand divorce options in your residing state

7. Decide on the type of divorce best suited for you and your spouse

8. Determine separation requirements, if any

9. Legally separate and arrange movers for the moving spouse

10. Gather all relevant paperwork and financial documents, order credit report to verify all debts and liabilities

11. Determine tax filing status while separated

12. Forward documents to attorney(s) or mediators

13. Contact a financial planner to request information regarding early withdraw penalties from investment accounts

14. Contact your employers benefit department for any changes relevant to your employee health benefits or 401K

15. Speak with your accountant or a tax attorney regarding the tax implications of divorce or early investment withdraw for property division

16. Determine your permanent housing situation and contact/interview appropriate professionals such as Realtors^®, mortgage brokers, property & casualty insurance agents, etc. Get a CMA (comparative market analysis) for your home, get it market ready and list-it with a reputable Realtor^®if you decide to sell

17. Arrange for financial changes following the divorce and understand child support, maintenance, alimony and lump sum settlements in order to properly negotiate your divorce settlement

18. Get preapproved for a home loan and hire a mortgage broker to process the loan

19. Hire a buyers agent or transaction broker to assist you in finding a single family residence to lease, lease purchase, lease with option-to-buy or purchase or locate apartment guides that can assist in comparing local apartment amenities, costs, terms and locations

20. Hire movers to assist with packing and moving

Emotional Divorce Planning

1. Decide if your marriage has ended

2. Decide to either separate and divorce or to just separate

3. Speak with your children regarding your decision

4. Attend local divorce support groups

5. Speak with a counselor or therapist, if needed

6. Speak with your family physician or psychiatrist if depressed or anxious

7. Maintain or begin a (physician approved) healthy nutrition and exercise plan (don't overdo it)

8. Do not discuss frustrations of your spouse in front of your children

9. Add some stress reductions techniques such as meditation and mindfulness into your everyday

10. Keep communication with your spouse brief and on point; do not engage in discussions that bring about arguments