What are the best ways to prepare for a divorce? That depends on who you ask. For many people, preparing for a divorce is unthinkable. But when you feel a divorce coming, you should take several steps in order to ensure that you’re set up for success. After all, a divorce can be very high stakes and have ramifications–financial and emotional–that resonate for the rest of your life. That’s why you want to make sure to do it right.

Some of the Best Ways to Prepare for a Divorce

No one goes into marriage thinking a divorce is going to be the best thing. That is, no one wants a divorce. But sometimes a divorce really is just what you need. That’s why knowing the best ways to prepare for a divorce can help you in the long run. The better you come through your divorce, the more able you will be to start your life anew.

In other words, if you come through your divorce in good shape, you’ll be able to start living your new life sooner. And that’s important. A divorce can be… well, harrowing. And having something to look forward to (like your own life, or an escape) can be incredibly important.

That’s why we’re offering some tips that are designed to help you prepare for a divorce. With the right preparation, you can speed through the divorce process (or at least make the process go as quickly as possible). Let’s take a look at how!

Separate Your Income

If you’re thinking about getting a divorce, one of the first steps you’ll want to take is to separate your income. I know that might not be at the top of your list, but it should be. Many married (and unmarried) couples have joint accounts: joint checking accounts, joint savings accounts, joint credit cards.

If all of your money is in a joint account, you have no money of your own. Yes, you can still access what’s in your joint account. But so too can your previously-significant other. And far too often that can lead to one party spending too much money, leaving the other party with next to nothing.

In other words, until you set up your own checking and savings accounts, your partner will always have some sway over your available cash. When you’re going through a divorce, that’s the last thing you want. So the solution is to set up your own accounts and make sure your income is separated.

Find a Place to Live

The second thing you’re going to want to do when your divorce starts getting real is line up a place to live. The last thing you want to do is come home to a house (and a spouse) that is… unwelcoming. Motels are a good short term option, but there’s something to be said for biting the bullet and lining up an apartment.

It’s also a good idea to do this before your divorce actually starts. Sometimes divorce proceedings can mess with your credit score. So any big commitments you need to make should be done before the divorce begins (if possible–sometimes it’s not, and people do tend to be understanding about such things).

Having your own place to live is essential. For many going through a divorce, it can be a matter of safety. Make sure you talk over your situation with your loved ones and see what kind of housing options may be available in your area.

Look for an Attorney

Once you’ve decided to go ahead and file for divorce, and perhaps even before, it might be a good idea to look for an attorney. Plenty of people feel as though they can get through the divorce process on their own, without a lawyer. And that might be true.

But an attorney can offer several distinct advantages:

  • First and foremost, an attorney is an advocate for you–and an advocate that is well acquainted with the law.
  • An attorney will be able to guide you through the legal system, and will likely be able to help you determine what you’re entitled to throughout the divorce process
  • Most attorneys will quite experienced in the divorce process, and will therefore be able to give you advice on how best to proceed on several fronts

It’s true that divorce lawyers aren’t going to be available for everyone. There is certainly a cost barrier, and some people may not want to invest that much money. But over the long run, having an attorney by your side can definitely pay off.

Divorce is Never Easy

Ultimately, divorce is never going to be an easy process. But there are some things you can do to make it easier. Setting yourself up for success is always a good idea. And divorce is no different. The best ways to prepare for a divorce will help keep you happy and successful in the long run.