The below tips will help you stay organized throughout your divorce and ensure you get all the necessary information to your attorney. Being organized doesn’t mean you’ll get everything you want in the divorce settlement, but it will make sure you don’t drag out the case longer than you need to.
1. Re-Evaluate Your Finances
Divorces are expensive and once separated your expenses may go up too, especially if you have children that you plan to care for solely. It’s not uncommon for the other parent to deny child support until the court steps in, so work toward saving enough money to cover three months worth of expenses.
2. Spend Only What’s Necessary
Now is not the time to indulge in retail therapy. Rather, spend your money on what’s necessary and cut out all unnecessary expenses. This could include vacations, meals out, extra phones, etc.
3. Notebooks are for Notes
Buy a notebook that you keep near you at all times. Use this when meeting with your attorney so you don’t forget tasks. When you speak with your spouse, write down what he or she says so you can relay that information to your attorney, if need be.
4. Set Reminders
You have a lot on your plate right now, which means you’re likely to forget important events and appointments. Set up a personal calendar online or purchase a datebook you can keep close.
5. A To Do List
Alongside your calendar, create a to-do list of things that need to done every day, week, and month. This should include daily household items, events for your kids, and divorce-related appointments.
6. Designate a File
As you go through your divorce you will accumulate a lot of paperwork from your lawyer and the courts. Create a file and organize the paperwork accordingly. Keep the file in the same place all the time. It doesn’t hurt to make copies and put those copies in a separate file and in a separate area, just for safekeeping.
7. Request Records
When going through a divorce you will need to get your attorney copies of your income tax returns and other financial documents. Ask your divorce attorney what he or she needs during your initial consultation. Begin requesting those documents right away making sure to keep a copy for you.
8. Think Long Term
Visualize what you want your life to look like and set goals that will get you there. Make a plan, and write it down. Every day do something small to get your life back under your control.The below tips will help you stay organized throughout your divorce and ensure you get all the necessary information to your attorney. Being organized doesn’t mean you’ll get everything you want in the divorce settlement, but it will make sure you don’t drag out the case longer than you need to.
In addition to what is listed here, use the worksheets and checklists provided in the California Divorce Guide. These tools will help you organize information and keep your paperwork together.
