| Sadly whether we like to admit it or not, Divorce | | | | benefits, and more. This is because courts tend to |
| is a growing part of society's day to day | | | | view marriages lasting at least ten years or more |
| existence. More and more of us are getting | | | | as longer term. Therefore, you may be eligible for |
| divorced on a much more regular basis and some | | | | a portion of your spouse's pension and social |
| even seem to be making career moves out. Of | | | | security benefits (when you reach the age to |
| course divorce is one of the subjects that we try | | | | claim these), and you may qualify for alimony. It's |
| to avoid when we embark on a relationship and | | | | all good reason to speak with an attorney before |
| indeed when we get married but sadly it is not a | | | | moving out. |
| subject that at least 25% of us will avoid in our | | | | 2. Become a financial sleuth. Obtain statements |
| lives. | | | | and balances for bank accounts, plus copies of |
| It we accept that divorce is possibly a potential | | | | wills and trusts. Make duplicate copies of computer |
| outcome of a relationship breakdown then quite | | | | files-with financial data. The Social Security office |
| frankly we are duty bound to make sure that it is | | | | can give you a current report of earning for both |
| taken seriously. This means quite frankly, first and | | | | of you. Collect as many of your spouse's pay |
| foremost, taking care of family issues and making | | | | stubs as possible. In some professions there are |
| them a priority especially if there are children | | | | multiple pay checks. For instance, a police officer |
| involved. Remember folks, I don't want to sound | | | | might receive separate payment for his court |
| as if I'm being moralistic, far from it, but the | | | | appearances. Or there could be bonuses or |
| children did not ask to get involved and quite | | | | commissions accounted for on separate pay |
| frankly again, those who use their children as | | | | stubs. Most of this shows up on a W-2. |
| bargaining tools are beneath contempt. By all | | | | 3. Safeguard heirlooms and liquid assets. Seek |
| means haggle over the family real estate and | | | | appraisals for artwork, antiques, and other |
| bank account but leave the children out of it and | | | | collectibles. Take any sentimental or important |
| make sure that they all well catered for. | | | | objects to a friend's house for safekeeping. Be |
| However if you have any type of idea that a | | | | certain that your name is recorded on the house |
| separation and divorce is headed in your direction, | | | | deed or apartment lease. Do not stash cash in a |
| then there are certain things that you can | | | | safe deposit box; for pending litigation, boxes are |
| practically do. Don't feel guilty about taking these | | | | sometimes sealed. Make sure you revoke any |
| measures if you must. Messy breakups which lead | | | | powers of attorney your spouse may have and |
| to divorce can show the darker side of your | | | | ask brokerage firms to check for identification |
| partner. | | | | before your name is signed to anything. |
| 1. Knowledge is power. Know where you and your | | | | 4. Open a bank account in your name. It only |
| spouse have bank accounts, life insurance policies, | | | | takes one party to raid an account, and you don't |
| mutual funds, certificates of deposit, all other | | | | want to be left without any money. Certainly do |
| instruments of finance, and important documents | | | | not deposit any more of your own money into a |
| such as social security cards, passports, birth and | | | | joint account, even if you transfer that into your |
| stock certificates, and the details of pension, 401 | | | | own name. Establish a new account for future |
| (k), and other employee benefits. Know the | | | | deposits, preferably at another bank. This is |
| location of and have access to safe deposit | | | | where you can keep an emergency fund to live |
| boxes. Your county recorder of deeds can help | | | | on and pay legal bills, at least until support is |
| you track down real estate and deeds. | | | | established. Don't be surprised if a spouse petitions |
| If your marriage is just short of the ten-year | | | | for joint accounts to be frozen, pending equitable |
| mark, you may want to wait it out, if you can | | | | distribution in a divorce. This is another reason to |
| and if it's safe. You'll have more bargaining power | | | | have your own access to funds. |
| in matters such as alimony, social security, pension | | | | |