The holidays aren’t always completely filled with good cheer. Many unhappy spouses find themselves laying the groundwork for divorce. Part one of this series reviewed some of the offensive tactics suggested by financial divorce strategist Jeff Landers.
Here we will look at how to build a good defense against the rough spots of divorce as well. If you follow the advice of part one you will check your credit report, open accounts in your name, contact a divorce attorney and a financial strategist about what to expect next.
One of the things you can do is collect your financial documents and make copies of any statements that involve joint accounts. Once you have these copies you may want to keep them either in a safe deposit box or have a trusted friend hold them for you. You’ll want to watch the mail for end of the year statements, which will show both what is typical and may reveal if there is money going somewhere where it doesn’t belong.
Even if you are not quite ready to file for divorce, it is also important to discuss whether it may better to file a separate tax return instead of a joint return. Whatever you decide, staying vigilant and finding professionals as well as friends and family to support you in your endeavor can help you stay as upbeat as possible during the holidays and into 2012.
Closing the door on your marriage can be sad, but there is also a new chapter waiting around the corner. The new year is the perfect time to make a commitment to moving forward.
Source
Forbes: “End-of-the-Year Checklist for Divorcing Women,” Jeff Landers, Dec. 6, 2011
