If you are thinking about ending your marriage, you likely have a great deal on your mind. After all, not only must you cope with the emotional and mental consequences of divorce, but you also must think about starting the next chapter of your life. If you do not plan carefully, you may forget to address certain matters in a proactive way.
Even if you think you are heading for an amicable or cooperative divorce, you must realize that ending a marriage can easily turn into a protracted court battle. As such, before you file for divorce, you likely want to prepare a checklist. When you do, include these three commonly forgotten issues:
- Child custody
If you have children, you want what is best for them. While your immediate focus may be on divorcing your spouse, you cannot neglect to consider the implications for your kids. Exploring options for legal custody, physical placement, child support, living arrangements and education is essential.
- Asset division
In Georgia, divorcing spouses usually receive an equitable share of marital assets, even if they do not get exactly half. To ensure you receive your fair share, you should make a list of everything you and your spouse jointly own. Your list may include real property, business ventures, belongings, retirement accounts, investments, airline miles and other assets. Then, make separate lists, identifying which assets belong exclusively to you and to your soon-to-be ex-spouse.
- Debt allocation
Whether it’s a mortgage, credit card balances, medical bills, student loans or a car payment, you and your spouse may have some outstanding debt. As with assets, you probably own an equitable share of your marital debt. As such, you want to be sure you understand exactly how much you and your spouse owe.
Because every couple is different, no two divorces are the same. Still, you do not want to forget to carefully contemplate every aspect of your divorce. By understanding what issues divorcing spouses typically forget, you can better plan for an acceptable end to your marriage.
