Getting in touch with a divorce attorney signifies that a marriage is over. Many people delay making contact with a lawyer because they hope they’ll be able to resolve their differences with their spouse. However, waiting too long when you know you aren’t going to be able to live together again is generally a mistake. The point of divorce is to divide assets and debt as well as to determine living arrangements for minor children. If too much time passes without involvement from the court, assets might be depleted and debts might increase, making divorce a lot more complicated as possible a lot more expensive.
There are a few things you can do if you think a divorce is imminent to lessen your losses before you contact a Divorce Attorney in Dayton Oh. First, close any joint bank accounts and put your portion of the marital funds in a separate account. You might also want to close any joint credit cards. This will protect your finances if your estranged spouse decides to go on a shopping spree. Be sure to take note of the last day you lived in the home together so assets and debts can be divided based on that date.
Some assets cannot be divided as easily so you will eventually need to consult with an attorney if you and your spouse are going to be permanently separated. For example, retirement accounts cannot be divided without documentation from the court. When one spouse was the primary breadwinner, it is essential for the nonworking spouse to get their portion of the IRA, 401(k) or pension that was accumulated during the marriage.
Contacting a Divorce Attorney in Dayton Oh to get information does not mean you definitely won’t be able to reunite with your spouse. However, knowing where you stand and ensure you get your portion of the assets you’ve worked hard for during your marriage can give you some peace of mind. Additionally, if you have children, working with a lawyer might help you establish a parenting plan and child support so your children won’t be financially impacted during your separation.