You and your partner may be separating amicably, but in many cases, there is at least some tension between the two parties involved in a divorce. There are several ways to mitigate this and prevent it from turning into resentment, but one of the best approaches is to minimize the unnecessary conflict that can be caused by disputes and lack of documentation. To make the process easier on all involved, and especially yourself, you should be proactive in gathering documentation for the following items.
Gather proof of income for both parties
According to the Huffington Post, finances are one of the leading reasons cited in divorce filings. Whether it’s credit card debt, overspending or financial instability, you might be motivated to divorce your partner if his or her financial habits place an undue burden on your own life. In this case, it is essential that you gather documentation of such issues to furnish in support of your claims. Providing proof of your income as well as your spouse’s income may prevent contention later in the proceedings.
Take an inventory of your respective property
Regardless of the reason for your divorce, you will need to determine how your property will be divided. Like your spouse, you likely have your own assets as well as assets that you both acquired during the marriage. Dividing these assets will be far less contentious if you enter divorce proceedings armed with an inventory to reference.
Collect documentation involving your children
If you and your spouse had children, it is imperative that you gather all documentation that relates to them. This includes birth certificates, school documents and medical records that include their personal details. This information may be relevant in divorce proceedings, and it is better to have it ready than to struggle to compile it later when you are dealing with even more stress.
Consider what other information is relevant
There is plenty of other information that you may consider collecting if it is relevant to your divorce. If you are filing and seeking custody, for example, documentation of monthly expenses to accompany your income can be helpful. Divorce is always easier when you enter it prepared, and documentation is one of the best ways to accomplish this.
Divorce is never easy, but consulting with a lawyer may clarify some of the legal questions you might have. An attorney can also represent you and ensure that your interests are protected throughout the entire divorce process.
