Protecting Yourself From the Fallout of Divorce

By

Donna L. Green

I.               Gather Information

a.     Make Copies

                                               i.     Bank Statements

                                             ii.     Brokerage Account Statements

                                            iii.     Retirement Account Statements

                                            iv.     Credit Card Statements

                                             v.     Promissory Notes/Loan Documents

                                            vi.     Deeds

                                          vii.     Mother’s Day or Father’s Day Cards

                                         viii.     Tax Returns and Pay Stubs

                                            ix.     Business Contracts

                                              x.     Spouse’s Email

                                            xi.     Facebook or Myspace.com Pages

                                           xii.     Phone Records

b.     Search for Hidden Debts and Assets

                                               i.     Run a Credit Report

                                             ii.     Perform a Title Search

                                            iii.     Get Your Home Appraised

                                            iv.     Research Register of Deeds Office

                                             v.     Online Asset Finders

II.             Create Proof

a.     Recordings (with limitations)

b.     Report Problems of Domestic Violence

c.     Get a Complete Physical Exam

d.     Consider Use of a Private Investigator

e.     Ensure Witnesses to Parenting

f.      Keep a Journal or Calendar to Document Events

III.           Before Filing For Divorce . . .

a.     Establish a Separate Bank Account

b.     Lower Credit Limits on all Joint Cards

c.     Obtain Personal Credit Card, if needed

d.     In Domestic Violence Cases, Plan Your Escape

e.     Confirm that your Signature is Needed on Lines of Credit

f.      Safeguard Half of Cash Accounts

g.     If Possible, Inform Children of Divorce Together with Your Spouse

h.     Confirm Insurance Policy Premiums are Current

i.      Research Personal Health Insurance Options, if needed

j.      Meet with Mortgage Specialist to Determine Loan Potential

k.     Consult with an Attorney

For More Information, Please Contact:

Donna L. Green, Attorney-at-Law

Ph. (615) 567-6001

Fax (615) 771-2751

donnagreenlaw@comcast.net