Checklist: Preparing for Divorce in New Jersey

When it comes to separating from a spouse, storming out of the house and slamming the door is never the best course of action. 

The best divorces are carefully planned before announcing your intentions to a spouse. While this may seem disingenuous, the reality is that your emotional health and financial future are at stake. Unless you are dealing with abuse, your best course of action is to reach out to an experienced Red Bank divorce attorney before telling anyone of your intentions. 

Preparing for Divorce in Monmouth County

In general, you should collect as much paperwork as possible to share with your divorce lawyer. This includes: 

• Tax returns: These are the best documents when it comes to showing annual income of both parties and some assets. 
• Bank statements: Personal and joint accounts, as well as retirement and brokerage accounts for both you and your spouse. 
• Credit card statements: A full accounting of debts owed jointly, and by each spouse, is critical to understanding your financial situation. 
• Assets: In addition to homes, vehicles and retirement accounts, a list of assets will include other valuables, such as collectibles, trust funds or inheritances. 
• Home value and mortgage documents: This includes any second mortgages and how a residence is titled. 
• Vehicles: Loan amounts, vehicle values and how vehicles are titled. 
• Social security numbers: For you, your spouse and your children. 
• Other documentation: While no-fault divorce is common in New Jersey, if you are dealing with abuse, drug or alcohol addiction, infidelity, financial dishonesty, or other serious issues, documenting such issues are best done before announcing your intentions. 
• Marital home: While each situation is unique, leaving the home can be detrimental when it comes to a settlement agreement or child custody arrangements. You should discuss your intended living arrangements at the first meeting with your attorney. 

Divorce Help in New Jersey 

Our experienced Monmouth divorce lawyers offer free and confidential consultations. During our first meeting, we want to better understand your situation, determine your primary concerns, and outline the best course of action for your situation. 

In many cases, alternative dispute resolution options, such as mediation or arbitration, may allow a quicker, more cost effective, and more private means of arriving at a divorce and custody agreement with your spouse without lengthy litigation. This is true even when you do not anticipate agreement on key issues. Again, early consultation with a family law firm with extensive experience will best allow you to develop a plan to build your new life on a strong foundation. 

Careful planning is always the best option. Don’t allow your emotions to get the best of you. Those contemplating divorce must put themselves first, perhaps for the first time in a long time, and look toward the future. A careful understanding of your rights and your financial position are vital first steps toward a secure future. 

Our Red Bank divorce lawyers focus exclusively on family law matters in Monmouth County and the surrounding areas, including Fair Haven, Little Silver, Middletown Township, Shrewsbury and Tinton Falls.

If you are dealing with divorce, custody or support issues, contact Dwyer, Bachman, Newman & Solop today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 732-863-2463