Finally deciding to end your marriage is one of the most difficult experiences to go through. It is physically, mentally and emotionally stressful that, more often than not, it’s hard to figure out what you need to do. Although you deserve to grieve in the way you see fit, it’s important to take stock as well. And in this regard, it would help if you have Brisbane family lawyers at your back.
Gather and Ready All Important Documents
Aside from your marriage certificate (or a copy of it), these documents include your Last Will and Testament, insurance policies, bank statements, superannuation statements, and even tax returns. If you can, take a copy of your ex’s documents as well.
Update Documents Which Need Updating
This refers to your Last Will and Testament and your Power of Attorney. Remember that this document stands until you make changes to it.
Secure Your Finances
Whatever the circumstances are on your split, it is imperative that you put protective measures on your funds – particularly those which you share with your former spouse. If you have to cancel secondary credit card holders, open a new bank account and/or require joint signatures for withdrawals, do so.
In this regard, you will need to secure your other assets, including your home, company and various investments, just to name a few. If you have to freeze these assets, do so.
Secure Your Electronic Information
Even if you still consider your ex trustworthy, it’s best that you change your passwords on your e-mails and social media accounts since all these are linked to vital personal information. Many experts also agree that it’s best to turn off your mobile phone’s location setting.
Work Out Your Financial Needs
You will need to review your financial capability after the separation. Do you have work? Can you support yourself financially? Can your former spouse support you financially instead? Or will it have to be you to support your ex? If you’re having troubles figuring these out, go and ask a solicitor for advice. It would also benefit you greatly if you talk to a financial planner so you work out a budget for your needs (and your children’s too).
As you have just read, practically everything which you need to work on will require some form of assistance from Brisbane family lawyers. So even if your separation was a ‘long time coming’ or agreed upon cordially, legal advice and backing are definite must-haves.
Now that all has been said and done, see to it that the separation is kept as peaceful as possible. Being aggressive or confrontational won’t do you or the other party good. It’s a challenge to be completely unemotional in this situation but calm and composure are must-haves, especially when you have children to think about.