If you’re thinking about getting a divorce, there are some things to immediately do to get ready.

Speak With Your Spouse. If you can, talk about getting a divorce with your partner. Discuss division of assets, future living arrangements, as well as a parenting plan.

Weigh your options for divorce. If you are not sure which method of divorce makes sense for your situation, consider attending a Divorce Options® Workshop – with your spouse, if possible. These free workshops explain each method of divorce – litigated, court divorce, mediation, or collaborative divorce. You can view the schedule here: divorceoptionsflorida.com.

Gather Financial Records. Organize your financial paperwork so it’s possible to assess your financial circumstances.

Protect Credit. Take measures to safeguard your credit. Ask for credit checks from all national rating services, so that you know all of the credit card accounts that will need to be addressed in your divorce.

Collaborative Financial Expert. Should you decide on a collaborative divorce, a neutral financial expert is a member of the collaborative team and she or he can provide financial projections, identify tax problems, and offer a neutral, comprehensive viewpoint of the financial circumstances.

Get Your Very Own Credit Card. If you do not have a separate card in your own name, it may be a good idea to apply for one.

Getting prepared for a divorce is complex. Gather financial documents such as: bank/investment account statements for all accounts, obtain values for vehicles and boats using different online resources or hiring a valuation expert, have either a market assessment or an appraisal performed to determine the value of your residence, and compile a list of all of your monthly expenses so that you have a complete idea of your financial circumstances. Be sure to have a consultation with a collaborative attorney who can help to get you through this difficult time in your life, and help you analyze different possible outcome solutions for your situation.

For more information on collaborative divorce please contact one of the professionals at Collaborative Divorce Professionals, Inc. that can be found at CollaborativeDivorceProfessionals.org.