1. Protect Your Children – always think of them first. Schedule meetings to discuss the divorce with your spouse outside of the household and seek a family therapist to help the children through the process.
2. Organize Your Financials – make copies of past tax statements, bank statements, etc. and keep that file outside the house. Sever joint bank accounts and don’t overspend! Try to be the CFO of the family.
3. Organize non-monetary assets – take an inventory of family heirlooms that have been handed down. Look for that wedding gift list!
4. Educate Yourself – find an attorney who specializes in family law and preferably has a network of individuals to get you and your family through this process including therapists, accountants, insurance agents, etc. Remember, education = power!
5. Take Care of Yourself – this is an extremely stressful time for all involved and it is important to find a support network you can trust to lean on throughout the process. Be sure to take care of yourself both emotionally and physically!
If you have questions about filing for divorce in Minnesota, please contact Jonathan Fogel today.