Important items may be overlooked during divorce

Wisconsin couples who are going through the divorce have many things to consider, and some items might be overlooked as a result of the stress and emotions that often accompany the end of a marriage. A few tips may help the process go more smoothly.

A divorcing spouse should gather financial information together early. It may be helpful to make out a list, and copy all needed documents beforehand. That way, if documents disappear, the papers an individual needs will be safely gathered together. People should also remember that their retirement accounts, insurance policies, wills and other documents name beneficiaries. An individual who is divorced may be busy trying to get his or her life back together, and these important documents may be overlooked. Changing those beneficiary designations prevents an ex-spouse from collecting. In addition, if an individual is granted part of a retirement account as part of the divorce settlement, a qualified domestic relations order will need to be prepared and approved by the court.

Estranged spouses should ensure that personal items, family photos, mementos, jewelry and similar items are protected during a divorce. The safest place would be somewhere other than at the house, perhaps at a friend’s residence or placed into storage. During the divorce process, items might disappear. Afterward, because a newly divorced individual is busy, a delay in retrieving personal items may not guarantee that they will be there. Obtaining a copy of a credit report lets an individual ensure that all credit cards and bills are accounted for, so there are no surprises coming in the mail later. It also ensures that all debts are included in the property division.

The end of a marriage is often a time of great change, and consulting a family law attorney is a good first move. An attorney can provide advice and counsel at each stage of the process, including the negotiation and preparation of a comprehensive settlement agreement.