Divorce is accompanied by a wide range of feelings for both parties involved. There is a possibility of melancholy and disappointment, but there is also the possibility of an overwhelming sense of anticipation for what comes next. Fear of what the end of the marriage will imply financially is a natural and normal reaction to the breakup of the marriage.
There is no question that getting divorced would alter the financial environment for both parties. By adhering to these simple guidelines, divorcing couples can better retain a strong financial footing while they go their separate ways.
First and foremost, separate any joint finances.
There are a lot of married couples that have checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, and other accounts shared between them. Keeping a joint account after a divorce is playing with fire and should be avoided at all costs. An ex-partner has the ability to use a credit card to run up a balance or take money from bank accounts. You will share the same level of responsibility for their actions.
Even if you have always kept your finances completely separate, this does not necessarily free you from any responsibility. It is possible that your ex-spouse knows your passwords and can access your online accounts. Make sure that all of your individual accounts have new passwords.
Determine Living Costs
You must have a strong grasp on what you owe each month and to whom in order to successfully navigate your new life as a single person. Mortgage or rent, electricity, and food are often the expenses that come to mind first; nevertheless, these are merely the visible portions of the figurative iceberg.
Do not overlook your financial responsibilities such as your debt, the cost of health insurance, the cost of auto insurance, the cost of food and care for your pet, the cost of gas and vehicle maintenance, the cost of a membership to a fitness center or a pest control service, annual fees, organization dues, meals at restaurants, clothing, streaming services, cell phone costs, unexpected repairs, and the cost of gifts for special occasions. Include any charges that are associated with children if they apply (school, medical, clothing, food, etc.).
Review All Potential Income Sources
Most likely, the primary source of revenue comes from your weekly paycheck. For the purpose of this calculation, the net income, and not the gross income, should be used. Other sources of income include child support, spousal maintenance, disability benefits, pension income, trust or estate income, Social Security benefits, and veterans’ benefits. Other sources of income include pension income, trust or estate income, and Social Security benefits.
The first thing you need to do is identify the primary source of your money. You should also inquire about the timing of the delivery of the funds (weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.).
Make a budget and stick to it.
Developing an accurate budget requires that you have a comprehensive understanding of both your income and your expenditures. It’s possible that you’ll discover you need to reduce your spending. The necessary adjustments may be very trivial, such as giving up your Friday morning latte, or they may be more significant, such as downsizing to a smaller apartment.
The process of creating the budget is not meant to be negative. Creating and sticking to a budget may be very powerful for a single individual. You are solely responsible for determining your priorities and developing your own sound financial routines. Your financial situation can help you decide if you should look for a new career or further your education or training instead.
Put aside a certain amount of money every month into a savings account, as well as an investing account, if at all possible.
Monitor your credit report frequently.
Examining your credit report can help you comprehend the information that is presented to you by possible employers, lenders, and other parties. Your credit report may bring to your attention neglected joint accounts that need to be terminated and that you had previously been unaware of. It’s possible that you’ll find inaccuracies in your report that need to be contested. A review has the potential to unearth dishonest parties that are utilizing your name to create bogus accounts.
Your credit score is directly impacted by the information on your credit report. If your score is high, you will appear more responsible to prospective landlords, employers, and financial institutions. Your credit report can offer you with a road plan to follow while you work to repair it.
A free review of your credit report is available to you once every 12 months.
Modify Your Estate Plan
The time immediately following the conclusion of a divorce is prime for revising or establishing an estate plan. As part of this procedure, beneficiaries on various accounts, such as life insurance policies, 401(k)s, IRAs, and other funds, can be updated. Examine carefully the individuals who are designated as the primary and alternate beneficiaries in a living trust. Keep your will up to date. Include legal responsibility for the care of minor children. Establishing a power of attorney is important for both medical and financial matters.
It is important to keep in mind that the divorce decree must be adhered to in order for any changes to be made to your estate plan or beneficiaries.
A divorce settlement that takes into account the particular requirements and objectives of the parties involved is the most effective way to reduce the level of stress that comes with living alone. At Justice Legal Group, we examine each and every facet of our client’s circumstance in order to personalize a plan that will help them in the future.
Find out why the Justice Legal Group team is so highly recognized in New Mexico and throughout the nation. You can book a consultation on our website or by calling (505) 880-8737.