JOYCE SAYS... BEGIN HERE!

Brophy Financial suggests you begin with a lawyer, perhaps consider some counselling to reduce emotional stress and contact a Certified Divorce Specialist to help you deal with asset issues and your financial future.

• Contact your lawyer to determine what documents are needed for the legal process.
• Find a registered marital counselor with whom you feel comfortable.
• Assemble documents to help Joyce begin the process of determining your financial assets.

Financial documents

Pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, insurance policies, pension plans, investment statements, medical and dental benefit plans,mortgage documents, loan statements, credit card statements, lines of credit, debit cards.

Supporting documents

Marriage certificates, pre-nuptual agreements, birth certificates, marriage contracts, the current and previous address for you and your children, your educational status and the educational status of your children.

Other assets to consider

Remember to list or tell your FDS about pre or post-separation assets you want to keep and assets that are not to be divided (inheritance, gifts or insurance settlements).Don’t forget assets such as antiques, frequent flyer miles, timeshares, stock options, bonuses, deferred raises, prepaid insurance and other items of value.

GETTING STARTED

Often, separating couples think that life will carry on as before. Even though you have decided to go separate ways, don’t be fooled by that old wolf in sheep’s clothing. Supporting two new households with finances that previously supported just one household, is going to necessitate major changes. Planning for divorce is a team effort.