Did you know that January is known to be the busiest month for divorces in our country? Whether this is related to new year’s resolutions, a new tax year, the intense stress of the holiday season, or simply looking for a fresh start, the new year marks the end of marriage, and a fresh start for many. If this is something that you are considering in the days and weeks leading up to January, you may want to spend some time preparing for this possibility for you and your family. Here are some tips for small things you can do now that will help you in the new year.
1. Gather year-end financial statements: Because the end of December marks the end of a tax year, many of your financial institutions will automatically send out a year end statement. These documents can be very important and helpful as you begin to think about untangling your finances and are critical pieces of information in mediation or litigation.
2. Open a credit card in your own name: Accessing funds during divorce can be challenging so considering a new credit card in your name may be a wise option so that you have access to funds when you need it.
3. Take stock of your marital assets (and debt): One of the major issues to settle in a divorce is how to fairly and equitably divide your joint property, assets and debt. Starting a list of these items now can save you time and stress later.
4. Understand the divorce process in your state: Each state handles divorce a little differently. Minnesota is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that you do not have to prove that your spouse did something wrong to end a marriage. Minnesota courts also recommend that all couples try a form of alternative dispute resolution (like mediation) before proceeding through the court system.
5. Practice flexibility: Especially if you share children and need to work together on a custody agreement, you will quickly learn that flexibility and openness goes a long way toward a positive and healthy divorce agreement. While it is normal to feel anger, sadness and stress during divorce, letting those emotions go and focusing on what is in the best interest of your kids is the most important thing moving forward.
Minnesota Divorce Mediator
Johnson Mediation offers a wide variety of divorce mediation and support services to help you navigate divorce in Minnesota. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, give us a call at 952-401-7599.
