End-of-Year Goals: How To Prepare For A Fresh Start After A Fort Lauderdale Divorce
The holidays are undoubtedly a difficult time for going through a divorce in Fort Lauderdale. If your marriage is in trouble, you recently separated, or you are on the path to getting a divorce, rather than focus on the holiday season, why not focus on your fresh start.
While getting a divorce is never easy, it can open new worlds in terms of individual freedom and opportunities. To ensure you get started on the right path, our Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer recommends setting some practical end-of-year goals.
Get Your Financial Affairs In Order
The holiday season goes by quickly, and a new year is right around the corner. Rather than regretting the past, make your focus on reaching future goals.
Filing for a divorce in the Broward County Family Court can have major impacts on your financial security. To protect yourself and your rights throughout divorce proceedings, make it your goal to get your financial affairs in order:
- Gather all financial documents, including property titles, statements for checking, savings, and retirement accounts, outstanding loans, and a list of businesses and other investments.
- Review your budget, considering your marital assets, lifestyle, and expenditures. Calculate your total current income and additional amounts needed moving forward.
- Separate joint finances and open up your own bank accounts and credit cards to begin re-establishing your individual credit.
- As the new year quickly transitions to tax season, consider how you might file this year and what will happen with deductions, tax credits, and refunds.
Consider Your Long-Term Goals After A Divorce In Fort Lauderdale
Under the Florida Statutes, certain legal matters between you and your spouse must be addressed in divorce proceedings before the judge can issue a final order. To ensure you are prepared for divorce negotiations, consider your long-term goals:
- Division of marital property: You have a right to a fair and reasonable share of any marital property and assets. Consider what you want to do with homes, vehicles, furnishings, and other items.
- Alimony and other assets: If you make less than your spouse, you may be entitled to alimony in Florida. You also have the right to a fair share of any retirement benefits or other marital funds.
- Caring for children: The Florida Courts generally encourage child time-sharing arrangements. Consider not only the amount of time your child will spend in your home, but how you can work with the other parent in negotiating schedules that allow you time for work, school, or other activities.
For Help In Making A Fresh Start, Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer
Aside from holiday celebrations, the end of the year is a good time to reflect, regroup, and refocus. Setting a few simple divorce goals now helps protect your rights and best interests in legal proceedings that lie ahead. For help in making a fresh start, contact Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Vanessa L. Prieto. We provide the trusted legal guidance needed during this challenging time of life. Request a consultation today.
Sources:
browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061.html
