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What To Do If a Divorce Is Imminent

For many people, the thought of an upcoming imminent divorce can be both very stressful and trying. It is a time when we may say things in haste that we later regret. It is, therefore, essential, if you believe your marriage has irreversibly broken down and that a divorce is imminent, that you take the time out to think carefully about how you wish things to proceed. In this regard, the following are five things you should be considering:

Lawyer

Suffice it to say, as soon as you know a divorce is imminent you need to consult a divorce lawyer to determine what your rights are and what obligations you may have following the divorce. Divorce law in the UK can be complicated, so make sure you know the facts, not hearsay!

Children

If you have children, deciding who is going to be the primary parent following the divorce is going to be one of the hardest decisions you’ll make in your life. You and your soon to be ex-partner need to be realistic and ensure you are putting your children’s needs ahead of any selfish need you have to get one over on each other at this difficult time for them. Remember, if children are involved in a divorce, this could well have a major influence over a number of other factors.

Property

Our house is usually the most valuable asset we buy during the course of our lives. Giving up on this investment can be extremely tough. So, you need to be thinking of whether or not you move out, your spouse moves out, or you both move out and sell the property. In the event that you ask your spouse to move out, you also need to think of whether or not you should be offering to pay them out their share of the house. Likewise, if you are moving out, maybe you should be asking your spouse for a share of the property value. Making this decision will depend on the amount invested in the house and the contributions made by each person (and this should not just be a financial contribution, but also maintenance and upkeep).

Savings

In the UK one of the last things people consider before a divorce is their savings. For example, if you have a joint bank account–how do you split any credit balance that there may be in the account? Likewise with any stocks & shares you may jointly have. All of these will need to be divided equitably between you and an agreement to do this should happen before the divorce papers are signed.

Debts

You would be amazed how many divorced people in the UK today have bad credit ratings because the actions of their ex-spouse after they divorced still had an effect on their credit rating. For example, if you have a joint credit card, mortgage or loan (such as car loan), the actions of your soon to be ex-spouse will still have a bearing on your credit rating long after you have divorced unless you have taken the appropriate steps to separate yourselves both financially, as well as legally and emotionally. So, if a divorce is imminent, it is time to consider cancelling the joint credit cards, finding out ways to make your joint mortgage a sole mortgage, and making sure the car loan is in the name of the person using the car!

Divorce in the UK can be a messy affair, a lengthy affair, and a stressful affair, so if a divorce is imminent, try and make sure your affairs are in order as soon as you can.