“Nothing in school readies you for how to prepare for the divorce process.  However, here is a little guy to guy advice on the best course of action to take.”

Divorce—they never teach you this stuff in school!  And yet this is the sort of thing that can destroy your life instantly.  The key to living through divorce and not letting it eat you from the inside out is to prepare for the event, the legal aspects, the financial aspects and the emotional aspects that will be hard.

Let's start with financial considerations.  Remember these basics before you even think about filing for the Big D in Daytona or attorney-searching.

• Be sure to take an active interest in all financial matters.  It's best not to have any secrets held over you, because this is stuff that can really ruin your budget later on. Make an effort to collect bank registers, your family's past income tax returns, paycheck stubs, stock reports, employee benefits, and generally any documents that contain currency or investment information.

• If your wife owns a business and is keeping you in the dark, then visit the office and try to copy all important documents.  You may even be able to get access from the company bookkeeper.  You may also be able to access such information from the computer.  This is very important, as a clueless husband stands to lose the most.

• Be aware of your state's legal standards as to marital misconduct.  Quite a few states are “no fault” meaning, it's irreconcilable differences, with no questions asked.  So don't blow hundreds on a private investigator if it's a moot issue anyway.

• If you are in a no fault state, then the only investigative material that might help you are phone records and telephone records, just in case you are entitled to some money back stemming from social activities outside martial bounds.

• Play it cool in financial matters, meaning don't try to pay off all your debts, or boost your income on a temporary basis.  Division of assets will probably be made without considerations of debt, and the primary earner of the household will inherit it.

• If children are involved, and custody hearings are likely, be sure to document everything that happens concerning child care, including dates, times, names, places and so on.  Historical evidence is given special consideration in these matters.

Last but not least, try to retain a lawyer during this time, especially if you stand to lose the most - and that's regardless of how you see the winner-loser, guilty or not guilty.  You can't take any chances in this time period.  However, it is wise to consult an experienced Daytona attorney since you know your ex is going to do the same thing.

For more information on divorce hearings, contact Kenny Leigh and Associates and ask for a consultation on your case.

By Kenny Leigh