Life Event: Get Divorced

Divorce can be one of the hardest events in a person's life. Not only are you dealing with the financial and "rational" aspects of it, but you also have to get past your own and the other person's emotions. Knowing the ins-and-outs of settlements, alimony, child support, property division and more can be mystifying for the most well-informed. Not knowing your options can hurt you for years to come, so don't take on a divorce by yourself. Use these resources along with a great lawyer to guide you through this potentially confusing time.

Other Legal Options Besides Divorce

• Is a Legal Separation is a good idea?
• Can This Marriage be Annulled and is it a better choice for your circumstances?
• Understand the Effects of Annulment on Children and Property.

Preparing for Divorce

• Use this Checklist to help you prepare for divorce.
• This Divorce Law Glossary will help you understand what's going on during your divorce proceedings.
• Mistakes During Divorce: The best strategies to avoid them.
• Is Mediating Your Divorce the right way to go?
• Divorce-Mediation-FAQs
• Will a Collaborative Divorce work in your situation?
• What happens during a Common Law Marriage divorce?

Grounds for Divorce

• Do I need a reason to get divorced? Fault & No-Fault.
• Learn about the various Grounds for Divorce and their Defenses

Filing for Divorce

• Documents to Gather if You're Considering Divorce
• Where Do I File for Divorce?
• Get the facts about Ex Parte Divorce: When Only One Spouse Participates.
• What steps should I take in a Foreign Country Divorce?
• Get the facts about divorce Residency Requirements.
• How to file When Your Spouse Lives in Another State.
• Find out about sister state divorce.

Finances

• How to Document and Track Assets During Divorce.
• How do I Open and Close Accounts the right way?
• Understand how to Deal with Credit and Creditors During Divorce.
• Divide Your Marital Debts equitably.
• Create a Budget for the Divorce Process.
• Is it wise to Declare Bankruptcy during Divorce?
• Divorce and Taxes: Your next course of action.
• Divorced Taxpayers and Tax Return Filing Status: What you should know.
• Divorce: Tax, Innocent Spouses and Community Income

Property Division

• What are the types of Property Division recognized by divorce courts?
• What states support Community Property or Equitable Distribution?
• Divorce: Property Divison FAQ Set I
• Divorce: Property Division FAQ Set II
• Learn more about Property Division in one place.

Spousal Support

• Divorce Alimony FAQ
• Does My Soon-To-Be Ex-Spouse Have To Support Me?
• Courts have the authority to order Alimony?
• Who can Enforce Court-Ordered Spousal Support or Alimony?.

What About the Kids?

• Learn what you need to know about Child Custody and Parental Rights.
• Child Support Facts and Resources

After the Divorce

• Wrapping Up Your Divorce: What you need to know.
• If you don't have your own healthcare coverage, consider COBRA health insurance.
• COBRA FAQs
• When and Why You Should Update Your Will.
• What you need to know about finding a new job.