When you have made the decision that it’s best for the relationship to end in a divorce instead of putting each other through more heartbreak, you need to also think about the legal ramifications of that decision. It’s easy to simply say that you will live in separate houses and that you’ll work out an agreement with who has the kids on various days of the week. However, there are financial aspects to consider as well as credit and other issues that need to be addressed.
Filing Status
When you file a tax return or complete tax documents for a job, you won’t be able to file as married filing jointly or married at all. You’ll have to file as a head of household or single. This could have an impact on the amount of money that you get back on a tax refund or the amount of money that is taken out of a paycheck during the year. This is one of the biggest changes that you might see when it comes to the legal impacts.
Bank Information
You no longer have access to the other person’s bank account. You need to have separate bank accounts so that you have proof of the money that you deposit and that you withdraw. At times, if the divorce is bitter, then the other person might try to take the money from the account before the separation is finalized as the account would be shared while you are still together.
Moving With Children
In many states, you might not be able to move to a different state while divorce proceedings are taking place. Gather all of the evidence that you can to support that the other person is planning to move to another state if you want to keep the children at their school or if you think that you won’t be able to see the children after the move. An attorney office like Divorce Matters can help you in completing paperwork that is necessary to file if you want to try to gain custody of the children or if you fear that the children don’t want to leave with the other parent.
Property
Both people can’t live in the house that you shared, so you need to decide who will stay and who will leave. If you can’t make a decision, then it might be up to a judge to decide who keeps the house. In some cases, the house might need to be sold so that the money can be split equally.
Divorce isn’t usually the first thing that you think about when you get married. Unfortunately, if you can’t get along, then it’s the best decision for the family. Speak with an attorney if you have questions, and try to remain as civil as possible for the process to go smoothly.
About the Author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her husky Snowball. You can find her on Twitter at @LizzieWeakley and on Facebook at facebook.com/lizzie.weakley.
