The love they lost! It’s so tragic when a marriage doesn’t work out, and I do believe if you get married you should do everything you can to make it work, especially if you have children. But, sometimes two people just can’t stand the sight of each other anymore, and there is no option other than divorce.
The one piece of advice I can give you: if you think you might end up getting divorced, don’t get married! It’s emotionally draining and expensive to unravel! Nothing wrong with living together – it is 2011 after all – and, you can still have a huge party with all your friends and family.
If you’re in a marriage and just know it’s not going to work out – PLAN AHEAD. Where is your money? Did you come into the marriage and ‘comingle’ funds, and he (she) kept her money separate? Even if it’s a long-term marriage this issue could come up and you’ll pay for it.
Do you have a joint checking account? Are you going to end up with no immediate funds?
What about debt? Where, on what, and did you sign?
Are you in a position to have your investment accounts frozen? Your financial advisor should be able to help you keep your accounts liquid. Try to move at least part of the account into your name only (tell him (her) you want to try one of the new trading platforms?).
Do you have a home equity line of credit on YOUR house that his (or her) name is on? I’ve had more than one girlfriend have her husband pull down the entire home equity line of credit and deposit it into his bank account on the same day he left. Tragic! And, if it’s your house, you’re responsible. Close the account ASAP!
What about health insurance – your policy or his? COBRA will usually allow a spouse to remain on the account for up to two years, sometimes longer. Make sure you are covered. Did you know in many states the spouse is responsible for the other’s medical bills?
Frequent flyer miles are usually joint custody too. Maybe it’s time to go ahead and cash in a ticket for your next vacation with your girlfriends.
You’ll have to hire yourself a good lawyer, so find a good son of a bitch to represent your best interests. All state laws are different, so make sure you know what to do and not to do. Good luck!
Hopefully, it’ll all be over soon and you can find a new love!!!
Divorce facts: On October 1, 2011 Malta will allow divorce, so now only two countries in the world do not allow divorce: The Philippines and Vatican City.
Forty percent of marriages in the U.S. end in divorce. However, 81% of college graduates over 26 years old who wed in the 1980’s are still married.
I went through four divorces as a child – it sucks! Remember, your children’s lives are being ruined too! The day you split up, is the day they become adults so try to wait until they’re off to college to divorce. To this day, neither my sister or I will travel on Sunday night unless we absolutely have to – it’s just no fun to have to move every three days…
