When you are planning to start divorce proceedings of course you first need to decide is this something that you really want.  Sometimes to prevent such proceedings from going ahead discussing with a marriage counselor could help you both.  However, if you find no way to reconcile then you need to start preparing for divorce proceedings.  Below are a couple of things that need to be done first.

1.  Hire A Lawyer That You Can Trust

It is a good idea to interview at least three divorce lawyers when preparing for divorce before you decide on one to go with.  The ones you should be selecting initially are those that have no less than 5 years experience in dealing with divorce cases.  Plus it should be someone that you feel comfortable with and who has your interests in mind.

Sometimes couples can settle things without the need for lawyers.  But if this is not the case then you need one who is not only capable but willing to take your case before a judge for you.  Ideally you want a lawyer when preparing for divorce that can help to settle things quickly but will fight for you when the situation arises.

2. Provide Your Lawyer With Details Of Your Finances

You need to provide copies of all financial records such as tax returns, pay slips and any investments you have.  Make sure that all these documents are together and keep a copy of everyone of them for yourself.  This way you will get a clearer picture of not just where you but your spouse stands financially.  Remember you want to make sure that all assets and debts from the marriage have been shared equally when preparing for divorce.  So it is crucial that you know exactly what is owned and what you both owe.

In order to determine what you own make a list of every possible asset that you and your spouse have.  Then get together any documentation relating to these assets.  Find out the value of that asset currently and make a note of this.  Plus include in the package details of where and when a particular asset was purchased and whether you purchased it yourself or together.  This is especially important when it comes to the home in which you have lived together.  Once you have all this provide your lawyer with the documentation making sure you keep copies of everything for yourself.

When it comes to debts that have arisen during the marriage it does not matter whose name these are in.  Any debts you have (whether your own as a couple) won’t be split according to the name on them but who is the one able to actually pay them.  In order to find out what debts you have martially is to get a copy of your credit report and any debts you have will be shown on this.  Upon receiving the report get statements for any debts owing to discover what is still owed.  Again give all this information to your lawyer when preparing for divorce remembering to keep copies of it for yourself.