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Divorcing in the spring? Be strategic about your next move

by | Apr 9, 2021 | Divorce

It can probably be said that there is no good time to file for divorce. But if there were, springtime might just be it. It’s not right before the holidays, filling you and your family with “Bah, humbug!” instead of the holiday spirit. And it also isn’t in the midst of summer, those halcyon days kids remember all their lives.

But before you pull the plug on the life support holding your marriage together, take these important steps:

Make copies of financial statements and other documents

Depending on your exit strategy from the marriage (and your spouse’s acceptance of it), once the petition for divorce is filed and served, you could wind up without access to the family home. Make copies now of documents that your family law attorney might have to otherwise subpoena should the split become acrimonious.

Discuss future tax implications with your financial planner

Your divorce filing has no effect on the federal income taxes for 2020, but when your divorce is finalized can very much affect your filing status for 2021 and what you may owe to or could get back from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If the divorce is a civil one, work out the best-case tax scenario for you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse.

Prepare your children

If you have children, this directive applies year-round. It’s a good idea that whatever your eventual custody plans may be, you allow the children to finish out the year at their school with their class. If that needs to change going forward, they can have the whole summer to accept the transition.

Get legal guidance

Even the friendliest low-conflict divorces need both parties to have legal representation to ensure their rights and the rights of any minor children are protected under the terms of your Ohio divorce.