Do Not Forget These Five Things When You Separate

 Posted on February 16, 2021 in Family Law

When separating or getting a divorce, you have many things on your mind. You are likely considering what your future will hold, where you will live, and possibly even how often you will see your children. While these are all very valid concerns, there are other things you should think about, and that many people overlook when they are going through a divorce. By taking the below actions, you will protect yourself and your case.

Change Your Passwords

Many spouses know the passwords their spouse uses for certain accounts. If you allow your spouse to continue accessing your emails, your texts, or your phone, they may learn important information, such as what your lawyer told you in their last email. Always change all of your passwords so you are the only one that can access your most personal information.

Change Your PIN numbers

Just as you do not want your spouse accessing your emails or texts, you also do not want them accessing your financial accounts. Change the PIN numbers on all of your bank accounts, credit cards, and debit cards. If you do not, your spouse may deplete the account of funds so they have control over them. While this may sound extreme, it happens more often than you think.

Change the Beneficiaries

If you created a will or estate plan during the marriage, your spouse is likely named as your beneficiary. If you pass away and do not change this, they will still receive your estate after you pass away. Change the beneficiaries not only in your estate plan but on life insurance policies and anywhere else you have included your spouse.

Remove Valuables

Even if your divorce is amicable, it is important to remove valuables from the home if you are no longer staying there. Even friendly divorces become bitter and heated and if that is the case, you do not want your spouse damaging or stealing the possessions most valuable to you.

Start Saving

It is always a good idea to have your own personal savings that only you have access to during your divorce. When divorces are particularly contentious, one spouse will sometimes cut their partner off financially, particularly when that spouse does not have an income of their own. To ensure this does not happen, start saving as much as possible early in the process so that you are not relying on your spouse.

Our Illinois Divorce Lawyers Can Advise on Your Case

There is a lot that goes into a divorce and you have a lot to think about. If you are getting a divorce, our skilled Hinsdale family lawyers at the Law Office of Martoccio & Martoccio can assist with your case. We will advise on how you can protect yourself before, during, and after the divorce and negotiate the settlement you deserve. Call us today at 630-920-8855 or fill out our online form to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=6000000&SeqEnd=8300000