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Amy M. Levine
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Our Latest Blog Posts
What can you do when your spouse is hiding assets?
Divorce can bring out the worst in people. Reasonable, levelheaded folk may revert to shady tactics to "win" the process. The fear of losing assets leads many people to conceal them during proceedings. But most attempts at hiding money prove unfruitful. Read the news...
Thinking about divorce? Talk to a lawyer sooner rather than later
People in difficult relationships often hope for the best. But is it wiser to prepare for the worst? Many partners think their situation will sort itself out. Others consider all the years they’ve had with their partner and believe their marriage can weather any...
Ohio has the second-highest opioid overdose rate
The opioid epidemic has plagued many states and the country as a whole for quite some time. Ohio is one of the states most affected by this crisis.In 2017, Ohio had over 4,200 overdoses related to opioids. This rate is almost three times the national average. One...
What NOT to do after a car accident
It’s winter in Ohio, so it’s an appropriate time of the year to discuss what to do in the case of an accident. Whether due to slick streets, distracted driving or a myriad of other reasons, the unfortunate truth is that most of us will be involved in at least one car...
Financial secrets can lead to divorce and impact its outcomes
Any type of lie or secret can be poison to a trusting relationship. However, lying about money can be one of the most dangerous types of deception for a marriage. Money problems are the second most common cause for divorce, just behind cheating on a...
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5 Steps To Prepare For Divorce
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What should you do when preparing for divorce? Every case is unique, but there are several steps everyone should consider:
1. Speak to an attorney. Whichever spouse contacts a lawyer first will have a distinct advantage in early divorce proceedings. Whether you are considering filing for divorce or your spouse has recently demanded a divorce, an attorney can offer invaluable advice. Also, consider speaking with a counselor or trusted friend if your most pressing issues are emotional ones.
2. Gather your financial records. The importance of controlling your financial information cannot be overstated. Collect your income tax returns, current year-end brokerage statements, a recent pay statement, an employee benefits summary and a joint financial statement, if possible. If you cannot get copies of these records, it is possible to secure them during the discovery process — but the sooner you and your attorney have them the better.
3. Begin saving money. In Franklin County and the surrounding communities, it can take up to eight weeks to get a court order for alimony and child support. If you are not the primary breadwinner in the marriage, it can be difficult to make ends meet while waiting for the court to order the support you need. Tracking your expenses and saving money before filing for divorce can give you financial security and peace of mind.
4. Open new accounts in your name only. Once divorce proceedings begin, there can be disputes over joint assets, including checking and savings accounts. Your attorney may instruct you to withdraw money from shared accounts, and you will need somewhere to put it. As your living situation changes, you may need access to your money on short notice.
5. Update your estate plan. If you are considering divorce, you likely do not want your spouse collecting on your will or life insurance policy. Our lawyers are experienced in both family law and estate planning, which means we can help you update the necessary documents and protect your financial future.
Contact Amy M. Levine & Associates
For effective advice and counsel before and during divorce, we encourage you to contact us for a consultation. Please call our Columbus, Ohio, office at 614-360-2942.
Amy M. Levine
View Profile
Our Latest Blog Posts
What can you do when your spouse is hiding assets?
Divorce can bring out the worst in people. Reasonable, levelheaded folk may revert to shady tactics to "win" the process. The fear of losing assets leads many people to conceal them during proceedings. But most attempts at hiding money prove unfruitful. Read the news...
Thinking about divorce? Talk to a lawyer sooner rather than later
People in difficult relationships often hope for the best. But is it wiser to prepare for the worst? Many partners think their situation will sort itself out. Others consider all the years they’ve had with their partner and believe their marriage can weather any...
Ohio has the second-highest opioid overdose rate
The opioid epidemic has plagued many states and the country as a whole for quite some time. Ohio is one of the states most affected by this crisis.In 2017, Ohio had over 4,200 overdoses related to opioids. This rate is almost three times the national average. One...
What NOT to do after a car accident
It’s winter in Ohio, so it’s an appropriate time of the year to discuss what to do in the case of an accident. Whether due to slick streets, distracted driving or a myriad of other reasons, the unfortunate truth is that most of us will be involved in at least one car...
Financial secrets can lead to divorce and impact its outcomes
Any type of lie or secret can be poison to a trusting relationship. However, lying about money can be one of the most dangerous types of deception for a marriage. Money problems are the second most common cause for divorce, just behind cheating on a...
Visit Our Blog
