In the eyes of the law, divorce does not discriminate between men and women. Many people believe that the courts inherently favor women during divorce and custody hearings, but officially speaking, there should be no bias present when a judge makes a ruling on these important decisions.
Historically, single-mother households drastically outnumbered single-father households. However, recent figures from the United States Census Bureau reveal an increase in single-father households in recent years. There has been an estimated 62-percent increase in single-father households in the last 10 years.
If you are a father who is considering divorce, it is important that you are prepared for the process. At The Law Office of Elliot Green, we are ready to help fathers who want to maintain custody of their children. The first step is to schedule an appointment with us to discuss your case. Call us today at 718-689-0282, and we will give you a free consultation to walk you through the options.
1. Hire an Attorney
Ask Men recommends that the very first step to perform when you are considering divorce is to get a divorce attorney. This does not necessarily mean you have to strike first, but it means you must be prepared and ready to protect your own interests. A divorce lawyer will help you collate all of your information and think the matter through clearly. He or she will also advise on joint credit cards and home equity lines.
As Ask Men points out, you will be equally responsible for all debt accrued on your credit cards, and even if your spouse spends a significant amount of money following the initial divorce proceedings, you are still potentially liable for this. However, be sure to get a documented, certified communication to your ex-wife from your attorney about your intentions, and a judge may be tempted to rule in your favor on matters such as these should the divorce get messy.
Furthermore, an experienced divorce attorney has likely encountered every kind of divorce situation imaginable. He or she will be able to apply this knowledge to your specific case.
2. Open Your Own Accounts
Once you know that the divorce is inevitable, it is important to open your own, separate bank accounts that are only in your name. This includes accounts across the board: credit cards, saving accounts and even insurance policies.
At the same time, start moving all of your deposits and salaries through these accounts. Assets in accounts listed with both of your names will potentially be split 50/50 if the case appears before the courts, and your spouse may lay claim to your salary for her own expenses.
3. Take Care of Rent Payments or Mortgage
Finally, Ask Men suggests taking care of your rent payments or mortgage. If you have a split lease or payments on the house, it is important not to stop these. Landlords and credit agencies do not care about your personal situation, and they will penalize you if these payments stop.
Preparing for divorce is a complex and overwhelming process. Get an experienced Staten Island divorce attorney on your side to represent your interests. Call the Law Office of Elliot Green today at 718-689-0282 to schedule an appointment.
