There are many issues that need to be hashed out as a North Carolina divorce case proceeds. Although all areas will warrant attention, finances are connected to every aspect from children to property to support. It is imperative to think about how that will impact everyone involved and to be fully prepared.
Shielding assets is vital
Divorce is particularly common right after the start of a new year. January is the month in which the most people file for divorce. Researchers believe this stems from longstanding disagreements that got worse during the holidays. Often, people stay together through the holiday season and then take steps to end the marriage after the new year.
Once the decision has been made, it is wise to give finances significant attention. People are advised to look at their joint bank accounts and credit cards; assess their retirement accounts; and scrutinize their income tax records.
Another area where people tend to make missteps is in estate planning. Failure to change beneficiaries can leave their property to a former spouse when that is not what they wanted to do post-divorce. Retirement accounts are especially important in this context as people tend to think changing their estate plan is sufficient when the beneficiary must be changed on the account.
The opposite perspective is also important. If a person had fewer assets than the spouse or was a homemaker, they need to know they will be financially stable with support and a reasonable split of property. While the law is designed to ensure a person has the tools they need to make it on their own, they must still be aware of how calculations are done.
Getting through a divorce requires a specific plan
Divorce is rarely easy and navigating the complexities while going through the emotional upheaval can make it harder. Despite that, people must know what to expect from the start. Child custody, child support, alimony and property distribution are just some of the factors that are fundamental to the case. Knowing how to achieve a fair resolution whether that is through negotiation or in court is integral and should be understood from the beginning.