DIVORCE CHECKLIST
Henry S. Gornbein at Divorce Online has prepared a basic checklist of issues that should be considered in every divorce and discussed with your attorney. The list is intended to be general and broad in scope, and food for thought as part of a negotiated settlement or in preparation for trial. Some items may not apply to everyone due to state law variations, whether or not there are children, etc.
Divorce Checklist
- Custodial arrangements for the children
- Visitation/parenting time
- Child support
- Medical, dental, hospital, pharmaceutical, and psychological expenses for the children
- COBRA or medical insurance for a former spouse for up to 3 years from the entry of the divorce judgement where applicable
- Income tax exemptions regarding the children -- who will claim them
- Alimony/spousal support
- Property division
- Division of real estate, transfers, and deeds
- Making sure that all investments are covered including limited partnerships, stocks, bonds, and savings
- The handling of debts
- Pensions, IRA accounts, 401K transfers, Qualified Domestic Relations Orders
- Personal property including furniture, furnishings, art, and collectibles
- Motor vehicles, including trailers and boats
- Income taxes whether there can be joint filings and liabilities for payment of taxes
- Bankruptcy issues, protection in case one spouse does go bankrupt
- Proper security and protection regarding property division
- Clauses to hold the other spouse harmless and indemnification in case someone fails to live up to his or her obligations
- How to handle the discovery of hidden assets
- Spouse abuse and restraining orders
- Restoration of a prior maiden name
- Life insurance policies as protection for child support payments, alimony/spousal support payments, and/or property payments in the event of death
- Attorney fees and/or mediator, accountant, and other expert fees and payment of same
- College education for children and/or spouse
- Provisions for review in certain circumstances such as with regard to child support and/or spousal support.
- Clauses such as payment for summer camps and/or religious training and/or upbringing or other special situations involving children
SOURCE: Divorce Online
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