Unfortunately, people stuck in bad marriages are now stuck in their homes with their spouse who they just cannot stand to be around.  Statistics from China and the United Kingdom show that divorce rates are expected to climb when the worry and fear of the Coronavirus passes.  Although the medical professionals don’t know exactly when the pandemic will end most of the talking heads on television indicate that the virus will eventually subside due to social distancing, vaccines, or other cures created by our healthcare professionals  In the meantime, if a divorce is in your cards in the future there are several things you can do to help your divorce attorney help you prepare for your next phase of your life.

Here are some helpful steps that you can take right now while you are cooped up in your home.  1.  Gather your tax returns for the last three years.  2.  Go on-line and get your banks statements as far back as you can go. 3.  Go on-line and get your credit card statements as back as you can go.  4.  Start preparing your financial affidavit.  In Florida, the Supreme Court of Florida’s website can provide you with a sample of a standard financial affidavit.  The financial affidavit provides your divorce attorney with an understanding of your assets, debts, your need for support, or conversely do you even have the ability to pay support as the case may be.  5.  If you believe your spouse is having an extra-marital affair, pay attention to their social media posts.  It is not uncommon for a person to somehow add a new unexplained friend to their social media account.  Remember anything posted on social media can be used for or against you in court.  6.  Be very careful with confidential information.  Make sure you keep confidential information between you and your attorney.  Lately, we have been seeing cases where a child or a close friend is a double agent relaying information to both sides.  In other words, be careful.

For 37 years we have been practicing law in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties.  If you or your loved ones have a question concerning how to prepare for a divorce, the Divorce Attorneys at Schantz and Schantz are here to help.  Feel free to call us at 954-385-1536 for a phone or Zoom Video Conference appointment.

Please be safe, protect yourselves, and protect your family.