There’s only about a month to go before the new year is here, so you’ve decided to put off your divorce until after the holidays.

That’s reasonable enough — but it doesn’t mean you can afford to sit around and do nothing for the next few weeks. The steps you take today can set the tone for your future. If you don’t do anything, you’re making things much harder for yourself.

What should you do between today and the first of the year?

Here are the things you need to consider doing — now — to prepare for your divorce:

  • Gather all your financial records. You need copies of your tax returns, pay stubs, investment records, insurance policies and real estate deeds, among other things.
  • Open a post office box. You need someplace to receive private correspondence as you move forward with your divorce and make your plans.
  • Open credit cards in your own name. If all of your credit is “shared” with your spouse, you need to start building independent credit.
  • Hire an attorney. Hiring an attorney now doesn’t mean you have to file now. It does, however, give you the time to ask questions and better understand the divorce process.
  • Develop a budget. You need to know where your money is going now (in case your lifestyle becomes important to the issue of spousal support) and what expenses you may have after you separate from your spouse.
  • Look for a place. Unless you think you will be staying in the family home, you need to start shopping around for a place to live to see what’s there (and what it costs).
  • Build a network of support. This may mean reaching out to old friends, picking up the phone to a brother or sister or looking for a therapist. You know what you need the most.

As always, the more prepared you are to handle the changes that are coming, the easier the process will be. Please continue reviewing our website to learn more about divorce options here in Washington.

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    I’ve known Mr. Gets for many years. He is smart, receptive and is a good listener. He cares about each case he works on and is a trusted professional. I highly recommend him.

    — Client

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    My records, kept on clients and phone inquiries don’t contain my reviewers. Doing the work you are engaged to do does not make friends of those on the other side. Please see other reviews via Google and others.

    — Robert G.

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    5.0/5.0

    Robert Getz provided stellar representation in my case. From the first meeting where he outlined the law and along the way as he updated me on the status of my case and how the law and the facts were on my side. It was easy to see I had t...
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    Attorney Getz and Amy made this visiteasy to understand and they answered all the questions that my friends had.I recommend them to anyone who needs an attorney they're awesome Thank you

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    Robert Getz is a standup guy; straightforward; he's fair and honest. Robert gives advise to his clients as if he were in your shoes. He has the best interest of his clients in mind and goes to bat to ensure things are carried out in the m...
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