Getting divorced is often a long and tedious process for many couples. There are many things you have to do before you can officially call it quits. Many couples share nearly everything when they are married, including finances. While this can be convenient and useful during a marriage, it can prove to be a hassle during a divorce when you must disentangle your and your spouse’s finances. Divorce is difficult not only because of the financial aspect, but also because it is an emotional process as well. Major life transitions can be much easier with preparation, and divorce is no exception. Below are a few practical ways you can prepare for your Wisconsin divorce.

Understand Your Financial Situation

It is not uncommon for one spouse to be more knowledgeable of the finances in a marriage. If you are getting a divorce, it is important that you have a clear picture of what your finances look like. First, you should gather all of your financial documents, such as bank statements, credit card statements, as well as information about investment and retirement accounts. In addition, it is important to know about any assets you may own, such as real estate, vehicles, or other expensive items. You should then determine if you have any debt for which you and your spouse are responsible, such as credit card balances, a mortgage, vehicle loans, plus other outstanding bank or personal loans. This can give you a clearer picture of what you are working with when it comes time to divide your assets and debts.

Nothing stays the same forever; the only constant is change. The same can be said when it comes to divorce decrees and the decisions that they contain. In Wisconsin, a divorce decree will include all of the information that is needed to settle a divorce, such as how property is being divided, how child custody has been determined, and whether or not spousal maintenance or child support is relevant for the case. As everyone knows, circumstances can change over time, and what may have been right when the divorce was finalized may not be appropriate for current or future situations. In scenarios such as these, you may need to modify your Wisconsin divorce decree.

Time Requirements For Modifications

It is important to know that you cannot change elements of your divorce decree just because you want to or because you do not like them. You actually need a valid reason to modify your decree, and even then, there are certain things you typically cannot change, such as property division.

The winter holiday season is well on its way, but this can be a difficult time of year for some people, especially if they have just gone through or are currently going through a divorce. Your first Christmas after your divorce can be one of the toughest periods you will experience, especially if you have children. Everyone wants their children to have a happy and cheerful upbringing with fond childhood memories, but that can seem like a pipe dream when you are in the midst of a divorce. It is important to remember that just because your first holiday after a divorce may not seem very festive, it does get easier. Here are a few tips to help you celebrate the holidays amidst and after your divorce:

Rethink Your Mindset

It can be saddening to think that your whole family will not be together for the holidays any longer, but that does not mean you cannot have a good time. Even if you do not see your children on specific holidays, you can still make the day meaningful. For example, if you are alone on Thanksgiving, consider volunteering at a soup kitchen to make someone else’s day better. Having a nice holiday is all about how you look at it.

Many studies and surveys have revealed that one of the biggest sources of arguments and contention in a marriage is financial matters. For some couples, finances are the reason that they get a divorce. Most of the time, married couples have at least a few intermingled financial assets, and sometimes, all of the couple’s financial assets are combined. Although this often makes for easier handling during the marriage, it can mean increased difficulty and arguments during a divorce. Figuring out what you should do with your finances during your divorce can be difficult, but it does not have to be. Here are a few common financial issues that may arise during divorce and how you can resolve them:

Determining Your Assets

Before you begin anything relating to separating your finances, it is important that you understand your current financial picture. To do this, you need a list of all of the assets that you and your spouse own. This may include:

The end of August signals the start of another school year. Any parent can become stressed or overwhelmed with the demands of the back-to-school season, but this time of year can be especially difficult for parents who are divorced. Arguments may arise over school supply shopping or emergency contact forms, and these disputes can get heated and out of hand if you let them. Co-parenting is not easy, and back-to-school time can make it even more stressful. The following tips can help you if you are recently divorced with a child who is starting school soon.

1. Figure Out Who is Paying For What

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