Protecting Your Financial Welfare During a Divorce

Divorce is a complex legal process and it is imperative that you retain competent legal representation to ensure your rights remain protected and that your family's welfare is not jeopardized.

The following recent news illustrates this:

This month, a California businessman who hid assets during his divorce to avoid paying child support has been sentenced to 17 years in prison. The man also had to pay a $50,000 fine and forfeit assets worth more than $2.8 million.

According to authorities, this concealment was more than financially motivated, it was personally motivated. In an angry e-mail to his wife, the defendant told her he was going to file for bankruptcy and that she would get nothing.

Think your spouse might try to hide assets from you?

One way to protect yourself and to ensure you get the assets/ financial support you deserve, is to keep a thorough record of your finances. Obtaining accurate information about your spouse's income can greatly affect whether or not you receive an appropriate award of spousal maintenance (alimony) and child support. It can also affect division of assets. While some marital assets are obvious, others are not.

You need to determine what you own, what you owe and gather proof of income. It is advised you collect items such as the following:

• Bank Statements
• Pay Stubs
• Credit Card Statements
• Records of Mortgage Payments
• Vehicle Titles/Insurance Information
• Records of Big Purchases/ Vacations
• Records of Debts Owed
• Income Tax Returns
• Copies of Deeds, Wills and Trusts
• Pictures of Assets Located in the House

Gather whatever information you can and a family law attorney can help you gather the rest through the discovery process.

Retain Our Experienced Legal Representation Today

At Debra J. Kay Attorney at Law we have the qualifications you can depend upon, throughout the difficult journey ahead. With more than 25 years of experience behind us and with a certified family law specialist among our staff members, we can guide you through this process in as clear and stress-free of a manner as possible.

For a free consultation and to secure the quality legal services you deserve, do not hesitate to contact our office today!