If you’re contemplating a divorce, it’s really important — even before you go to an attorney — to get your paperwork in order. The best defense is not offense, it’s knowledge.
Granted, achieving that knowledge is easier said than done, especially in the case of a non-monied spouse who hadn’t been paying close attention to anything financial. The best way for someone like that to fill in for missing paperwork is to collect data: aka, tracking expenses.
Your bookkeeper, accountant and/or lawyer will be able to work with you more effectively if you know a few things about your spending. It doesn’t even have to be sophisticated; a few columns in Excel can speak volumes — and save you from the sting of dozens of billable hours if your accountant has to do it.
JHA’s services include forensic bookkeeping with an eye towards tracking expenses, so that when you go to your tax or legal professional, you’ll be able to talk shop about your expenses from the get-go.
While you’re doing your preparation, why not:
- Look at your expenses for the last six to 12 months
- Compare your needs vs. wants
- Figure out what you’re spending on your children
- Gather all your utility bills
- Figure out which credit card is best for tracking purposes
Every marriage is composed of two people with two different money mindsets. If your spouse is an out-of-control spender, you’ll need to be able to prove that. And along with all the receipts for what your spouse bought, showing how you thrived on less can be priceless.
JHA has the distinction of being staffed by people who have been through divorce (sometimes dozens of times!). We know the game, and we take on a fiduciary mindset as soon as you hire us — that means we only care about you (and not your ex).
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