As a female going through a divorce, you’re probably aware that there are a few challenges you may have that others do not. A surprising 46 percent of women asked about divorce stated that it came with financial surprises they weren’t prepared for, which is not something you have to go through. Good preparation and knowledge about the divorce process can help you.
Since your divorce is one in which you have a great deal to gain or lose, it’s necessary to understand the surprises that could come up. Women polled in the above study by Worthy stated that there were surprises when they were informed about the full amount of marital debt that had been accrued and with how much the divorce cost. Other financial surprises included having to go back to work or getting less alimony than expected.
How can you avoid financial surprises during divorce?
To help avoid these surprises, there are a few things you can do. To start with, you should get to know your net worth as a couple and gain access to all accounts shared between you and your spouse. You need to know where you stand financially, so that you can make good decisions when negotiating later.
After a divorce, it’s you who will be responsible for your own household, so understanding the finances in the home you’re in now can help with that. Getting to know your finances helps you balance your expectations and prepare for the divorce better than if you go in not knowing what to expect as an outcome.