In Ontario, there are about six million married people; more than in any other province. Despite the fact that this can be exciting for everyone involved, not every marriage will last. Relationships can end naturally as couples change and experience the stresses and strains of daily life, though this can be a good thing for both partners in the long run.
Divorce rates are expected to increase as courts return online and pandemic restrictions ease. Due to the pandemic, many divorce proceedings were delayed. The divorce rate is predicted to rise sharply now that restrictions have been reduced and the courts are functioning.
Staying organized and grounded increases your chances of achieving a fair outcome. In this Ontario divorce checklist, we aim to provide an easy-to-follow divorce checklist to help you get and stay on track and assist you in resolving your family law matters in the right way.
1) Maintain Your Legal Documents
Maintaining your divorce legal documents is one of the most critical aspects of applying for a divorce. The documents serve as a valuable asset during the divorce process. Check out the Simple Divorce Application Checklist.
Here is a list of the most important documents you should know about:
- Put together a list of all the assets you share, including vehicles, bank accounts, credit card debt, medical bills, retirement accounts, stocks, and bonds. Even consider all types of account statements, such as brokerage, checking, and savings accounts.
- Make a list of all joint debts such as mortgages, car loans, retirement plan loans, and student loans.
- Be sure to gather information about any pension or retirement account that either spouse earned during the marriage.
- Organize all the copies of your joint tax returns.
2) Plan Your Accommodations
In addition, divorced couples often choose to stay in the same residence to avoid additional expenses during the divorce process. If living together isn’t an option, it will need to be decided which spouse will stay in the marital home during the divorce. Depending on whether you and your spouse cannot agree, you may have to ask the court for the exclusive use of the property until a judge decides how to divide the property.
A majority of the time when there is a minor involved, the rights associated with the child go to the parent whose financial situation is more stable and can handle the child’s care. It is imperative that you begin looking for a place to stay as soon as possible if your spouse plans on staying in the marital residence throughout the divorce process. To make sure you don’t give up the right to the property, you may want to consult with your attorney before leaving the marital home.
3) Keep Your Finances Separate
Married couples tend to share their finances, and all their accounts are tied to both spouses’ names, which is why it is recommended after a divorce to keep your finances separate. Furthermore, you should draw new boundaries during a divorce to safeguard your money and yourself.
You need to set up your own checking and savings accounts and redirect your paychecks there as soon as possible. Make sure to start investing a portion of your income as well as setting up your personal retirement account as soon as possible. As an added bonus, if you decide to stay in the house, the utilities, digital subscriptions, and other bills must also be in your name.
When you prepare your finances, keep these two things in mind:
- Emergency Fund: Having an emergency fund will benefit you greatly if you divorce or separate from your spouse. You will be protected from all the unforeseeable circumstances that will disrupt your financial stability during divorce by your emergency fund. Make your spending the bare minimum so you can afford the expenses divorce brings.
- Establish a Monthly Budget: Money might discourage you. Once the divorce process has ended, remember that you can live a debt-free life and achieve your financial goals. The monthly budget will help you set healthy spending limits so you can achieve your financial goals. The budget keeps you motivated to reach those financial goals.
4) Plan Your Parenting In The Case Of A Child
A divorced couple has a lot to consider, but here is a well-thought-out plan to get them started.
Make a plan to learn about the child custody laws in Ontario and draft a proposed custody agreement, including each parent’s visitation schedules with the children and holiday schedules. Keep a calendar where your children can see how much time they spend with each parent. Include issues or expenses you’ve paid that relate to communication, transportation, or cancellation appointments. Consider whether paying or receiving child support will be necessary after the divorce. If your spouse refuses to pay child support during the divorce, you can ask the court for a temporary support order when you file your petition or response.
5) Think About Hiring an Attorney
Although it is not necessary to hire a lawyer, it is highly recommended that you hire a divorce lawyer in Ontario who has extensive experience in providing you with the best legal services. To prevent any conflict during the divorce process, it is also advised that both parties hire separate lawyers. It is true that hiring an attorney will increase your divorce costs at first, but it will also save you stress, and recurring costs and protect your rights after the divorce process.
Prepare Ontario Divorce Checklist With Hussain Law
Divorce can be emotionally and financially draining and extremely unpredictable. Prepare for any circumstances during a divorce with the right lawyer who can provide you with family law solutions tailored to you.
At Hussain Law, we focus on helping our clients navigate the emotional and financial challenges of separation and divorce. Our office remains fully operational, and we have implemented various new procedures that allow us to continue to advise clients seamlessly during this time.
If you have a family law issue or want to prepare for divorce that you need assistance with, please contact Ayesha Hussain a divorce lawyer in Toronto at 647-428-3919.
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