5 Things To Do Before Moving Out During a Florida Divorce
One of the most painful things is dissolving a marriage that you believed would last forever. When tensions rise, moving out of the marital home might seem like the only solution for finding peace. However, the decision to vacate the marital home should not be taken lightly. Moving out should never be an impulsive or emotional decision, or a decision made to get back at your spouse. Leaving your marital home during a Florida divorce is a decision about what is best for you and your family, both now and in the future, and it should only be made after carefully considering the legal, financial, and emotional consequences and consulting with an experienced Florida divorce attorney.
If you are thinking about moving out of your marital home during a Florida divorce, below are five crucial steps to take before you start packing;
- Talk to an Attorney
The first and most vital step is to consult an experienced Florida divorce attorney. A skilled lawyer can advise you on the potential impact of moving out of your marital home while your case is pending, especially if you have children and marital property that needs to be divided between you and your spouse. An attorney can advise you on what to do before moving out, if moving out is the best thing in your particular case.
- Create a Temporary Parenting Plan
If you have children, it is crucial that you and your spouse try to reach a temporary agreement about timesharing before you move out. Creating a parenting plan before relocating can support your children’s stability. Children thrive from stability. Suddenly disrupting what they are used to can cause emotional stress and confusion. Additionally, by creating a parenting plan before you move, you can protect your parental rights and minimize the risks of disputes in your divorce case.
If you and the other parent cannot cooperate to come up with a plan, an attorney may be able to help.
- Protect Your Financial Interests
Before moving out of the home, take measures to secure your financial future. Gather copies of bank statements, tax returns, retirement accounts, property deeds, vehicle titles, loan documents, insurance policies, credit card statements, and other financial and marital documents. Collecting and organizing these records can ensure you protect your right to an equitable share of marital assets.
- Establish Financial Independence
Prior to moving out of your marital home, it is vital that you place some cash in a separate account, if possible. If this is impossible, you can consider opening a low-interest credit card. If you do not have a job, try to get one before moving out, unless you are in physical danger at your marital home. While you may be able to seek temporary alimony while your case is pending, it’s best to assume that you alone are responsible for your own needs.
- Secure Your Living Situation
Before you move out, find a house you can afford on your own income. But be careful about signing a long-term lease while your divorce is pending, as your circumstances might change.
Contact an Orlando Divorce Lawyer
If you are going through a Florida divorce and are considering moving out of your marital home, contact our experienced Orlando divorce lawyers at the Arwani Law Firm for legal advice.
