INDUSTRY INSIGHT
DIVORCE AND FAMILY LAW
SPONSORED CONTENT
Don ’ t Be a DIVORCE CASUALTY !
We have represented innumerable men and women going through a divorce , and it is clear that many mistakes are made before we are retained . In an effort to help , our team has compiled a “ greatest hits ” list when contemplating a divorce .
DO :
• Hire the best and most experienced lawyer you can ! You don ’ t want to suffer the consequences when your spouse has hired a top lawyer and you have not .
• Inventory your personal property at the outset . Videotape your possessions if you can .
• Copy financial documents such as bank and investment statements , loan documents , credit card statements and life insurance policies . Consider preparing a spreadsheet of your assets and liabilities before your first meeting with a lawyer .
• Confirm that your taxes have been paid . Copy at least the last three years ’ full returns and back up documents such as W-2s , 1099s and K-1s .
• If you have not already , apply for credit cards in your individual name and use them for small purchases to establish your own credit . Try to save money for future living expenses and unexpected costs .
• Understand that each divorce case is unique . You should not compare your divorce case to someone else ’ s .
• Identify all of your spouse ’ s sources of income . Examine paystubs , tax records and sources of deposits into your joint accounts .
• Make an exit plan . Prepare a budget to understand your cash needs .
• Consider opening a PO Box if you remain under the same roof with your spouse so you can receive private correspondence from your lawyer .
DON ’ T :
• Hide money or continue funding your joint account after you separate .
• Think of your lawyer as your therapist . Surround yourself with a support team and a good therapist if needed .
• Mistreat your spouse in front of the children .
• Forget to take care of yourself . Don ’ t put off medical or dental needs .
• Sweat the small stuff . Pick your battles and focus on what is important .
• Disparage the other parent in front of your children . This will only damage your child .
• Do anything out of malice . Keep an even keel .
• Build additional unnecessary debt .
• Put off calling us . We will provide you with exceptional advice and service .
Your Team : ( Front ) Shannon Sacca , Esq ., Reid Roberts , Esq . ( Chair ), Chrystal Tinstman , Esq ., Max Levine , Esq . ( Back ) Stephanie Kundly , Angela Waxler , Theresa Greco , Tealizalynn Doyle , Rachel Marcyjanik , Stevie McCorkle , Jwan Allen ( not pictured )
Mt . Lebanon | Fall 2017 | icmags . com 9