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Business Insider The cost of divorce can be astronomical.
With one of the highest divorce rates in the US, divorce lawyers say they are constantly working to keep the costs of a divorce low.
Here are some ways to avoid getting the messy, expensive affair you were hoping for.
1.
Pay off your debts quickly.
There are some things that should be paid off in the first few months after a divorce.
First and foremost, you should be getting the money you need to live on.
You should also be making plans to keep your kids and pets.
And don’t forget to pay off your car, home and utility bills.
2.
Make sure you don’t miss your kids.
There is a chance you will miss your children when your divorce is over.
That’s why it’s important to make sure you take them out for meals and get them to school as soon as possible.
3.
Set aside time for yourself.
Some couples find it hard to manage the finances during the divorce.
Here’s how you can make it easier: Don’t wait until your children are in school or at work to get them together.
Instead, start by setting aside a few days of time for each of your kids to come over and visit.
4.
Ask for a separate place to live.
If you live together and can’t work out a joint budget, you can always ask your spouse for help.
You can also find a different place for your children to live for free.
5.
Ask your children about what they want to do during their separation.
When you get married, you’re going to have lots of decisions to make about how you want to spend your time.
This includes whether you want your kids involved in sports, hobbies or a new job.
You may want to take your kids out to dinner or have them join you on a new trip.
There’s also the option of a home visit.
6.
Find a financial planner.
Your financial adviser may be able to help you plan for your financial future.
The best financial planner will help you make smart financial decisions about your finances, like investing, saving and investing in your retirement.
7.
Learn about the divorce settlement.
Some people find it helpful to talk to their divorce attorney about their options during the first year of divorce.
If your divorce was in the early stages, your attorney may offer advice on how to plan for the divorce and how to prepare for the settlement.
8.
Make plans to pay your mortgage.
There may be a time when you won’t be able do anything for your kids because your mortgage is being paid off.
You’ll also need to make plans to move into a new home or apartment and possibly pay off some of your debts.
9.
Start planning to retire.
Even if you don, your divorce may still affect your retirement plans.
For some people, the divorce means they can’t afford to save and may have to start saving now.
Find out if your retirement is on the upswing by checking your savings account, checking out your employer’s retirement plan and doing your own due diligence.
10.
Read up on other things you need during the separation.
If something unexpected happened during the year, you may want more information on how your divorce affects your retirement and how you plan to pay for things.
You might want to read a book, watch a TV show or just go out and eat dinner with your family.
You want to know about all the different things you can do to get ahead during the next few years.
You could also use these resources to get started.