As you begin to learn more about the divorce process, you’ll find that the way you divide financial assets is a big deal.
Even if you don’t have many assets to your name, you still have to divide them accordingly in order to put your divorce in the past.
Here are some of the many financial assets that may require your attention:
- Bank accounts, including both savings and checking
- Cash on hand
- Educational accounts
- Retirement accounts, including IRAs and 401(k) plans (from current and past jobs)
- Pensions
- Stocks, bonds and mutual funds
- Certificates of deposit (CD)
- Profit sharing
- Annuities
- Trusts
- Life insurance policy cash values
This long list of assets should give you a better idea of the things you need to keep a close eye on during your divorce.
Once you make a list of all your assets, it’s time to dig deeper. This means many things, such as assigning a value to each one.
For example, don’t just make note of how many checking and savings accounts you have. Make note of exactly how much money you have in each one.
Also, don’t be surprised if your soon to be ex-spouse attempts to hide financial assets. You need to pinpoint these early in the process, as you don’t want to miss out on an asset you have legal rights to.
All matters of property division can be complex, but remaining organized and knowing your rights can help you avoid trouble.
You won’t receive every financial asset in your divorce, but you have the right to fight for equitable division.