Organizing Finances & Parenting Decisions
Understanding and documenting your finances and working through parenting decisions, so you’re ready to negotiate a settlement.
This is detailed work, and most people move through it gradually. The clearer your picture now, the smoother the decisions ahead.
Common Questions
What financial information matters?
You will need to gather information about your assets, debts, income, expenses, and insurance. The goal is to form a full financial picture before any agreements.
Read moreHow are assets usually divided?
It depends on your state and the facts of your marriage. Some states use a community property approach, where property acquired during the marriage is generally split 50/50; others use equitable distribution, which aims for a fair split rather than a strictly equal one.
Read moreWhat if one spouse knows more about the finances?
This is a common situation, and worth addressing early. The process usually requires both spouses to share their full understanding of all income, expenses, assets, and debts.
Read moreHow do parenting schedules usually work?
A parenting schedule sets when children are with each parent. Families use weekly splits, alternating weekends, 2-2-3 schedules, holiday and summer plans, and more, based on your kids’ needs.
Read moreWhat is child support based on?
Usually state guidelines, which weigh income, parenting time, the number of children, health insurance, and childcare. The exact calculation varies by state.
Read moreHelpful Resources
Things You Can Set Aside for Now
There’s time for these later. You don’t need to work them out yet.
- A perfect, final agreement
- Every tax question
- Predicting every future expense
- A finalized parenting schedule