COVID-19 Information

Despite the impact of COVID-19, we are open and continuing to meet the needs of our existing clients and new clients without interruption or change in the quality of our services. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any concerns, questions or requests for information about your matter. At this time we are offering appointments via telephonic and/or video conferencing.
To help out during these trying times we are offering Free Consultations. Click here to Schedule a Consultation.

Despite the impact of COVID-19, we are open and continuing to meet the needs of our existing clients and new clients without interruption or change in the quality of our services. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any concerns, questions or requests for information about your matter. At this time we are offering appointments via telephonic and/or video conferencing.
To help out during these trying times we are offering Free Consultations. Click here to Schedule a Consultation.

Newsome O'Donnell | Family Law

We Listen. We Think. We Find Solutions.

Let Our Experience
Help You Meet Your Goals

Photo of Lynn Fontaine Newsome and Edward J. O’Donnell

A checklist may minimize divorce errors

Oct 22, 2015 | Divorce

The details involved in a divorce can become overwhelming, especially if a New Jersey couple separates after many years of marriage. Although there are some basic issues to address, including property division and often child custody arrangements, there are many less obvious details that could create trouble if ignored. As one moves toward divorce proceedings, it is important to be aware of common errors that could lead to adverse circumstances.

Credit issues can be significant, especially if people fail to monitor their credit reports during the proceedings. It is wise to pull one’s report to identify debts that should be considered during the process. A report should be obtained both at the outset and the end of the divorce. Financial information may be more difficult to secure once the proceedings have commenced, making it a good idea to obtain any important documents and details prior to filing. It is also wise to arrange for a post office box to ensure that personal mail remains confidential. Social media accounts and other online accounts should be addressed through a change of passwords to ensure that the other party no longer has access.

Additional practical issues to address prior to divorce proceedings include handling health care needs while still insured under a spouse’s policy. It is also important to secure heirlooms and other possessions of value to protect them from mishandling. As a divorce action concludes, following through on transfers of retirement accounts is important to ensure that assigned benefits are accessible in the future.

Parents may find that child custody issues are among the most divisive during divorce. An attorney may be helpful to a divorcing parent in negotiating for interests such as holiday visitation, babysitting policies and extra-curricular activity plans. A checklist of priority items may be helpful to ensure that all concerns are addressed.