If you believe that your marriage is headed towards a divorce, it is important that you take action to protect yourself. Without proper preparation, you could face challenges later when it is time to settle you and your spouse's assets and debts. Here are some tips to help ensure you are protected.

Close Joint Credit Accounts

Even though you and your spouse are in the process of separating, both of you are still liable for any joint credit accounts that are open. It is possible that your spouse can continue to charge items and you have to help pay for it. To avoid this, close all credit accounts that are jointly owned. You can re-open the accounts that you need in your name only.

Before closing the accounts, let your spouse know of your intentions. To avoid a last minute shopping spree, wait to tell your spouse until shortly before you actually close the accounts.

Avoid Signing Documents

If your spouse asks you to sign any documents, avoid doing so until you have thoroughly reviewed them with your divorce attorney. When you sign documentation given to you by your spouse, you could inadvertently be agreeing to actions that are irreversible later. For instance, you could sign documentation agreeing to pay spousal support without realizing it.

Do Not Move

If you and your spouse share children, do not move out of the family home until discussing the possible legal ramifications with your divorce attorney. In custodial cases, one of the factors that are considered by the judge is who lives in the family home with the children. If you leave the home, you could potentially be putting your chances of custody in jeopardy.

It can be difficult to live with a spouse following the decision to divorce. However, for the sake of your children, you need to find a way to keep the peace and stay in the home until your attorney advises you that it is fine to move. Ask your attorney to help you create a parenting agreement so that you and your spouse can continue to co-parent without issue. You might have to negotiate with the other parent to create an agreement that works for both of you.

Consult with your divorce attorney about other ways you can protect yourself while waiting for your divorce to be final. Before making any financial or parenting decision, discuss it with your divorce attorney to avoid making any decisions that could adversely impact your case.