If you and your spouse are considering separating or getting a divorce, it is very important that you talk to an attorney to discuss how best to protect your rights . Often thoughcouples break up after a big fight and moving out in the heat of the moment may be the only way to maintain your sanity or your safety. If you suddenly decide you can’t wait to talk to your attorney and must leave the marital home immediately, there are some things you will want to take with you, if you have the opportunity to do so.
- Your children. The ideal situation is for your children to have the stability of remaining in their own home, and ideally that means having you stay with them, even if it means the other parent moves out or you both continue to live there. Sometimes the ideal situation is not possible and if you leave and you hope to get custody, you may be best served by taking them with you, particularly if your ex has created a dangerous or unstable environment. If taking the children will create violence or disruption, you should think carefully about your actions and not do anything until you can talk to your attorney. This is a very tricky issue though because there is a presumption that children are better off remaining in their home. Therefore, if this becomes an issue for you, please contact us immediately.
- Your computer and phone. These two items allow you access to almost all of your marital assets, particularly banking, investments as well as debts such as credit cards.
- Your Social Security card, passport, birth certificate and these documents for your children if they are coming with you.
- Valuable items that are your separate property, such as jewelry, collections, bonds, cash, and electronics.
- Financial records you cannot access online. At the very least, make a copy.
- Any journals or logs you have kept that will help your attorney present your case when it comes to custody or property division.
- Your credit cards and ATM cards.
- Password lists.
- Enough clothing and personal items to last a long time, since you may not be allowed back in the home for some time.
- Cherished pets you want with you.
- Items you are afraid your spouse may destroy, use up, or hide out of spite.
Call the experienced attorneys at DeTorres & DeGeorge for help with your divorce or custody case in New Jersey. Make an appointment with us today.