How Women Should — Protect Themselves Financially Regarding Divorce Вђ“ Azmath

: Assets you owned before marriage, or received as a gift or inheritance during it, generally remain yours—provided they were not "commingled" with marital funds. Critical Steps for Financial Security

: Run a free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com to identify all joint obligations and prevent your spouse from incurring new debt in your name. : Assets you owned before marriage, or received

: You are generally entitled to half of all community property, including real estate, vehicles, joint bank accounts, and business interests acquired during the marriage. : Pensions, 401(k)s, and IRAs earned during the

: Pensions, 401(k)s, and IRAs earned during the marriage are community property. A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is often used to ensure you receive your share of these accounts. : Gather at least three years of tax

: Support is not automatic but may be awarded if you lack sufficient property to meet your needs, are unable to be self-sufficient through employment, or made significant contributions to your spouse's career.

: Gather at least three years of tax returns, bank statements, pay stubs, and property deeds. Store digital copies in a secure cloud account your spouse cannot access.

: Open a checking account and credit card in your name only. This ensures access to funds if joint accounts are frozen and helps build your own credit history.