Deciding Checklist: Should You Stay in Marriage?

6. CONSIDER A SAFETY DEPOSIT BOX.
If you have things that are important to you, whether it's jewelry or documents, consider obtaining a safety deposit box when you open the bank account. This is particularly important if you are concerned about what will happen if you move decide to leave. If it's not a safety deposit box, consider some other way to safeguard your valuables. Remember to keep track of what you've taken. Give the list to your attorney.

7. SAFEGUARD YOUR CREDIT.
Another financial concern will involve your credit and your credit rating, which you must safeguard, regardless of what happens. You should always have at least one card in your name only. Call your credit card companies and make certain that you can do this. Watch your credit rating and make certain nothing unusual is happening with your finances. Consider whether you should cancel all joint accounts. Why? If you decide to leave, your spouse cannot run up debt that, because your name is on it, you will be legally liable to pay. Read more...

8. START SAVING MONEY.
Why? If you decide to divorce, you will have to pay legal fees. You may want to hire a financial planner. You may have to relocate. In fact, you may need money for a number of other expenses that occur as you move from one home back into two. Beyond the emotional toll, divorce takes a financial one as well – particularly for women, who generally do not make as much money as men. So stop any contributions to retirement funds or other accounts you've contributed to during your marriage. Any contributions you make can be attached if you do file for a divorce. Put this money into your new bank account, instead. It can't hurt to be prepared. To calculate your budget...

9. GATHER YOUR IMPORTANT PAPERWORK.
Know whose names are on them, how much they entail and what your debts and assets are. Don't forget the account numbers, which are important. If you decide to file for a divorce, this will be important. Among the paperwork you should have copies of: life insurance policies, home insurance, safe deposit boxes, CDs and other investments, house deeds, car deeds, etc. If your spouse owns a business or is employed, you will need documentation of that as well. For a complete list...

10. CONSIDER A POST-NUPTIAL AGREEMENT.
This kind of agreement can be entered into before a divorce. It can be used to amend a prenuptial agreement if you have one, because you’ve gotten into a business venture since your marriage or your financial circumstances have significantly improved. It also can be used to create emotional and financial security in reconciliation as you try to give your marriage another try.   

11. DON'T LEAVE YOUR HOUSE.
If you're considering divorce, do not leave your home -- with or without children -- unless you talk with an attorney in your area first about your legal rights. Why? Divorce laws vary by state and can effect everything from your financial support to custody of your children. However, you should disregard this if you feel your situation is abusive and you are afraid for your safety. If that's the case, get help immediately.

12.  CONSIDER COUNSELING FOR YOURSELF OR YOUR CHILDREN. 
If you're strugging with your relationship at home, sometimes it helps to have someone to talk with. Whether you can afford a professional or not, there's always someone who can help. Many companies offer employee assistance programs. Some health insurance policies (and now is a good time to check to make certain yours is up-to-date) will pay for a certain number of mental health appointments if you choose a professional in your program. Your children may also need help. Most importantly, if you are in an abusive situation, seek help from a local non-profit who can advise you on shelters, counseling and other help for you and your children, if you have them.  Read more...

13. MAKE CERTAIN PAYMENTS ARE UP-TO-DATE.
Whether it's your car or your house, make certain everything is getting paid in a timely fashion. Now is not the time to quit your job and stop paying a bill. And if you have to take over the home payments or sell the house and move into a rental, you don't want to worry about how your payment history looks to a potential creditor or landlord. The same is true of any cars in your name or jointly owned. Beyond that, you should begin to think about whether your spouse or you will take over the payments if you decide to file.

These tips were collected from experts and articles on divorce360.com. If you have a suggestion to add to the list, please e-mail editors@divorce360.com.