he divorce process can be overwhelmingly stressful and expensive. The best way to reduce both stress and cost is to thoroughly prepare before you file or as soon as possible after being served with divorce papers.

1. Understand the process:

Learn as much as possible about the Connecticut divorce process. Talk to professionals, read as many books and articles as you can find, attend seminars, do whatever it takes to gain an understanding of the process. Knowledge will translate into greater success.

2. Conduct a personal financial review and assessment:

It is imperative to have a handle on your financial situation. Review current income, assets, debts and liabilities. Classify assets as to which are held jointly with your spouse and which are held individually by either spouse. The same classification should be made of debts and liabilities.

Get a credit report from all three reporting agencies. Review them carefully for accuracy. Inaccurate information should be corrected. Maintaining a positive credit rating is crucial. In the event of a lower credit rating, begin immediate to repair and improve credit.

3. Create a budget:

Invariably, for both parties, separation will lead to a change in income. Create a budget based on the changed income figures. Take into account the payment or reciept of alimony and/or child support. Connecticut Law allows the Court to make temporary orders regarding payment of child support and alimony while the divorce is pending.

4. Organize documents:

During the divorce process certain documents must be produced. Such documents may include tax returns, bank statements, credit card statements, investment statements, retirement account statements, property deeds, health and life insurance policies. Organize and copy as many of these documents prior to the commencement of the process. By doing this work, billable lawyer time will be reduced as less time will be spent by the lawyer retrieving and collecting documents .

5. Assemble your professional and personal team

It is crucial that the divorce be approached in a cohesive fashion. Determine the necessary services and begin assembling your team of professionals. What professionals will you need to get through the process successfully; lawyer, financial planner, accountant, therapist? When choosing your professional team, hire people who not only have the skill-set and knowledge to effectively handle your case but also choose professionals with whom you are comfortable.