One facet of divorce that can feel daunting is determining how to handle your regular, monthly household bills while the case is ongoing. There are several factors to consider when deciding how to handle expenses during a divorce matter. Below we’ve listed a few of those considerations to make while evaluating your finances during your ongoing case.
- Determine which bills need to be paid. Consider all ongoing expenses that you and your spouse must pay. These may include, but are not limited to: rental leases and mortgages, car payments, household utilities, medical bills, etc. You and your spouse may consider terminating non-essential or discretionary expenses during the divorce such as housecleaners, landscaping services, pool cleaners, etc. in order to minimize expenses.
- Consider who has been responsible for these expenses in the past. Has one spouse been a primary wage earner? Who has been responsible for each of these expenses? Are you each able to continue paying according to the status quo?
- If you’re able to communicate amicably with your spouse, do it. Not every couple will be able to come to a mutual agreement on their own, but it is an excellent option for individuals who are able to maintain open lines of communication with each other. Amicably discussing and agreeing on who will maintain bills during the divorce is often the best route to take.
- If you’re not able to effectively communicate about finances, a court may determine who pays. If necessary, determination of who will pay bills and debts during a divorce may be handled in court and ordered by a judge.
While these guidelines are certainly helpful, each divorce matter and each individual has unique needs that can be better addressed by an attorney who can provide legal advice. To learn more about how you can manage household bills during your divorce, contact the attorneys at OWENS & PERKINS by clicking here or by calling our office at 480.994.8824 to schedule your FREE 30-minute consultation. We remain fully operational while practicing appropriate social distancing and cleaning regimes.
