What financial steps can I take prior to divorce to simplify my situation later?

You may want to:

• Open accounts in your own name including your own credit card, checking and savings accounts. Also, have your paycheck deposited directly into your checking account.
• Contact creditors to explain your situation and, if appropriate, to ask to stop any future charges by your spouse.
• Check your credit report by using an Internet site like Annualcreditreport.com, a federal government site that is free.
• Open an interim account to manage interim family expenses during the period between separation and divorce.

Rock A. Tate is a Financial Advisor, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ at The Tate Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney.