Published March 9, 2016 by Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson
While no two divorces are the same, there are certain proactive steps couples can take before separating. SmolenPlevy Principal Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson offers a divorce to-do list with The Huffington Post:
The Divorce To-Do List
“Till death do us part.”
When most couples make that vow, they don’t think that divorce is a possibility. But statistics reflect that a significant number of marriages don’t last. While couples often spend countless hours planning their wedding, many spend far less time preparing for a divorce. This can make an already challenging time even more difficult.
While every marital breakup is different, there are certain steps that couples should take before separating. By investing this time, they may avoid significant negative financial repercussions.
It is prudent to know what comprises your marital estate. The following can help you educate yourself.
Follow the money: In most marriages, there is a division of labor. One person might do the cooking and mow the lawn, while the other one might do the laundry and pay the monthly bills. Even if you aren’t the household CFO, you still need to understand what accounts exist, how they are titled and how they are managed. You should be able to access any accounts on which you are titled. If account passwords are changed regularly or have been changed since you’ve last looked at the accounts, make sure you know the new ones and where they are kept.
Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson
Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson is a principal at SmolenPlevy in Vienna, Virginia. She is a member of the Bars of Virginia and the District of Columbia, and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals – Fourth Circuit, U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Eastern District of Virginia and the U.S. District Court – Eastern District of Virginia. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia and George Mason University School of Law, where she served on the Board of Editors for the Journal of International Legal Studies. Throughout her career, Ms. Dickerson has received numerous awards. Most recently she was named a 2019 Best Lawyer by The Best Lawyers in America© and was selected as a “Leader in the Law” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly in 2007 and SmartCEO Magazine’s Power Players Attorney of the Year for divorce, domestic relations, and child custody and adoptions in 2013. Northern Virginia Magazine has named her a Top Lawyer for family-focused law in 2016, 2015, 2013 and 2010. She was named to “Virginia Legal Elite” by Virginia Business in 2014.
