If you and your spouse have decided to split up, obviously you are going to have to go through the divorce process in order to separate legally. In order for the divorce process to go smoothly, there are a few things that you are going to want to do, such as hire a divorce attorney. However, before the divorce, you want to be sure that you get these four things done:

1. Know Where You Are Financially: One important thing to establish is where you stand financially. After all, you want to have an idea of where you are going to be after the divorce so that you can establish your own budget and understanding of your future living expenses. First off, you want to understand what finances are going to be distributed between you and your spouse, then you want to know what you own and what you owe. The marital home, vehicles, inheritances, and more are going to have to be distributed, so it's important to establish which of these things are going to be yours in the end. You will also want to know what debt you owe and keep in mind that this is going to be split completely in half between you and your spouse. 
2. Gather Your Proof of Income: Your attorney is going to want to know what your income is to determine how much you contributed financially to the marriage. The more you contributed, then the more likely the judge will grant you the ownership of more of the property. This can be difficult to do if you are self-employed because you will need to gather more than just pay stubs. Your attorney can help you in this case.
3. Make a Budget: The next thing you want to do is make a budget for your future living. This could all be based on what you are losing in the divorce so that you have an understanding of how you must live in your post-divorce life. 
4. Establish your Credit: If you have been relying on your spouse's credit throughout your marriage, then it is important you establish your credit by applying for a credit card or even a secured credit card. This will allow you to then purchase a home or car in the future. 

By knowing some things that you have to do before divorce, you can have a more established life post-divorce. This is going to prepare you for the future and ensure that you get the most possible out of your divorce. For more information, visit a family lawyer like Joanna Cobleigh Esq.