Fear of the unknown, particularly at the onset of divorce proceedings, is common. A client’s ability to obtain a working knowledge of his/her overall financial circumstances assists in alleviating some of the fears and stress inherent with the divorce process.

Below is a brief overview of helpful websites to assist in information gathering, planning and obtaining an overall better understanding of one’s financial circumstances. Obtaining a snapshot of one’s financial health prior to consulting with counsel facilitates the information gathering process and minimizes costs.

A link to the New Jersey State Judiciary can be found at www.njcourtsonline.com and www.judiciary.state.nj.us. These websites provide information relating to the law, references, news and notices.

Issues relating to social security benefits, particularly to those litigants approaching eligibility, can be addressed at the Social Security Administration website www.socialsecurity.gov. Forms to obtain social security records can be downloaded from this website as well.

Automobile values are accessible through Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com. If automobiles are acquired during the marriage, they will be distributed upon divorce.

Generally one’s home is his or her most valuable asset or liability distributable upon divorce. Zillow.com is a website that provides a general range of values for a home. If spouses are able to agree upon the value of their home without the necessity of appraisals, the parties can save money.

One’s present financial health and future ability to obtain credit is an important consideration. Reviewing your credit report prior to applying for credit assists in rectifying inaccuracies. Experian, Equifax and Transunion websites are found at www.experian.com, www.equifax.com, and www.transunion.com. Credit scores are available at each website. Another related website is www.annualcredireport.com. The accuracy of your credit history is important, particularly when obtaining credit post divorce. Reviewing one’s credit history will determine if a spouse has adversely affected the other spouse’s credit. If so, this issue can be properly addressed during divorce proceedings.

The knowledgeable litigant is prepared to assess his/her matter from inception. A parties’ knowledge of his/her financial circumstances facilities the divorce process, saves time and counsel fees