(Newswire.net — September 24, 2020) — Splitting up with a partner can be complicated, and if it’s a de facto partner (when you’re not married), then there are new challenges that come along. There aren’t the same processes in place as there are to help with a divorce, but you likely still have a lot of financial ties to the person as you would with any family member. It can be hard to know where to start untangling your own life from theirs, especially at such an emotional time. Here are six things you can start with to help make the process simpler.
Healthcare Complications
One important consideration to sort out as soon as possible is your health or life insurance policy. If you get healthcare through your partner’s plan, then start looking for your own insurance or speak to your employer about how they can help. If you’re currently unemployed or are freelancing, you may not have that option, either. It’s possible that you’ll need to look into private insurance, and that requires some research and planning on your part.
You don’t want to be without health insurance for any longer than you need to be. If you get regular prescriptions that you now need to be paying for yourself, look into getting the best pharmacy discount card possible. With this discount card, you can head down to almost any pharmacist and save money on your prescriptions. It’s definitely a smart idea to look into a prescription discount card if you or your children will need to regularly visit a pharmacist.
Life Insurance Complications
Similar rules apply for life insurance. If your ex was on your life insurance, or vice versa, now is the time to get this sorted out and switch the type of life insurance you have. It’s often easier to get these kinds of things sorted out sooner rather than later, so you don’t spend your whole life chasing down your ex for their signature on legal papers later on. Use iSelect as a resource to help you choose which insurance best suits your needs, lifestyle, and budget. By comparing different insurance plans, you’ll feel much more prepared — and most likely be able to save money.
Owing Money on Joint Debt
If you have taken out joint loans, the next step is to agree on a plan with your partner for continuing to pay it off. Are you both happy to continue paying it half and half? Is it for something that belongs to either one of you and you’d rather move the loan into their name? Whatever the case may be, try and come to an agreement with your partner first. If that’s not an option after a messy breakup, then look for a moderator or legal advice to step in and help you come to a mutual arrangement.
Childcare Arrangements
If you have children together, the number one aim is to cause as little disruption to their lives as possible. Parents splitting up is hard on them as well, so try and not drag them into any arguments. At the same time, try and make sure that each parent shares the cost of childcare and look for ways to find a joint-custody solution where possible and appropriate, for your own peace of mind later on.
Property Allocation
If you owned or rented property together, make sure you agree on who stays where, and who technically owns what, and if you need to sell said property. Neither one of you should end up homeless as the result of a breakup, so once again, try and come to a mutual compromise. If that proves impossible, then seek legal advice or a moderator.
Legal Fees and Issues
If you have needed to seek legal advice, then a lot of people find that the legal matters can encroach on their personal lives as well. If you’re wondering ‘can you be served papers at work,’ then the answer is yes, and it can be embarrassing. Try to organize any legal documents to be signed in a dedicated meeting and come up with a way in which legal fees can be split between the two of you.
Stronger Than the Sword
Even if the breakup seems amicable, be sure to have everything in writing. After all, the pen is stronger than the sword. That makes sure that any final expenses and agreements can be noted down and it reduces the risk of promises being broken further down the line. Receipts, receipts, receipts.