When someone in New York decides to get a divorce, the feeling can be overwhelming. There's a lot that needs to be done in terms of handling the business end of things, aside from the personal and emotional needs that require attention.

This can be particularly true for the member of the couple that is less involved with the finances in the marriage. Some people might leave most everything to the spouse to sort out and don't think much on a day-to-day basis about money. However, when it comes to getting a divorce, knowledge is power, and financial knowledge is a must in order to ensure that a person gets their fair share of what they're entitled to.

Here are some baseline tips about what a spouse can do in order to prepare for a divorce. Some of these things can be done even before the process officially starts, but clearly discretion is warranted if it would cause problems.

  • Gather all your financial information: statements for bank accounts, insurance policies, brokerage accounts and the like. Keep hard copies in a safe place.
  • Do some research about how you want your divorce to proceed. Talk with experts to get some general information.
  • At this point, make sure you're protected. Open bank accounts in just your name and work with an attorney to make sure you're doing everything the right way.
  • Get credit cards in just your name and stop using ones tied to a joint account. Notify the credit card company of your situation so you won't be liable for charges you didn't make. Close the joint accounts if possible.
  • Create a budget and track your income and expenses. You'll have to budget to make sure you get everything covered.

Source: Glenview Patch, "Coping With Divorce: Financial Tips for Women," Feb. 15, 2012