What can I do before filing to protect myself financially?

Find out as much information as you can about the family finances, savings accounts and insurance accounts before you file for divorce.  Make sure that you will have access to credit, savings, and an income source. 

Refrain from making any large purchases, such as a new car or a new home.  If you received any gifts or inheritances during or before the marriage, or entered into the marriage with any property, put together documentation showing where each item came from, that way the property does not end up being treated as marital property.  If you own a business, consider having a business valuation report prepared by a financial analyst.  Email, social media, and separate bank accounts passwords should all be changed, taking care to use passwords that your spouse cannot easily guess.

Consider putting together a list of all marital property (furniture, appliances, jewelry, etc.) and marking the items you want to keep and the items you have to keep.  Then, if you or your spouse moves from the marital home, you will have a list ready to review.  This can make negotiations about who gets what, much easier.  Try to be rationale about what is important to you – you want to avoid arguments over things like who gets to keep season three of Seinfeld.  It also is a good idea to make a visual record of everything in the home.  If you decide to make a tape, make sure to inventory the entire home – opening drawers and cupboards so the inside items are visible – and make sure the video is date stamped.  Store your list and tape outside of the home.

Whatever you do, do not misuse any marital property.  You are obligated to disclose all debts and assets during a divorce and if you misuse any marital property (e.g. go on a cruise with your new partner, or buy them jewelry) your spouse could use that as evidence against you in court in dividing up the assets and liabilities.