Ron Mexico
02-26-2013, 06:06 PM
Title pretty much says it all. Although the process was fairly straightforward (no kids, etc), I'm still left in a position where I just want to make sure I protect my own interests going forward. Haven't posted a ton, but have lurked forever and I know there's a diverse talent pool here, so hoping for some advice/opinions.
I've heard some cases about the ex suing for alimony, sometimes years after the divorce is final. Now, all told we're not looking at a huge amount of time together (just over 7 years), but there was a fairly significant difference in income between my ex and I (about 50%). While I'm certainly not a millionaire by any stretch, I've been aggressive about saving for my retirement and I know she well....hasn't. Also, while I hate to even consider it, my parents are in somewhat poor health and represent an estate much larger than my own and multitudes of her family. And no, I didn't sign a prenup. Didn't quite expect this back then.
To that effect, and what started as just the means to protect myself just in case, I kept a file of anything that may have been pertinent to our divorce (e-mails, texts, bank statements, etc etc). I would like nothing more than to frankly shred every last bit of it, as I'm honestly in a better place now than I ever could have imagined months ago when this whole process first started. Not sure it's the right move though. Would any of this even matter in a no-fault state like NJ?
Also, I have the both wedding bands and the engagement ring in my safe deposit box. Any thoughts on the prospects of holding on to them to sell later versus unloading them now? I figure diamonds, gold, etc will appreciate in value, but compared to other investments? Is there a better option to sell than going through a jeweler? I'm not exactly enthused about the idea of Craigslist or anything of that ilk.
All that being said, I wouldn't wish this whole process on my worst enemy. To anyone who divorced with kids in the equation, etc. I tip my cap to you for the strength there's no doubt it must have taken. For me? Today marks the first day I've been "single" (not counting the time we were separated as I still felt like I needed to hold up my end of the bargain) since I was 16. I'll be 33 in May but feeling better than I ever have. Here's to whatever the hell lies beyond.
I've heard some cases about the ex suing for alimony, sometimes years after the divorce is final. Now, all told we're not looking at a huge amount of time together (just over 7 years), but there was a fairly significant difference in income between my ex and I (about 50%). While I'm certainly not a millionaire by any stretch, I've been aggressive about saving for my retirement and I know she well....hasn't. Also, while I hate to even consider it, my parents are in somewhat poor health and represent an estate much larger than my own and multitudes of her family. And no, I didn't sign a prenup. Didn't quite expect this back then.
To that effect, and what started as just the means to protect myself just in case, I kept a file of anything that may have been pertinent to our divorce (e-mails, texts, bank statements, etc etc). I would like nothing more than to frankly shred every last bit of it, as I'm honestly in a better place now than I ever could have imagined months ago when this whole process first started. Not sure it's the right move though. Would any of this even matter in a no-fault state like NJ?
Also, I have the both wedding bands and the engagement ring in my safe deposit box. Any thoughts on the prospects of holding on to them to sell later versus unloading them now? I figure diamonds, gold, etc will appreciate in value, but compared to other investments? Is there a better option to sell than going through a jeweler? I'm not exactly enthused about the idea of Craigslist or anything of that ilk.
All that being said, I wouldn't wish this whole process on my worst enemy. To anyone who divorced with kids in the equation, etc. I tip my cap to you for the strength there's no doubt it must have taken. For me? Today marks the first day I've been "single" (not counting the time we were separated as I still felt like I needed to hold up my end of the bargain) since I was 16. I'll be 33 in May but feeling better than I ever have. Here's to whatever the hell lies beyond.