Keep track of your evolving priorities, possible solutions to problems, and your goals. Review your journal regularly, especially before making any final decisions. Use the law as a guide . You are not required to follow the legal standards, but they have been worked out over millions of cases, so if you are confused or in doubt about what you want to do, and if the laws in your state are clear and predictable, use them as a guide. Seek advice from reliable, informed, experienced people.
Excessive spending is very common before, during and after a separation.
This is not usually consciously planned, it just works that way. During separation, spending is used as an anesthetic for emotional pain. After separation, the couple genuinely needs a lot of money to set up two separate households, added to which is neurotic spending driven by emotional upset. Being aware of this trap may be of some help, but it is often difficult to see or control your own eccentricities. Control impulsive and compulsive buying the same way you would control neurotic eating habits.