Many people in New Jersey heard the news story earlier this week about a northwestern Pennsylvania woman who called 911 to ask for a divorce. Although the story made national news because the call was so unusual, there are probably numerous couples in New Jersey who can relate to the caller.

The woman reportedly called 911 at around 1 a.m. Saturday and asked the dispatchers to send officers to her home because she wanted a divorce and she needed police to kick out her husband. Because no crime had been committed, the police told the woman they could not make her husband leave, and they also explained to her that divorce is a civil matter. In the end, the woman was charged for misusing the 911 system and for disorderly conduct. While this story is pretty peculiar, there are many people in New Jersey who want to end their marriages but simply do not know where to start.

Those who are looking to initiate a divorce in New Jersey might want to begin by looking for a skilled family law attorney who can help them navigate the process of dissolving a marriage. Here are several other steps, which have been suggested by a Forbes columnist, that can help people begin the divorce process:

1. Compile financial and legal documents and secure copies in a place that your spouse cannot access. These include credit card, bank and mortgage statements, as well as current documents pertaining to any other assets or liabilities.
2. Obtain a copy of your credit report and be sure to have any mistakes corrected.
3. Put together your divorce team–this includes an experienced divorce attorney, and possibly a financial planner and counselor who will help you accomplish all of your goals.
4. Keep an eye on your household’s assets and income. This is to help ensure you might notice red flags if your spouse begins hiding assets.

These are just a few steps that can be useful when it comes to preparing for divorce. Divorce is a complicated process–on top of disputes over property, finances and child custody, it is a very emotional time and this can make it difficult for anyone to think clearly. It’s enough to make a person want to call 911. And unless you are feeling threatened by abuse or another type of harm, it is better to start by seeking legal guidance.

Source: New Jersey Herald, “Pa. woman cited for calling 911 seeking divorce,” April 15, 2013

Source: Forbes, “What Are The Financial And Legal Advantages Of Being First To File For Divorce?” Jeff Landers, March 26, 2013