After nearly a lifetime of collecting assets, earning income, having children, buying real estate, making investments and so much more, thinking about separating it all for a divorce in Pasadena, California, can seem like a daunting task. If you try to do it alone and unprepared, you could end up with a result you are unhappy with.

A little preparation can go a long way once you decide to file for divorce. The first step will always be to find an experienced attorney you feel comfortable with. However, there are some things that you can do beforehand to make sure the process goes smoothly and to ensure that you can fight for the result you want.

We mentioned some of the events that occur during the life of a marriage, and every one of those events comes with paperwork. Gather your tax records, bank account records, securities acquisition records, employee retirement plans, insurance policies, mortgage documents, living wills, trust agreements, personal loan documents, marriage certificates, records of gifts or any prenuptial agreements. The more you have on hand, the easier it will be for your attorney to get an accurate picture of assets and liabilities, needs and wants.

Establishing a separate life can help protect you. You can open your own credit card or bank account and have your paycheck sent there. Or, you could consider creating an escrow account for family expenses. Make sure to notify your lenders, joint credit cards and other establishments of your situation so that you are aware of any purchases your spouse may make. Ask your attorney whether any of these roads are appropriate for you.

Last, begin to think about how you may want to handle situations that could arise for your children in the future. Any college requirements? Who will pay the tuition? How would you like discipline being handled? All of these questions will help your attorney create a more detailed and encompassing custody agreement.

Source: The Huffington Post, "We're Getting A Divorce, Now What?" Linda Descano, Feb. 1, 2012