There's no escaping the economy, but there is escaping marriage. People divorce for all sorts of reasons: financial disagreements, extramarital indiscretions, child-rearing differences, and simply growing apart as a couple. That is why the economy and marriage are two of a kind: they either go boom or they go bust. So, what do you do if you fear an economic downturn, or maybe one is already present? You stay calm and carry on. 

When you see trouble on the horizon, you stay the course and take action when you believe the time is right. This principle applies to both economic investments and marriages. Planning during uncertain economic times is perhaps more essential than during boom times because the decisions you make now will impact you for the rest of your life.

Assess Your Financial Situation

Start by understanding your assets and debts. How much money do you have? What are your investments like? Are you heavily in debt? Is your spouse hiding economic realities you will one day face? Something as simple as pulling a credit report on yourself, reviewing financial statements, and observing how your spouse acts during times of potential or actual economic upheaval could provide valuable insights.

Make a Plan

Just because you're thinking about divorce doesn't mean you must get one. I often meet with folks once or twice, and then they never need my services. Sometimes these people call or email to tell me therapy saved their marriage. Other times—days, weeks, months, or years later—I see that former potential client around the city with their spouse, happy as ever, as I walk past without their spouse ever knowing we met. Divorce is not always the answer but learning what to expect often provides you with information to make an informed decision on what to do.

Think Long-Term

Consider not just the present, but months, years, and decades from now. Where do you see yourself? Where do you see your children? How do you want to live? Is your marriage salvageable? Does your marriage need to end so you and your spouse can move forward? Only you can make that decision with the right information. This is why it's so important to plan not only for the short-term but long-term as well.

Bottom Line

Essentially, there is no right or wrong time to divorce—if you divorce at all. What matters most is finding competent legal counsel who is knowledgeable about the complexities of finances of all kinds. There is often more than meets the eye when I go through marital finances. I typically find something, sometimes harmless, but sometimes not. Whatever your circumstances, planning for divorce during uncertainty and planning your life for the future starts now.