Sometimes, one of the most time-consuming (and often stressful) chores of divorce is deciding who gets what. We’re not talking about the house or the bank accounts, but the “stuff” that a couple has accumulated over years of marriage.
As one or both spouses move into another home, they will need to buy everything from furniture to dishware. If they’ll be co-parenting children, they’ll need to make sure they have a fully furnished room and possibly their own bathroom in each one.
Divorce registries aren’t just for women
The more time a couple spends fighting over who gets the top-of-the-line coffee maker and the bookcases, the less time they have to focus on the larger assets and other divorce matters. That’s one reason why divorce registries have become increasingly popular. While they were initially marketed to women who are used to bridal and baby registries, they’ve gradually attracted men.
The divorce registry Fresh Starts lets people choose “bundles” of essentials as well as room bundles so that friends and family can help them furnish or stock a child’s room, kitchen, living room or home office. Major retailers like Amazon also let people create registries for any occasion – including divorce.
A fair property division agreement is still crucial
A divorce registry shouldn’t be an alternative to a fair property division agreement. However, as noted, it can help you focus on the larger, more valuable shared property and other assets. It can also allow you to leave some of the old stuff behind (or send it away with your soon-to-be ex) while you “restock” with things that are more suited to your taste and your new life – with the help of family and friends.
