When you decide to separate and feel you may be leaving the home, make photocopies of any important papers.
As you proceed with your divorce you will need mortgage information, your marriage certificate, vehicle registration and insurance information, certificates and documents that pertain to loans and banking details. Having photocopies will make things much easier. Unless you have an amicable relationship with your ex, it will be very difficult to obtain at a later date.
If you move out don't just take your clothes and toiletries.
While you have the opportunity, take your passport, personal certificates and papers, personal gifts, photographs or videos, some tools, golf clubs etc...
The court may grant you certain property and the right to return to the home to pick it up but this may not work out in your favour. If your ex has determined just what she'll pack up for you and places it outside that's what you'll get.
You can't break in. You'll find it amazing that since you left home, things you once had no longer exist. Or they can't be found.
It will be helpful if you list household items before you leave. You will be asked if there are things you wish to have. It is very hard to recall just what you had when you no longer live there.
Take pictures of things. Don't forget items such as gardening equipment, patio furniture, etc.
As far as the remaining joint property is concerned it may seem unfair how little it's worth.
Items that you are leaving behind and bought brand new are only valued at resale. You may have worked hard to furnish your house. Thousands of dollars spent on appliances, beds, T.V.s, and stereos. When the equalization is being completed prepare yourself when that $3000 lawn tractor you just bought is now worth $800 in the net property division!
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