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As soon as you spot trouble in your marriage, get hold of all financial documents, including salary statements, rent receipts, property documents, household item receipts, monthly spending proof, and proof of asset ownership. If you leave it for later, the husband may make it difficult for you to access these.

Opt for a lump sum as alimony instead of a monthly payout because the former is nontaxable and rules out erosion of wealth due to inflation. If you opt for monthly payouts, it should be pegged to inflation and increase every year.

Try to get as many liquid assets as possible because it provides flexibility in rebooting your financial life after divorce. If you insist on securing a house, but have no money for daily expenses, you’ll be in trouble.

To get a fair amount of maintenance, hire a financial planner before a divorce lawyer. He will help you calculate the amount after considering inflation and future expenses so that you can maintain your lifestyle.

Claim money and child maintenance separately because the money needed for household expenses is different from that required to bring up your child. Factor in the future child goals like education and wedding.