Essential Divorce Checklist: 10 Steps to Prepare for Your Divorce
Divorce can be daunting, but being prepared helps simplify the journey. Use this essential checklist to stay organized and cover all important aspects of your divorce.
Think About Resolving Your Divorce Without Going to Court Reflect on whether you and your spouse can settle matters like alimony, property division, and custody. Settling these concerns enables you to handle divorce through DIY services or mediation. Learn more here!
Consider Whether You Need to Hire a Lawyer While not required, hiring a lawyer safeguards your rights and eases stress. Seeing individual family law attorneys prevents conflicts of interest during the divorce. Learn more now!
Prepare for Parenting Changes If You Have Minor Children Parents going through divorce should focus on their children’s welfare. Draft a custody plan that includes visitation, holidays, and school schedules. Understand child support requirements and think about requesting temporary support. View here for more.
Collect Marriage Documents. Collect key marriage documents like prenuptial agreements, wills, and insurance policies. Keep these documents in a secure location. Learn more now!
Organize Your Financial Paperwork. Document all joint financial items, such as savings, debts, and retirement funds. Collect tax documents, paycheck details, and bank statements. This step is vital for fair asset division. Click here for details!
Collect Additional Important Documents. Gather credit reports, login details, deeds, and car titles. Protecting these documents maintains your financial and personal security. Discover more now.
Start Creating Financial Independence. Start building financial independence by opening new bank and credit card accounts. Change your passwords and use a private email to safeguard digital privacy. Obtain a P.O. box for secure mail. Learn more here.
Plan Your Housing Situation Choose your living arrangements for now and after the divorce. If staying in the marital home is not an option, begin searching for alternative housing. Speak with your attorney to learn how moving out could affect your property rights. Discover more now.
Plan for Employment. Begin job hunting if you are unemployed. Ask for temporary support if health or childcare hinders work. View here for more info.
If You Have Experienced Domestic Violence, Get Help . Staying safe is most important. If you have faced domestic violence, seek a restraining order and reach out to support organizations. Learn more about resources here.
This checklist helps you confidently manage your divorce journey. Stay organized, prioritize your well-being, and take proactive steps to secure your future. Empower yourself with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. Understand that every effort leads you to a better future.