The Beginner’s Guide to
Essential Divorce Checklist: 10 Steps to Prepare for Your Divorce
Divorce can be daunting, but being prepared helps simplify the journey.This essential divorce checklist provides 10 crucial steps to help you stay organized and ensure nothing important is overlooked.
Think About Resolving Your Divorce Without Going to Court Before proceeding, think about whether you and your spouse can agree on key issues such as alimony, property division, and child custody. Agreeing on these issues allows you to bypass court using a DIY divorce service or mediation. Check it out!
Decide If Hiring a Lawyer Is Necessary You aren’t obligated to hire a lawyer, but doing so can protect your interests and reduce anxiety. Seeing individual family law attorneys prevents conflicts of interest during the divorce. Read more here!
Prepare for Parenting Changes If You Have Minor Children Setup Divorcing parents must prioritize their children’s well-being. Create a custody plan covering visitation, holidays, and school breaks. Also, learn about child support obligations and consider temporary support if needed. Read more here.
Compile Important Marriage Papers. Assemble important marital paperwork, such as wills, prenups, and life insurance files. Secure these important documents in a safe place. Learn more now!
Compile Important Financial Documents. List all joint assets and debts, including bank accounts, loans, and retirement plans. Gather tax returns, pay slips, and financial statements. This action ensures a fair division of property. Discover more now!
Collect Additional Important Documents. Gather credit reports, login details, deeds, and car titles. Holding these papers secures your control over finances and personal data. Learn more here.
Start Creating Financial Independence. Open separate bank and credit accounts to build financial independence. Change your passwords and use a private email to safeguard digital privacy. Set up a P.O. box to receive private correspondence. Find out more now.
Settle Your Living Situation . Plan your residence for both during and after divorce. Seek alternative housing if you can’t stay in the marital home. Speak with your attorney to learn how moving out could affect your property rights. Learn more here.
Think About Employment. If you are unemployed, start looking for work to support yourself. Ask for temporary support if health or childcare hinders work. Click for more details.
Seek Help for Domestic Abuse. Your safety comes first. Get a restraining order and contact support groups if abused. Click here for help.
By following this checklist, you can better navigate the divorce process with confidence and clarity. Be organized, prioritize health, and take action for a brighter future. Empower yourself with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. Understand that every effort leads you to a better future.