If you have decided to pursue divorce, there are lots of things to be done. Some are vital; others are less so. This checklist is designed to help you get organized before you start the process.
Must Do
- Get a private email address (if you don't have one already).
- Make sure you know your credentials (user ID & password) for all institutions where you conduct financial business.[1]
- Research and interview at least two (and up to four) attorney candidates.
- Choose and retain an attorney before asking for a divorce.
Good to Do
- Set aside cash in an account you control to cover your expenses for the period just after you file. Rely on the advice of your attorney when moving money from a joint account to an individual account.
- Gather information about your family's assets:[2]
- Where accounts are held
- Account balances
- Account numbers
- Account type[3]
- Gather information about your family's liabilities:[4]
- Any person or institution that money is owed to
- Outstanding balances
- Account numbers
- Make a list of any assets or liabilities that you believe exist but can't document.
- Assess whether you need to hire a financial professional like a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ (CDFA®) to assist with your case.
- Set up your emotional support system (can include starting therapy).
- Decide where you will live during the divorce.
Nice to Do (But Not Vital)
- Research different divorce resolution processes and choose one to use[5]
- Understand the legal process of divorce in your area
- Plan for how you'll tell your spouse you want a divorce
- Gather copies of prior year Tax Returns
- Make a budget
[1] E.g., banking, credit cards, mortgage, investment accounts, retirement accounts, employer benefits
[2] You may wish to photocopy or photograph account statements to document assets not held in your name.
[3] E.g., checking, savings, brokerage, IRA, 401(k), etc.
[4] E.g., credit cards, mortgage loans, car loans, etc.
[5] E.g., litigation, collaborative, uncontested
A PDF version of this list is available here.