The Divorce To-Do List

Build a Support Group

Confide in close friends about your divorce. Build a support group that can be there for you as you go through your divorce. Do your best to spend time with people who will build you up and encourage you instead of adding to your stress.

Prepare to Be Cooperative

It is important to stand up for your rights, but divorce is also about compromise. Hold to your guns when it is truly important, but be willing to negotiate whenever possible. This will help your divorce be faster and much less stressful.

Prepare Your Kids

Break the news to your children as gently as possible, preferably with the other parent present. Stress the point that they are not at fault or part of the problem, and that they are loved. Do your best to support and encourage your children from this point forward.

Agree on Temporary Custody & Visitation

You will need to decide who the kids will live with and what the parenting schedule will be while your divorce is pending. If you and your spouse cannot agree on this, then the court will decide for you, but it is always best if the parents can come to a mutual agreement.

Spend Time with Your Kids

While you are thinking of filing for divorce and while your divorce is in process, be sure to spend as much time with your kids as possible. This serves two purposes: to support your children and make the divorce easier for them, and to establish your role as a parent for the sake of custody and visitation decisions.

Get Medical Attention

If your medical benefits are going to change after your divorce, then do your best to see your doctor and get medical attention for any pending issues that you have.

Tune Up Your Vehicle/Purchase a Vehicle

Make sure your car is in good working condition before you and your spouse separate. This will minimize the chances of car problems and further stress in the future. Don’t have your own car? Try to acquire one before you separate.

Change Your Passwords*

Change your passwords for any personal online accounts and/or create new personal accounts when necessary.

Update Wills & Estate Plans

Remove your spouse’s name from your will, any Power of Attorney documents, and/or other estate plan documents on which they should no longer be named.

Know Your Spouse’s Income

This includes salary/hourly wages, overtime, bonuses, health benefits, Social Security benefits, retirement accounts, investments, etc.

Open Your Own Personal Accounts*

You will need to open a separate checking, savings, and/or credit account. Start placing your earnings into your new account(s) right away. This can help simplify the property division process.

Pay Off Personal Debt

When possible, pay off any personal debts under your name to minimize complications during the debt division process.

Build/Establish Credit in Your Name

Depending on the state of your joint credit accounts, your divorce could affect your credit score. If you have credit, try to improve your credit score as much as possible before you and your spouse split. If you do not have any credit in your name, then look into opening a separate account so that you can start building your credit.

Build/Establish Credit in Your Name

Depending on the state of your joint credit accounts, your divorce could affect your credit score. If you have credit, try to improve your credit score as much as possible before you and your spouse split. If you do not have any credit in your name, then look into opening a separate account so that you can start building your credit.