Divorce is hard enough without feeling lost in the financial fog. Whether you handled the money or never touched a spreadsheet, this list is here to help you get clear, get organized, and take one solid step at a time. You don’t need to figure everything out today—but the more information you gather now, the more empowered you’ll feel when it’s time to make decisions. This isn’t about fear. It’s about focus. Let’s lay the groundwork for a future that feels stable, honest, and yours.
Don’t get down in the muck—focus on the path ahead.
🧾 1. Gather All Financial Documents
Start a folder (digital or physical). Make copies of everything. You’ll want:
- Tax returns (last 3–5 years)
- Pay stubs (last 3 months for both parties)
- Bank statements (checking & savings, last 12 months)
- Credit card statements (last 12 months)
- Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, pensions)
- Investment account statements
- Mortgage and home equity loan documents
- Car loans and titles
- Student loan documents
- Any other outstanding debts or assets
💼 2. Understand Your Current Financial Picture
- Know what you own (assets)
- Know what you owe (debts)
- Know what comes in (income)
- Know what goes out (expenses)
Start tracking monthly spending if you haven’t already. Knowledge is power here.
📋 3. Create a Post-Divorce Budget
This isn’t about panic. It’s about preparation.
- What will your income be?
- What will your new expenses be?
- Where will you live, and how much will that cost?
- Will you be paying or receiving child/spousal support?
“I wonder what might happen if you made a budget for your future self instead of your past one…”
🧠 4. Check Your Credit
Pull your credit report from all three bureaus (you can do this for free at AnnualCreditReport.com). Look for:
- Joint accounts you may need to close
- Errors or unknown activity
- Accounts you’ll want to protect or freeze
📍 5. List All Joint Accounts & Debts
- Who is listed as the primary account holder?
- Can you separate or freeze any accounts now?
- What’s your legal responsibility on shared debts?
🔐 6. Secure Your Own Accounts
Open your own:
- Checking and savings account
- Credit card (if you don’t already have one in your name only)
- Online logins for all key financial platforms (change passwords!)
🏠 7. Get a Fair Valuation of Big Assets
- House or other real estate
- Vehicles
- Business interests
- Collectibles or valuables
You’ll likely need professional appraisals down the road. Start gathering info now.
👩⚖️ 8. Talk to a Divorce-Savvy Financial Professional
A financial planner or accountant who has worked with divorces can help you:
- Understand tax implications
- Model different settlement options
- Prepare for negotiation
Don’t go it alone if you don’t have to.
📁 9. Think About Your Long-Term Goals
Yes, right now is about survival. But also:
- What do you want your future to be?
- Where do you want to live?
- Who is in your life regularly?
- What would “financial peace” look like in 2–5 years?
Start with the smallest and easiest step. The rest builds from there.
Don’t expect to finish this in a single day, or even a single week. One small step at a time. And remember, if you need help or encouragement, I’m just a phone call away.
