
Divorce Checklist: What to Do Before You File for…
If you’re thinking about splitting up from your spouse, you need a divorce checklist – but not just any divorce checklist.
One that shows you what you need to do before you file and helps ensure you’re completely prepared for the journey ahead.
This divorce checklist covers it all.
Divorce Checklist: What to Do Before You File for Divorce
Divorce is stressful – we’re not going to sugarcoat it for you. But if you’re properly prepared, you can make it through and come out stronger, more capable and better-prepared than most people. Use this divorce checklist to make sure you’re on the right track:
- Find a support network
- Gather financial documents
- List your assets and debts
- Put together a childcare proposal
- Compile personal documents
- Plan for housing
- Get information on your spouse
- Make changes to personal information
- Get a job and establish your own credit, if applicable
- Change your will
- Secure irreplaceable personal items
- Talk to an attorney
Find a Support Network
Related: How to deal with divorce
Gather Financial Documents
Bank statements | Debt records | Employment records | Investment account statements |
Loan information | Pension information | Retirement savings account information | Social Security statements |
Tax returns | Trusts | Wills |
List Your Assets and Debts
Because some spouses can be secretive about assets and debts, you’ll have to do some detective work – and if you suspect your spouse is hiding something but you can’t find it, you’ll need to let your lawyer know.
Put Together a Childcare Proposal
Will they live with you most of the time? Do you intend for them to spend equal amounts of time at your house and your spouse’s house? Put your kids’ needs first and think about what would be best for them.
Compile Personal Documents
Plan for Housing
Pro tip: Do not move out before talking to a lawyer.
Get Information on Your Spouse
Make Changes to Your Personal Information
Get a Job and Establish Your Own Credit, if Applicable
Now’s the time to open a credit card only in your name, too. Establishing credit that’s separate from your spouse is important – and you may need to use it during or after the divorce.
Change Your Will
Secure Irreplaceable Personal Items
Talk to your lawyer about removing items from your marital home – she may tell you that it’s only okay to remove things that qualify as separate property (not community property), and she can give you item-by-item guidance on other things.
Divorce FAQ After Reading the Divorce Checklist
Many people have questions after reading our divorce checklist, so here are answers to some of the most common.
#1. Are divorce records public in California?
If you need a certified copy of your own divorce, you must get it from the Superior Court in the county where you filed.
#2. How is property divided in a divorce in California?
Related: Property division in California
#3. How long do divorces take in California?
While there’s no guarantee that a judge will grant your divorce a day after you’ve met the 6-month waiting period requirement, there are some things that will certainly make your divorce take longer than that. If you and your spouse can’t agree on important issues, like child custody, property division and other important parts of your divorce, yours will certainly take longer. Whether you decide to see a mediator or you end up litigating in court, your divorce won’t be final until you can reach an agreement (or you force the judge to rule in your case).
#4. How can I get a copy of my divorce in California online?
Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About This Divorce Checklist?
Once you have everything in place, it’s time to talk to a lawyer. Your attorney can go over everything you’ve done so far to prepare, and she’ll point out anything you may have missed. Remember, your lawyer’s goal is to serve your best interests – and she’ll be there for you every step of the way to answer your questions and make sure you’re on the right track.
Call us at 209-910-9865 to talk about your divorce. We can help you with child support, property division and everything else that impacts your future.