The divorce checklist
Thirteen gentle steps through divorce.
Divorce is a hundred small decisions, not one big one. This checklist breaks it into four phases — reflect, prepare, process, rebuild — so you always know the next small step.
Reflect
Before anything else, take care of the person going through this — you.
Sit with the decision
Give yourself a quiet moment. Write down what you're feeling — no edits.
Find one person to confide in
A friend, therapist, or support group. You don't need to do this alone.
Prepare
Get your paperwork and finances in order while things are still calm.
Open a personal bank account
If you share finances, having an independent account brings peace of mind.
Gather key documents
Tax returns, pay stubs, mortgage, IDs. Add them to the Documents tab.
List assets & debts
Use the Finances tab to lay everything out — house, cars, loans, savings.
Research local options
Mediation, collaborative divorce, or attorneys — learn what fits your situation.
Process
The legal middle. Small, steady steps beat big dramatic ones.
Have the first legal conversation
A free consult is enough to understand your next move.
Agree on a parenting plan
If you have kids, sketch a schedule together in the Co-parenting tab.
Draft a settlement outline
Who gets what, who pays what. Drafts are not final — they're a start.
File the paperwork
Submit petition with the court. Keep copies in Documents.
Rebuild
The papers are signed. Now shape the life that comes next.
Update beneficiaries
Insurance, retirement accounts, will, emergency contacts.
Build a new monthly budget
One income, one home — write the new shape of your life.
Do one thing that's just for you
A class, a trip, a long walk. You're allowed to enjoy this chapter.
Want to keep track of your own progress?
Create a free, private account to check off each step, store your documents, lay out your finances, and share access with the people helping you.
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