Why financial prep matters
Divorce is, at its core, a financial event. The decisions you make in the first 30 days can shape your finances for the next 30 years. Going in with a plan — even a rough one — gives you leverage and peace of mind.
Week 1: Inventory everything
Pull statements for every bank account, credit card, loan, retirement account, and investment. List assets you own individually, jointly, and any you suspect your spouse holds separately. Get credit reports from all three bureaus.
Week 2: Open individual accounts
If you don't already have a checking account, savings account, and credit card in your name only, open them now. Redirect your paycheck or a portion of it if appropriate.
Week 3: Understand your budget
Build a realistic post-divorce budget with two versions: best case and worst case. This becomes the foundation for alimony, child support, and property division discussions.
Week 4: Assemble your team
At minimum, line up a family law attorney and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA). Some people also work with a therapist and an accountant during the process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What documents should I gather in the first 30 days?
Pull the last 3 years of tax returns, all bank and brokerage statements, retirement account summaries, mortgage documents, credit card statements, and pay stubs. Make copies and store them outside the marital home.
How do I build a post-divorce budget if I've never tracked expenses?
Start with your last 90 days of bank and card statements. Categorize every transaction into fixed (rent, utilities, insurance), variable (groceries, gas), and discretionary. Your new single-income budget should cover fixed costs with at least 20% headroom.
Should I hire a financial advisor before filing?
A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) can model settlement scenarios before you negotiate. A one-time consultation ($300–$600) often saves thousands by flagging tax traps in asset division, especially around retirement accounts and the marital home.
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You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone
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