Specialty tag(s): Pre-Divorce Guidance, Divorce
Chandler Rice Winslow | May 9, 2025
Divorce presents both logistical and emotional challenges. Balancing practical concerns such as finances and property with emotional considerations like your children and mental well-being can feel overwhelming. That’s why divorce planning is essential. By breaking the preparation process into individual steps, you can make it more manageable and reduce the stress of handling everything at once.
Before filing any legal documents, consider when and how to tell your spouse. Try to choose a neutral time that isn’t close to any holiday, anniversary, or family event. Breaking the news at a neutral time will help emotions remain calm. Be honest and respectful, but direct in your approach.
Divorce is tough for everyone involved, even when both parties believe that it’s for the best. Building a support network of friends and family can help get you through the most emotionally challenging times of the divorce process. You might also consider seeing a therapist or counselor for added support.
In addition to your emotional support network, you may also want to speak with a certified financial analyst. These licensed professionals can help you understand the long-term financial impacts of any decisions you may make in the divorce.
Gathering up all of your important documents is an essential part of divorce planning. Collect and organize your tax returns, mortgage statements, insurance policies, loan documents, credit card bills, and investment records. Store them somewhere safe so they are accessible to your attorney or financial professionals when needed.
Children are always a top priority when parents plan for divorce. Custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and decision-making responsibilities will need to be addressed. While most of these details will be finalized during the divorce process, the planning stage is a good time to start considering factors like school schedules, holidays, vacations, summer camps, and after-school activities. Preparing in advance can help ensure a smoother transition for everyone involved.
Learning to protect your privacy and identity can be an important aspect of divorce planning, especially if you expect a high-conflict divorce. Change your passwords for email, social media, and financial accounts to ensure that your spouse does not have access. You may also want to consider opening a P.O. box to have a private place for sensitive communications.
Schedule a consultation with an experienced divorce attorney who can explain your rights and obligations. They can advise you on property division, spousal support, and other key issues. The legal insights and guidance they provide will be invaluable for ensuring that you understand your position and can negotiate from a place of strength.
Self-care is essential, whether it’s therapy, exercise, meditation, or hobbies. Tending to your emotional health allows you to approach each step with resilience. As you complete your divorce planning, imagine life beyond after divorce as an opportunity for new routines, goals, and personal growth.
If you need more help figuring out how to plan for a divorce, contact us today. Our dedicated team is here to provide the guidance and support you need to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Our attorneys are experienced in all aspects of family law and will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you have the information you need to make wise decisions and prepare for the future.
At Goranson Bain Ausley, we strive to deliver clarity about what comes next and confidence that you and your family’s future are more secure. Contact our team and discover how we can help you.
Constructive, Not Costly: Making the Case for Collaborative Divorce to a Reluctant Spouse
Learn how collaborative divorce may be a more cost-effective and less stressful approach to a divorce.
Facing Your Post-Divorce Future with Confidence
Attorney Kristen A. Algert shares tips on how to face your post-divorce future with confidence.
Facing divorce or family law issues? Don’t navigate alone. Email us to schedule a consultation.
When you need to speak to a top divorce lawyer, call us to schedule a consultation.
Save time and costs. Before your consultation, complete our confidential online questionnaire to receive a personalized information pack in minutes.