How To Prepare Financially For Divorce Without Losing Your Mind
How to Prepare Financially for Divorce Without Losing Your Mind
Divorce can feel like emotional chaos—but the financial piece? That’s where panic can really set in.
We get it. Whether you were the spreadsheet person in your marriage or not, divorce brings a flood of money questions: Do I need my own bank account? Will I be okay on one income? What should I gather before I file?
The good news? You don’t have to know it all—you just need a plan.
💳 Start with the Basics: Your Financial Snapshot
Before anything gets filed or negotiated, you need a clear view of what you have. Think of it as taking inventory:
Bank account balances
Income (yours and your spouse’s)
Monthly expenses (housing, utilities, childcare, etc.)
Debts (credit cards, loans, medical bills)
Retirement accounts, pensions, investment accounts
Property—home, vehicles, valuables
This isn’t about judgment. It’s just data. Knowledge is power here.
📁 Make Copies and Keep Them Safe
Documents tend to “disappear” during messy divorces. Gather copies of:
Tax returns (at least 3 years)
Pay stubs
Mortgage/lease paperwork
Insurance policies
Titles and deeds
Credit card and bank statements
Keep digital and physical copies somewhere your spouse doesn’t have access to.
💰 Don’t Forget About Credit
Run a credit report for yourself (free at annualcreditreport.com). Make sure:
You know what’s in your name
You understand what you’re jointly liable for
You consider freezing your credit if you’re worried about unauthorized use
This is often overlooked, but it’s essential for financial recovery post-divorce.
💸 Build a “Freedom Fund” (Even a Tiny One)
Even if you haven’t filed yet, start setting aside something. A small emergency fund or “exit account” can be a lifeline during legal proceedings or unexpected delays.
You don’t need thousands—just a small buffer to help you breathe.
🧠 Get Support From Financial Experts Who Understand Divorce
Not all financial advisors are created equal. A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) understands how divorce impacts taxes, retirement, long-term planning, and more.
Inside The Do’s and Don’ts of Divorce membership, our CDFA breaks it down in plain English—no shame, no judgment, just clarity.
💬 Want help building your divorce budget?
Join us for just $47/month to access:
Weekly live group coaching (ask your real-life money questions!)
On-demand videos with expert guidance on dividing assets, preparing for court, and rebuilding financial confidence
A trauma-informed community that gets what you're going through
