Your Complete Divorce Checklist
Welcome to your complete divorce checklist, designed to support you as you navigate the complexities of this transformative journey. This checklist will serve as your compass, guiding you towards a brighter future.
Your Complete Divorce Checklist: Navigating the Path to a Brighter Future
1. Center Yourself
Divorce can be challenging. Finding an inner sense of balance and focusing on your own wellbeing is crucial for moving forward with strength and clarity in the midst of the chaos and emotional upheaval.
Your top priorities should be self-compassion and self-care, so accepting your own needs, feelings, and boundaries is part of centering yourself. By purposefully bringing yourself back to the present and concentrating on the things within your control will help to rebuild your life, and regain a sense of stability and strength. Explore self-care techniques during difficult times.
2. Empower Yourself with Knowledge
Consult with a Divorce Coach
Gain a clear understanding of your options by consulting with a certified divorce coach early in the process. A divorce coach can help you understand the landscape of divorce and refer you to trusted professionals such as; mediators, certified divorce financial analysts, divorce mortgage specialists, therapists, and attorneys.
Organize Essential Documents
Organize essential documents, such as your marriage certificate, financial records, and property ownership papers.
3. Create a Support Network
Surround yourself with caring friends, family, and professionals who can provide emotional support throughout your divorce journey.
Be mindful that every divorce is different and your situation is unique to you. Unbiased support from a Divorce Coach, and/or therapist will help you maintain your clarity.
4. Prioritize Your Children’s Well-being
Put your children’s needs at the forefront and create a nurturing environment for them during this transition.
Try to engage in open communication with your spouse to establish a healthy co-parenting relationship. You cannot control what your spouse says or does, but you can control how you react.
Consult a Family Mediator
Seek guidance from a family mediator to collaboratively determine child custody and a parenting schedule. The Bridging Coach offers free mediation consultations to learn more.
5. Navigate Financial Waters
Gather and organize your financial records, including bank statements, tax returns, and investment portfolios.
Assess your income, expenses, and assets to gain clarity on your financial standing.
Consult a Financial Advisor
Consult with a knowledgeable financial advisor to understand the implications of property division, alimony, child support, and potential tax considerations.
6. Equitably Divide Your Assets
Take stock of shared assets, including real estate, vehicles, investments, and personal belongings.
Engage in open and honest conversations or seek the assistance of a mediator to ensure fair and equitable division.
Consider Professional Appraisals
Consider professional appraisals for valuable assets or properties to aid in the decision-making process.
7. Update Your Legal Documents:
Safeguard your future by reviewing and revising your will, ensuring it accurately reflects your new circumstances.
Update Beneficiary Designations
Make sure your retirement accounts, insurance plans, and other financial assets fit your present intentions.
8. Address Debts and Obligations:
Identify and address shared debts, such as mortgages, loans, or credit card balances.
Seek professional advice to ensure a fair distribution of liabilities and develop a plan for debt repayment.
9. Secure Your Health and Benefits:
Assess your healthcare coverage and make necessary adjustments, especially if you were previously covered under your spouse’s plan.
Review Other Benefits
Understand the impact of divorce on other benefits, such as life insurance or retirement plans, and make appropriate modifications.
10. Seek Support and Professional Guidance:
Rely on the expertise of professionals such as a divorce coach, financial advisors, and therapists who can provide tailored guidance throughout the process.
At The Bridging Coach, you receive personalized support services to navigate your divorce journey successfully.
Empower Your Divorce Journey
With this divorce checklist you are equipped with the tools to help navigate your divorce journey. Remember to focus on self-care, seek support and trust that you have the strength to build a brighter future. The Bridging Coach LLC is here to support you every step of the way.
Take advantage of a FREE 30 minute discovery session with The Bridging Coach to ask questions and get help. https://calendly.com/thebridgingcoach/30min
Photo by Unseen Studio on Unsplash
Bridget Leschinsky is a CDC Certified Divorce Coach®
