Divorce is overwhelming, but preparation changes everything. Use this divorce checklist to stay organized, reduce stress, and make informed decisions.
When you’re in the middle of a divorce, it can feel like you’re trying to solve a thousand-piece puzzle without the picture on the box. Papers pile up. Decisions come at you fast. And suddenly you’re expected to make life-changing choices when you don’t even know what all the options are.
That’s why preparation matters. Walking into mediation or negotiations without a roadmap is like showing up for a marathon without training. You might finish, but you’ll pay for it — physically, financially, and emotionally.
Here’s a simple checklist to help you stay grounded during the process.
The Divorce “During” Checklist
1. Know Your Numbers
- Gather bank statements, retirement account summaries, mortgage info, and debts.
- Don’t worry about perfection — start with what you have and build from there.
- Double-check that you understand what’s actually in your name vs. joint.
2. Understand Your Income and Expenses
- List monthly income (both yours and your spouse’s).
- Track household expenses: housing, transportation, childcare, healthcare, groceries.
- Be honest about what’s essential vs. optional — this is the time to get real.
3. Clarify Your Priorities
- What matters most? Stability for the kids? Keeping the house? A clean financial split?
- Rank your top 3 goals — they’ll guide you when emotions run high.
- Remember: clarity is power.
4. Prepare Emotionally
- Divorce decisions aren’t just about numbers. They’re about people, families, and futures.
- Find a safe place to vent (therapist, coach, support group). Don’t use the mediation table as your outlet.
- Practice breathing or grounding techniques before tough conversations.
5. Gather Professional Support
- Make sure you have the right people in your corner — not just voices on social media.
- A financial professional, mediator, or divorce coach can save you from costly mistakes.
- Don’t wait until after a bad decision to get help.
6. Plan Your Sessions
- Don’t agree to endless marathon meetings. Nobody thinks clearly after six hours in a conference room.
- Ask for shorter, structured sessions (two hours max is ideal).
- Take breaks when you need them — this is your future, not a race.
7. Keep Perspective
- There are no “winners” in divorce. The goal is durable agreements that reflect your values and protect your future.
- Don’t let fear or fatigue drive the outcome.
- Ask yourself: “Will I still feel good about this choice a year from now?”
Bottom Line
Going through divorce is overwhelming — but walking in prepared changes everything. You’ll save money, reduce stress, and make decisions you can actually live with.
That’s the whole idea behind my Informed Mediation™ process: giving you the clarity and preparation you need to move forward with confidence.
👉 Schedule a free Clarity Call to learn how preparation can transform your divorce process.
Brenda Bridges
Mediator, MAT, RICP®, CDFA®, CDC®
