Prepare for the divorce financially
                     PREPARE FOR 
DIVORCE 
FINANCIALLY
B e  w a r y  o f  w e l l - m e a n i n g  a d v i c e
Divorce laws vary by state, so be cautious of advice that seems 
to be a one-size-fits-all solution — whether you read it online or 
received it from a friend. If you're unsure whether you should 
move money, change accounts or make any other financial 
moves pre-divorce, consult with an attorney licensed in your 
state.
Source: www.nerdwallet.com
Tr a c k  e x p e n s e s
As soon as you know divorce is inevitable, begin tracking your 
household income and expenses. This will not only help build a 
budget post-divorce, but it is also crucial for your attorney and 
later the judge in deciding how to split assets and debts, and 
whether to award spousal or child support.
Source: www.nerdwallet.com
G a t h e r  d o c u m e n t a t i o n
Your financial records tell the story of your marriage’s financial 
health. Gathering these documents can be tedious and time-
consuming, so start as early as possible.
Source: www.nerdwallet.com
P r e p a r e  f o r  r e s i s t a n c e
Even if relations seem cordial, anticipate rough patches. You 
might decrease the likelihood of confrontation by gathering the 
important paperwork before filing. If your spouse fights you 
every step of the way, ask your attorney about court-ordered 
options.
Source: www.nerdwallet.com
R e f r a i n  f r o m  b i g  fi n a n c i a l  
d e c i s i o n s
The divorce proceedings will determine all of your major 
financial changes. It might be tempting to get a jump on tasks 
like adjusting your life insurance beneficiaries — but it's best to 
wait.
Source: www.nerdwallet.com
B e  c o n s e r v a t i v e  w h e n  s p e n d i n g  
a n d  s a v i n g
Separating joint finances is sticky, and much of the process 
depends on your state laws — some treat all income, assets and 
debts as if they're part of a single pot. Emptying that pot, or 
even dipping into it more than usual, in the weeks and months 
before your divorce could be detrimental.
Source: www.nerdwallet.com
K n o w  w h e n  t o  g e t  h e l p
Whether your divorce is amicable or adversarial, a lawyer can 
help you sort through the separation of your lives and finances.
Source: www.nerdwallet.com
R e fl e c t  a n d  t a k e  a c t i o n
Take some time to reflect on your situation so that you can move 
to the acceptance phase of realizing your marriage has ended. 
During this time, you should research and gather a team of 
professionals you are going to need, such as a marriage 
counselor, divorce attorney, financial adviser and tax 
professional.
Source: www.nerdwallet.com
O p e n  y o u r  o w n  b a n k  a c c o u n t s
If you don’t already have checking and savings accounts in your 
own name, now is the time to open them. You should start by 
having your full paycheck auto deposited into your new 
accounts. During this time, you could just transfer the funds 
needed to contribute to the house expenses until the divorce is 
final. This is the first step of getting into the habit of managing 
your own finances.
Source: www.nerdwallet.com
THANK 
YOU