Pre-Divorce Planning Checklist

Massachusetts Pre-Divorce Planning Checklist

Pre-Divorce Planning Checklist

1. Start Saving Money

When facing a divorce, you need a cash cushion to cover household and living expenses. If you do not work or cannot support yourself, save at least one to two months of expenses. The spouse who usually pays bills may stop helping, especially in a contested case. While the court can issue temporary orders for support, you may wait weeks for a hearing. Having funds ready saves time and money and reduces stress.

Set aside cash and review your checking and savings accounts to ensure you can pay for essentials while the process begins.

2. Gather Financial Documents

Massachusetts requires both spouses to exchange financial information once the case is filed. Collect bank statements, tax returns, loan applications, and account summaries. Include details about your retirement account, credit card balances, and any social security benefits. Having these documents ready allows your attorney to prepare quickly and avoids last-minute stress.

3. Plan for Parenting and Family Relationships

If you and your spouse struggle to co-parent, consider a parenting coach or coordinator. These professionals reduce conflict and improve communication. They help protect family relationships and minimize disputes over parenting schedules.

4. Find a Divorce Attorney

A skilled divorce attorney makes a major difference. Choose someone local, responsive, and professional. If your divorce is likely to be contested, your lawyer will protect your rights at every step. If you expect an amicable divorce, your lawyer can streamline the process and reduce conflict. At Wright Family Law Group, we focus on outcomes that protect children and reflect practical financial solutions.

5. Create a Budget

Your finances may change significantly after divorce. Losing your spouse’s income may affect your lifestyle, but some expenses may also decrease. A post-divorce budget shows where you stand and helps prevent surprises. Track spending on essentials, debts, and savings. Planning early allows you to manage time and money effectively.

6. Build a Support System

Divorce is emotionally difficult. Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and professionals. Many benefit from counseling or group support. Therapy can help you process emotions and adjust to changes in family relationships. Divorce support groups like DivorceCare provide community and guidance.

7. Review Your Credit

Get a copy of your credit report early. Check for errors or accounts you do not recognize. If your spouse has access to joint credit card accounts, close or separate them to protect your credit. Share this information with your lawyer so debts can be divided fairly. Staying proactive helps maintain financial stability.

8. Secure Your Communication

Open a post office box to ensure privacy. This prevents your spouse from accessing important mail, including legal documents. Consider using a dedicated email address for divorce-related communication to keep everything organized and secure.

9. Protect Important Accounts

Gather information on checking and savings accounts, investment accounts, and your retirement account. Make a list of all account numbers, balances, and logins. These details help your attorney prepare accurate financial statements and protect your interests during asset division.

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