If you’re thinking about divorce, you’ve likely spent a lot of time weighing the emotional and practical consequences. Even if the decision feels clear, it’s worth taking some steps before anything is filed. Preparing early can help reduce stress, protect your rights, and ease your transition into post-divorce life.
Here are a few things we recommend doing before the divorce process officially begins.
1. Organize Financial Documents
Before filing for divorce, gather your financial paperwork. Having a full picture of your assets and debts will help you understand your financial standing and assist your attorney during the divorce process.
You’ll want to locate and organize:
- Recent pay stubs and tax returns
- Bank statements and investment account records
- Retirement account information
- Mortgage, loan, or credit card statements
- Titles or deeds to property
- Insurance policies
Start keeping copies of anything relevant. If you share online accounts with your spouse, download records, and consider updating your login credentials for personal accounts. You should also begin tracking your monthly household expenses. This will come in handy when it’s time to address spousal support or child-related costs.
Having these documents ready helps set the foundation for fair discussions and makes it harder for important details to get overlooked.
2. Evaluate Your Finances
Divorce often means significant financial change. That’s why it’s a good idea to take stock of where you are and where you’ll need to be once you’re living separately.
Start by:
- Reviewing your credit report for accuracy
- Opening a personal bank account, if you haven’t already
- Building a post-divorce budget based on expected income and expenses
- Thinking ahead about future housing, transportation, and childcare needs
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you file, but preparing now can give you a stronger footing. It’s also a good time to identify what financial goals matter most to you, whether that’s staying in the family home, keeping retirement intact, or securing financial support.
We can help you prioritize these goals when it comes time to divide assets and debts.
3. Prepare Emotionally and Build Support
Regardless of the circumstances, divorce is an emotionally charged process. It helps to build a strong support network in advance. Surround yourself with people whom you trust—friends, family members, or a therapist—so you have a place to turn when emotions run high.
Think about what grounds you. That might mean keeping up with favorite hobbies, joining a support group, or simply allowing yourself time and space to rest. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s part of protecting your well-being during a major life transition.
By getting support in place early, you can approach your divorce with a clearer head and a steadier heart.
4. Talk to a Family Law Attorney Early
You don’t have to wait until the paperwork is filed to talk with an attorney. In fact, speaking with a divorce lawyer early on can make the entire process more manageable.
At Cohen Family Law, we’ll walk you through what to expect and help you prepare for each step. We’ll let you know what documents you need to gather, what rights you have under Arizona law, and how to approach difficult topics like custody or support.
You don’t have to go it alone. Getting legal advice now can help you feel more confident about what’s next and avoid unnecessary complications later.
Get Support Before You File
Divorce isn’t just the end of a chapter—it’s the beginning of a new one. With the right preparation, you can take control of the process and focus on building a better future.
At Cohen Family Law, we’re here to help you plan thoughtfully, protect what matters, and move forward with confidence. If you’re considering divorce in Arizona, let’s talk. The sooner we connect, the sooner we can help you take the next step. Contact us today for guidance you can trust.
