Divorce is emotional. It’s filled with paperwork. It’s a fresh start. If you’re getting divorced, get organized.
Organize your documents
One of the first things you should do when you are getting divorced is dedicate a good amount of time to organizing your documents. That way, you will be ready to hand them over to your attorney and let them handle the rest.
Getting your ducks in a row now will make the process much easier down the road. Once you have your financial documents organized, you’ll be set up for future efficiency and financial health going into the next stage of your life. Start by using one of the many document checklists available online.
Organize your time
When you’re going through an emotional life change, like divorce, learning to organize your time can be helpful in maintaining stability. It’s easy to let divorce take over your life, but just like you organize documents, you can also organize your life.
You may need to create boundaries for things like work so that you can focus, rather than making arrangements with your lawyer. Making a schedule for when you talk about divorce issues can support productivity and mental health.
Organize your future
Going into this new phase of your life, you will need to organize your personal finances and assets. Living as a single person means that you may need to adjust your spending. If you had joint bank accounts and credit cards, you should open your own.
Now is a great time to make a plan. What goals do you have for yourself and your family? Maybe you want to travel more, buy your own house or contribute to your kids’ college funds. Maybe you have intentions that aren’t financial, like starting a new hobby, investing in mental and emotional health or spending more time with friends.
Set new goals for yourself and reassess your lifestyle to match. Writing down what you want for your new future and steps to get there is be a great way to make it happen.