How to use this divorce checklist
This checklist is designed to be used as a working document. Start by copying it to your ChecklistFox account so you can tick items off, add your own, and share progress with others.
Copy the template to your account
Click "Copy template" to save it to your ChecklistFox workspace. Free - no card required.
Remove what does not apply to your situation
Not every item will be relevant - no children, renting rather than owning, or an uncontested divorce will change your list. Delete sections you do not need and add tasks specific to your jurisdiction or circumstances.
Share with your solicitor or mediator
Send a link to your legal adviser so they can see what you have already handled and flag anything still outstanding. View-only access works without an account.
Download for meetings and court deadlines
Export as a clean PDF for solicitor appointments, mediation sessions, or financial disclosure. Having a printed checklist keeps complex admin manageable when emotions are running high.
Pro tip:Consult a family law solicitor early - even if you expect an amicable split. Understanding your rights around property, pensions, and child arrangements before you make major financial moves (closing accounts, moving out, changing beneficiaries) can prevent costly mistakes that are hard to undo later.
What's included in this checklist
This divorce checklist is structured across 9 sections - giving you clear priorities at each stage without being overwhelmed by a single massive list. Here's what each section covers:
Collect Documents
Pre-divorce document gathering. Collect everything now and note how to pull updated copies later - courts and solicitors will ask for these repeatedly.
- Your marriage certificate (Important)
- Any prenup
- Any legal separation decree
- Any child custody order involving either or both of you
- Any adoption documentation
- Any restraining orders
- Financial statements (and know how to pull newer copies later) (Important)
- Medical records, if relevant
Speak to People
Pre-divorce conversations. Difficult talks done early - with legal guidance - reduce conflict and set clearer expectations for everyone involved.
- Consult a lawyer (Important)
- Talk to your spouse about the end of your relationship and the legal steps you're taking (Important)
- Establish how you'll interact with each other's new partners
- Craft an agreement about child custody, child support and property division (Important)
- Tell your child about the divorce
Practice Good Money Habits
Pre-divorce financial discipline. Separate accounts and steady habits protect your credit and credibility - courts look unfavourably on hidden spending or asset transfers.
- Separate your bank accounts (Important)
- Open a credit card if you don't already have one
- Keep it modest - don't spend lavishly or hide lots of cash (Tip)
- Have a short-term plan for income and housing during your divorce (Important)
- Keep up with any obligations (health checkups, home repair, debt repayments, etc.)
- Build an emergency fund (Important)
Protect Yourself
Pre-divorce personal protection. Cover insurance, data, valuables, boundaries, and living arrangements before tensions escalate.
- Find out whether and when your health insurance will change (Important)
- Back up your data (if you fear your spouse taking your device) (Safety)
- Secure belongings your spouse might sell or destroy (e.g., jewellery or papers) (Safety)
- Set boundaries for how you'll respect each other's space and privacy
- Move (or cooperate with your spouse moving out) (Important)
First Steps & Legal Basics
The foundation phase. Get professional advice, gather documents, and understand your options before making irreversible decisions about money, property, or children.
- Consult a family law solicitor for initial advice (Important)
- Decide between mediation, collaborative law, or court proceedings
- Gather marriage certificate and both parties' ID documents (Important)
- Collect 12 months of bank statements, payslips, and tax returns
- List all assets: property, vehicles, pensions, investments, and valuables
- List all debts: mortgages, loans, credit cards, and overdrafts
- Agree interim living arrangements (who stays in the family home) (Important)
- Notify your employer HR department if needed
Finances & Property
Financial separation phase. Untangle joint accounts, property, and pensions methodically - with legal guidance on anything that affects your settlement.
- Open individual bank accounts if you do not have them (Important)
- Freeze or close joint credit cards - agree who pays what in the interim
- Obtain property valuation or estate agent appraisal (Important)
- Gather pension statements and request Cash Equivalent Transfer Values (CETVs)
- Document contents and value of shared household items
- Review and update direct debits and standing orders
- Notify mortgage lender or landlord of separation (Important)
- Complete financial disclosure forms for court or mediation
Children & Co-Parenting
If you have children, prioritise stability. Agree practical arrangements early and put the focus on their routine, school, and emotional needs.
- Agree interim contact and living arrangements for children (Important)
- Inform school and childcare providers of new contact details
- Discuss child maintenance - use official calculator or solicitor guidance (Important)
- Create a shared parenting schedule (holidays, handovers, school events)
- Update GP, dentist, and emergency contact records for children
- Agree rules for introducing new partners to children
- Consider family counselling or child-focused mediation
Accounts & Life Admin
The admin phase. Update every organisation that holds your details - beneficiaries, insurance, subscriptions, and government records often get overlooked during a split.
- Update beneficiaries on life insurance, pensions, and will (Important)
- Review and amend home, car, and health insurance policies
- Change address on bank accounts, credit cards, and subscriptions
- Notify HMRC, DVLA, GP, dentist, and electoral roll (Important)
- Set up mail redirection with Royal Mail
- Transfer or cancel joint utilities - gas, electricity, water, broadband
- Update passwords and remove ex-partner from shared online accounts (Safety)
- Revoke or rewrite power of attorney if applicable
Finalising & Moving Forward
Closing the chapter. Confirm all legal orders are in place, rebuild your financial independence, and make space for your next chapter.
- Obtain Decree Absolute or final divorce order (Important)
- Confirm financial consent order or binding settlement is filed (Important)
- Transfer property title or complete sale proceeds split
- Split or transfer pension sharing orders with providers
- Restore maiden name on passport and driving licence if desired
- Rebuild emergency savings in your own name
- Check credit report and resolve any joint account issues (Important)
- Seek counselling or support groups if you need emotional help