How to Prepare
The end of the year brings a mix of emotions — holidays, family gatherings, financial deadlines, and for many people, the quiet decision that next year needs to look different.
If you’re considering divorce but want to wait until after the holidays to officially file, you’re not alone. Many people choose to pause major life changes to protect their children, reduce stress, or simply get through December with some sense of stability.
But here’s the truth:
Waiting to file doesn’t mean you should wait to prepare.
In fact, the weeks before the new year can be one of the most important times to get organized.
A Realistic Scenario Many People Face
Imagine this:
You’ve decided that divorce is the right step, but the thought of breaking the news during the holiday season feels too heavy — too disruptive for your kids, your family, and even yourself.
You tell yourself,
“I’ll deal with it after New Year’s.”
But every time you think about January, you feel anxious.
- What will you need?
- What documents should you start saving?
- How do you make sure you’re financially and emotionally ready?
This is where thoughtful year-end preparation becomes your strongest tool.
Your Year-End Divorce Prep Checklist
Here’s what you can start doing quietly and calmly before January arrives:
1. Gather Your Financial Documents
This is one of the most time-consuming — and most important — parts of preparing for divorce.
Start collecting:
✔ Bank statements (checking, savings, business accounts)
✔ Credit card statements
✔ Mortgage and home equity loan documents
✔ Retirement account statements (401k, IRA, pensions)
✔ Tax returns (last 2–3 years)
✔ Pay stubs or income records
✔ Vehicle titles and loan statements
✔ Investment and brokerage records
✔ List of debts and financial obligations
Tip: Save digital copies to a secure folder with a simple name (like “Documents”). No need to label anything suspicious.
2. Track Household Expenses
Before filing, it helps to have a clear picture of your monthly living costs.
Start noting:
✔ Groceries
✔ Utilities
✔ Insurance
✔ Child-related expenses
✔ Subscriptions
✔ Gas/transportation
✔ Personal expenses
This helps with:
➡ Support calculations
➡ Budgeting for life after divorce
➡ Showing the court your real financial needs
3. Check Your Credit & Open Personal Accounts (If Needed)
You’re allowed to open your own:
✔ Checking account
✔ Savings account
✔ Credit card
This doesn’t mean you’re hiding anything — it means you’re preparing for independence.
Tip: Check your credit report for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.
4. Consider Your Living Situation
Are you planning to stay in the home? Move out?
Waiting until after the holidays gives you time to think through:
✔ Budget
✔ School stability for kids
✔ Safety & emotional needs
✔ Transition timelines
No decisions need to be made yet — just start imagining what you want the next year to look like.
5. Begin Emotional Prep & Build Support
Even if you’re delaying action until January, you don’t have to wait to take care of yourself.
Helpful steps now:
✨ Journal what you want your next chapter to look like
✨ Begin therapy or coaching
✨ Create healthy boundaries
✨ Focus on small self-care habits
A peaceful divorce begins with a steady mind.
6. Understand California Filing Requirements
If you’re planning to file after the holidays, here’s what you should know now:
California requires:
✔ A completed Petition (FL-100)
✔ Summons (FL-110)
✔ Any local forms
✔ Proper service of documents
✔ Financial disclosures within 60 days
You do NOT need:
❌ A reason for divorce
❌ Your spouse’s agreement to file
❌ To move out before filing
This is where support helps — paperwork errors cause massive delays.
How I Can Help
Document Preparation & Divorce Coaching
As a Divorce Document Preparer and Divorce Coach, I help you:
✨ Get organized before filing
✨ Prepare all required forms correctly
✨ Understand what to expect emotionally and legally
✨ Create a filing timeline that aligns with your holiday plans
✨ Navigate the transition with clarity, confidence, and compassion
You don’t have to figure this out alone — and you don’t have to rush before you’re ready.
Reach out to me, Karen Fischer, and let’s prepare your next chapter together — calmly, privately, and at your pace.
