Divorce doesn’t have to be protracted, painful or messy. It can be reasonably straightforward, and even surprisingly amicable – although it of course depends entirely on your circumstances and your relationship with your ex.
By being as organised as you can, you can avoid unnecessary delays with divorce. Your ‘divorce admin’ can also give you something to focus on, during what is bound to be a difficult time.
So, what should you do to prepare? Here’s a quick checklist of things to get sorted so that you’re as ready as possible for what’s ahead.
1. Appoint a divorce solicitor
The very first thing to do is to speak to a divorce solicitor – do this as early as possible. You need to find one that is a good fit for your needs, so don’t be afraid to shop around. Most offer an initial consultation, which is a good chance to ask questions and get some basic starting advice. Make the most of this opportunity, as it should help you choose your legal advisor.
Once you’ve settled on a solicitor, they can give you a wealth of information and advice. They’ll let you know what documents and details they’ll need for the divorce application and advise you on your personal circumstances. Crucially, they can answer all of your questions, calm your fears and prepare you for what’s on the horizon.
2. Find your marriage certificate
This is the most important document you’ll need for your divorce application, as it confirms the details of the marriage – including the date of the marriage, duration and names of both parties. Can’t find it? Don’t worry, you can contact your local Registrar's office to get a certified copy of the marriage certificate to use in the divorce application.
If you have children together, it could also be useful to dig out their birth certificates too.
3. Make a list of property and assets
One of the most complicated parts of divorce can be dividing assets and coming to a financial agreement. You can make this easier by making a full and detailed list of all assets, including those that are joint owned as well as those in either yours or your ex-partner’s name.
Make sure to include details of:
- Property, including details of when property was bought, the purchase price, recent valuations and mortgage details
- Pensions, including the value of any pensions
- Businesses and business-related assets, either solely or jointly owned
- Cars, vehicles, boats and any other expensive large assets
- Valuable jewellery, antique furniture, artwork or other precious assets.
If you have paperwork for any of the above, it’s a good idea to have it ready.
4. Compile bank statements