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What is Divorce Planning?

Divorce planning is the proactive process of preparing for the legal, financial, and personal aspects of a divorce before formally filing. It involves evaluating assets, income, debts, and custody considerations to develop a clear strategy that protects your rights and future stability. At a law firm, divorce planning may include reviewing prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, gathering documentation, exploring settlement options, and identifying potential areas of dispute. Thoughtful planning can lead to more efficient proceedings, reduced conflict, and better outcomes—especially when guided by experienced legal counsel. Contact Sullivan Shick PLC at (480) 284-2644 in Mesa or (623) 915-0944 in Glendale to discuss available options. Step 1: Prepare for the Cost of Divorce Divorce is expensive—often more than people anticipate. The average out-of-pocket cost can reach over $10,000, and for many, it’s higher. If you're not financially ready to proceed, you may need to delay filing and use that time for strategic preparation. Keep in mind that: The $10,000 figure generally does not include indirect costs, such as splitting one household into two. Long-term expenses like rent, utilities, and childcare can quickly surpass initial legal fees. If possible, begin setting aside money now for legal costs, housing, and emergencies. Step 2: Discuss the Divorce With Your Spouse (If Safe and Feasible) While not always possible, discussing the divorce with your spouse can make a major difference in how smoothly the process unfolds. Tips for a productive conversation: Choose a neutral, quiet location—not your home. Avoid discussing the divorce in front of children. Focus on logistics, not blame. Try to reach basic agreements on key topics such as property division, custody, and support. Amicable discussions can open the door to a collaborative divorce or mediation, which are typically less expensive and emotionally taxing. Step 3: Arrange for Emotional and Professional Support Even the most amicable divorces can take an emotional toll. Proactively surrounding yourself with the right support system can help you stay grounded. Consider: Seeking therapy or counseling for emotional resilience. Reaching out to trusted family and friends. Working with a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) to make sound decisions under stress. Exploring local support groups or online forums for people going through divorce. Step 4: Begin Separating Finances While the divorce decree will ultimately determine how marital assets and debts are divided, taking early steps to establish financial independence is important. Start by: Opening separate checking and savings accounts. Applying for a credit card in your name only. Updating login information for email, banking, and online accounts to something your spouse cannot guess. Avoid hiding assets, as this can be damaging during legal proceedings. Transparency is key—but so is protecting your financial security. Step 5: Collect and Organize Documentation Divorce involves a mountain of paperwork. The more you can gather in advance, the easier it will be for your attorney to advocate for your interests. Documents to collect include: Proof of residency and employment Tax returns and income statements (past 5 years) Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements Real estate documents (titles, mortgages, appraisals) Business records (if applicable) Insurance policies (life, health, auto, etc.) Bank and credit card statements Loan documents and credit reports Estate planning documents (wills, trusts, POAs) Marriage certificate, birth certificates for children Records of assets and debts (both individual and marital) Any signed separation agreements This list is not exhaustive. An experienced attorney at Sullivan Shick PLC can help you identify additional documents specific to your case. Step 6: Plan for the Children If you have children, their well-being should remain a central priority throughout the divorce planning process. Topics to discuss or prepare for include: Physical custody (where the children will live) Legal custody (who makes major decisions) Visitation schedules Child support obligations Educational, healthcare, and extracurricular considerations It is important to note that even if you and your spouse agree on these matters, the court will make a final decision based on the best interests of the child. Step 7: Consider Alimony (Spousal Maintenance) If there's a significant income disparity between spouses, or if one party is financially dependent, alimony may be appropriate. During planning, consider: Whether temporary (pre-divorce) support is needed What amount, if any, should be paid after the divorce The duration and terms of spousal maintenance Agreeing on these terms early can simplify the divorce process and reduce the chance of courtroom disputes. Step 8: Rent a PO Box If you or your spouse will be moving out and do not yet have a permanent address, consider renting a PO Box. This ensures: Secure delivery of confidential legal documents A reliable mailing address during the transition Separation of personal and shared correspondence Step 9: Plan for the Payment of Marital Debts In states like Arizona, which follow community property laws, both spouses may remain liable for debts incurred during the marriage—even after divorce. To protect your credit and financial future: Create a list of all debts and current balances Establish who will continue making payments Monitor accounts to prevent missed or unauthorized charges While a court order can assign responsibility, creditors may still pursue either spouse for unpaid debts. Step 10: Notify Friends and Family Thoughtfully When the time feels right, begin informing your support network. Tips for handling this step: Tell close friends and family first Be mindful of your tone and message, especially around children Avoid oversharing on social media or in public forums Maintain respect and privacy, even if the divorce is difficult Children should be told with care, in age-appropriate terms, and ideally in a calm setting where both parents are present. Step 11: File for Divorce Once you’re emotionally and financially prepared, and have completed the planning steps, you can move forward with filing. In Arizona: At least one spouse must have lived in the state for 90 days A written petition for dissolution must be filed with the court Filing fees must be paid The other spouse must be formally served with the divorce papers If both parties agree on all terms, the process may proceed without trial. If not, the court will resolve unresolved issues, and a judge will issue a final divorce decree. Contact an Experienced Arizona Divorce Lawyer Divorce is never easy—but it can be more manageable with careful planning and professional support. Taking time to prepare emotionally, financially, and legally can improve outcomes and give you greater control over the future. For help navigating your divorce with confidence and clarity, contact our firm today to schedule a confidential consultation. Call Sullivan Shick PLC at (480) 284-2644 in Mesa or (623) 915-0944 in Glendale to schedule a divorce planning consultation, and to ensure your legal and financial rights are protected.

What is Divorce Planning?

Divorce planning is the proactive process of preparing for the legal, financial, and personal aspects of a divorce before formally filing. It involves evaluating assets, income, debts, and custody considerations to develop a clear strategy that protects your rights and future stability. At a law firm, divorce planning may include reviewing prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, gathering documentation, exploring settlement options, and identifying potential areas of dispute. Thoughtful planning can lead to more efficient proceedings, reduced conflict, and better outcomes—especially when guided by experienced legal counsel. Contact Sullivan Shick PLC at (480) 284-2644 in Mesa or (623) 915-0944 in Glendale to discuss available options. 

Step 1: Prepare for the Cost of Divorce

Divorce is expensive—often more than people anticipate. The average out-of-pocket cost can reach over $10,000, and for many, it’s higher. If you’re not financially ready to proceed, you may need to delay filing and use that time for strategic preparation.

Keep in mind that:

  • The $10,000 figure generally does not include indirect costs, such as splitting one household into two.
  • Long-term expenses like rent, utilities, and childcare can quickly surpass initial legal fees.
  • If possible, begin setting aside money now for legal costs, housing, and emergencies.

Step 2: Discuss the Divorce With Your Spouse (If Safe and Feasible)

While not always possible, discussing the divorce with your spouse can make a major difference in how smoothly the process unfolds.

Tips for a productive conversation:

  • Choose a neutral, quiet location—not your home.
  • Avoid discussing the divorce in front of children.
  • Focus on logistics, not blame.
  • Try to reach basic agreements on key topics such as property division, custody, and support.

Amicable discussions can open the door to a collaborative divorce or mediation, which are typically less expensive and emotionally taxing.

Step 3: Arrange for Emotional and Professional Support

Even the most amicable divorces can take an emotional toll. Proactively surrounding yourself with the right support system can help you stay grounded.

Consider:

  • Seeking therapy or counseling for emotional resilience.
  • Reaching out to trusted family and friends.
  • Working with a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) to make sound decisions under stress.
  • Exploring local support groups or online forums for people going through divorce.

Step 4: Begin Separating Finances

While the divorce decree will ultimately determine how marital assets and debts are divided, taking early steps to establish financial independence is important.

Start by:

  • Opening separate checking and savings accounts.
  • Applying for a credit card in your name only.
  • Updating login information for email, banking, and online accounts to something your spouse cannot guess.

Avoid hiding assets, as this can be damaging during legal proceedings. Transparency is key—but so is protecting your financial security.

Step 5: Collect and Organize Documentation

Divorce involves a mountain of paperwork. The more you can gather in advance, the easier it will be for your attorney to advocate for your interests.

Documents to collect include:

  • Proof of residency and employment
  • Tax returns and income statements (past 5 years)
  • Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
  • Real estate documents (titles, mortgages, appraisals)
  • Business records (if applicable)
  • Insurance policies (life, health, auto, etc.)
  • Bank and credit card statements
  • Loan documents and credit reports
  • Estate planning documents (wills, trusts, POAs)
  • Marriage certificate, birth certificates for children
  • Records of assets and debts (both individual and marital)
  • Any signed separation agreements

This list is not exhaustive. An experienced attorney at Sullivan Shick PLC can help you identify additional documents specific to your case.

Step 6: Plan for the Children

If you have children, their well-being should remain a central priority throughout the divorce planning process.

Topics to discuss or prepare for include:

  • Physical custody (where the children will live)
  • Legal custody (who makes major decisions)
  • Visitation schedules
  • Child support obligations
  • Educational, healthcare, and extracurricular considerations

It is important to note that even if you and your spouse agree on these matters, the court will make a final decision based on the best interests of the child.

Step 7: Consider Alimony (Spousal Maintenance)

If there’s a significant income disparity between spouses, or if one party is financially dependent, alimony may be appropriate.

During planning, consider:

  • Whether temporary (pre-divorce) support is needed
  • What amount, if any, should be paid after the divorce
  • The duration and terms of spousal maintenance

Agreeing on these terms early can simplify the divorce process and reduce the chance of courtroom disputes.

Step 8: Rent a PO Box

If you or your spouse will be moving out and do not yet have a permanent address, consider renting a PO Box.

This ensures:

  • Secure delivery of confidential legal documents
  • A reliable mailing address during the transition
  • Separation of personal and shared correspondence

Step 9: Plan for the Payment of Marital Debts

In states like Arizona, which follow community property laws, both spouses may remain liable for debts incurred during the marriage—even after divorce.

To protect your credit and financial future:

  • Create a list of all debts and current balances
  • Establish who will continue making payments
  • Monitor accounts to prevent missed or unauthorized charges

While a court order can assign responsibility, creditors may still pursue either spouse for unpaid debts.

Step 10: Notify Friends and Family Thoughtfully

When the time feels right, begin informing your support network.

Tips for handling this step:

  • Tell close friends and family first
  • Be mindful of your tone and message, especially around children
  • Avoid oversharing on social media or in public forums
  • Maintain respect and privacy, even if the divorce is difficult

Children should be told with care, in age-appropriate terms, and ideally in a calm setting where both parents are present.

Step 11: File for Divorce

Once you’re emotionally and financially prepared, and have completed the planning steps, you can move forward with filing.

In Arizona:

  • At least one spouse must have lived in the state for 90 days
  • A written petition for dissolution must be filed with the court
  • Filing fees must be paid
  • The other spouse must be formally served with the divorce papers

If both parties agree on all terms, the process may proceed without trial. If not, the court will resolve unresolved issues, and a judge will issue a final divorce decree.

Contact an Experienced Arizona Divorce Lawyer

Divorce is never easy—but it can be more manageable with careful planning and professional support. Taking time to prepare emotionally, financially, and legally can improve outcomes and give you greater control over the future. For help navigating your divorce with confidence and clarity, contact our firm today to schedule a confidential consultation.

Call Sullivan Shick PLC at (480) 284-2644 in Mesa or (623) 915-0944 in Glendale to schedule a divorce planning consultation, and to ensure your legal and financial rights are protected.