The Divorce Folder: Every Document You Need Before You Leave
If you only do one thing before divorce, make it this:
Build your Divorce Folder. Because when emotions spike, memory drops. And when tension rises, access disappears. This folder is your foundation.
What Is the Divorce Folder?
It’s a secure collection of every document that touches:
Money
Assets
Debt
Identity
Children
Not because you’re planning a war. Because you’re protecting your future.
Financial Documents
Collect:
Bank statements (all accounts)
Credit card statements
Investment accounts
Retirement accounts
Pay stubs (both spouses)
Tax returns (last 3 years)
Loan documents
Business financials (if applicable)
These determine:
Support
Asset division
Leverage
Property & Assets
Mortgage statements
Deeds
Car titles
Appraisals
Insurance policies
Safe deposit box info
If it has value, document it.
Debts
Credit cards
Personal loans
Student loans
Medical debt
Lines of credit
You are entitled to know what you may be responsible for.
Legal & Identity Documents
Marriage certificate
Prenup/postnup
Birth certificates
Social Security cards
Passports
These are often needed quickly. Don’t scramble.
Children
School records
Medical records
IEPs
Activity schedules
Childcare costs
Custody decisions rely on patterns. Document yours.
Where to Store It
Cloud (private, secure)
External hard drive
Physical copies outside the home
Not in the family filing cabinet.
Why This Matters
Women are often:
Locked out of accounts
Cut off financially
Blindsided by hidden debts
Shocked by missing assets
Not because they were foolish.
Because they trusted.
Trust is beautiful.
But preparation is power.
Want the Done-For-You Version?
Breaking Upward’s transition coaching service gives you:
Exact checklist
Organization templates
Step-by-step guidance
So you’re not guessing.
