Episode Details

Most people file for divorce without doing any of the preparation that would have saved them thousands of dollars and months of stress. Not because they didn't have time, but because nobody told them what to do first. And then they regret it for years.

This episode is the roadmap. In it, I walk you through my framework for getting divorce ready in four weeks, one focus area at a time, so it never feels overwhelming.

We start with your emotional foundation: getting grounded, clarifying your values and priorities, and lining up support. Then we move into getting your entire financial picture organized while you still have full access to everything. From there, we tackle the question I hear most—"What should I ask for?"—by building a real post-divorce budget so you stop guessing and start knowing your numbers. And finally, we get your legal and strategic foundation in place: understanding your options, choosing the right attorney, learning your state's laws, and knowing when to bring in a CDFA.

The work you do in this window determines how prepared you are when it counts most—at the negotiating table, in mediation, or in front of a judge.

Whether you're certain you're moving forward or still deciding, this episode gives you a clear, step-by-step plan to prepare with confidence instead of fear.

Additional resources mentioned in the episode:

Listen to the Dear Future Self episode from Season 1. Read The Two Numbers You Need Before Divorce Negotiations: Your Marital Standard of Living and Post-Divorce Budget. The Divorce Planner's CDFA vetted Monthly Budget Calculator spreadsheet. 

Want more resources? Check out my blog, grab my free "24 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney" guide, or sign up for my free 4-Email Divorce Prep Series for a step-by-step roadmap before you meet with an attorney. 

Need personalized help? Book a free 15-minute call or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips.

The Divorce Planner podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals about your situation.

Podcast Original Music, Editing, and Mixing by: Benjamin Robinson