A Complete Divorce Checklist

Divorce is rarely a simple process. Beyond the emotional challenges, there’s the practical reality of paperwork, negotiations, and decisions that shape your future. At Skylark Hill, we know that staying organised is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress during separation, which is why we’ve created this complete divorce checklist clients can rely on. It won’t take away the difficulty of the situation, but it will give you a structured plan to follow.

Essential Documents You’ll Need

The first step is ensuring you have the right paperwork. Courts require proof of your marriage, identification, and evidence of your financial situation. That means finding your marriage certificate, passports or driving licences, and recent utility bills or bank statements that confirm your address.

For finances, you’ll need at least a year’s worth of bank statements, payslips, tax returns if you’re self-employed, pension valuations, mortgage details, and credit card or loan statements. Collecting these documents early prevents delays and ensures both parties are transparent about assets and liabilities.

If you have children, prepare copies of birth certificates and details about school arrangements or childcare costs. These will be important when discussing custody and child maintenance.

Sorting Out Your Finances

Once the paperwork is in place, you’ll need to think carefully about how your financial life will be divided. Assets usually include property, pensions, savings, and investments. Liabilities such as mortgages, loans, and credit cards must also be addressed.

It’s important to understand that financial disclosure isn’t optional. Both parties are expected to be open, and failing to disclose assets can lead to penalties or future legal challenges. Many people find it helpful to create a spreadsheet of all accounts, debts, and assets, making it easier to visualise what’s at stake.

Budgeting for the future is equally important. Try to map out your post-divorce monthly income and expenses. This helps you identify whether spousal maintenance or child support might be needed, and whether your current living arrangements are sustainable.

Children and Parenting Arrangements

For many parents, the biggest concern is how children will be affected. The courts in England and Wales focus on the child’s best interests, considering factors such as stability, schooling, and the ability of each parent to provide care.

You don’t necessarily need a court order to agree on arrangements. Some couples can decide between themselves, while others use mediation to reach a fair solution. Parenting plans, which set out where children live and how holidays and decision-making are handled, are a useful tool.

If disputes arise, legal guidance becomes crucial. At Skylark Hill, we can provide guidance through complex divorce proceedings, ensuring that parenting agreements remain focused on the wellbeing of children while still respecting the rights of each parent.

Property and Living Arrangements

One of the most difficult parts of separation is deciding what happens to the family home. Whether you own or rent, you’ll need to decide who stays, who leaves, and whether selling is the most practical option.

If you own a home together, options include selling and dividing the proceeds, transferring ownership to one partner, or continuing to share ownership until a later date. Each choice has legal and financial implications, especially if there are children living at home.

Renting presents different challenges: you’ll need to consider whose name is on the tenancy agreement and whether it should be transferred or ended. Having early conversations about these issues can prevent disruption later.

Legal Steps and the Divorce Application