Divorce Checklist

When It Applies

Not For

• Personalised advice on settlement value, forfeiture, maintenance, relocation, or parenting disputes.
• Domestic violence or urgent child-safety emergencies.

Documents

• ID documents
• Marriage certificate
• Antenuptial contract
• Children's birth certificates
• Income and expense records
• Bank statements
• Property and vehicle records
• Pension and policy information
• Existing orders or agreements

Timeline

• Before consultation: collect marriage, child, financial, and property records.
• Before filing or response: confirm service details and disputed issues.
• During process: track response, plea, set-down, Family Advocate, and settlement dates.
• After order: store the decree, settlement agreement, and parenting or maintenance orders.

Tips

• Keep child-focused records separate from financial records.
• Do not sign settlement terms until you understand pension, property, maintenance, and tax effects.
• Use a single monthly budget for child and household expenses.
• Ask early if the Family Advocate may be involved where children are affected.

Warning Signs

• There is family violence, child safety risk, relocation risk, or threats to remove children.
• One spouse controls all documents or finances.
• Assets are being sold, hidden, or moved.
• You have been served with papers and a response period is running.