Deciding to file for divorce is rarely easy. Whether you’ve been considering it for months or recently reached the decision, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the emotional, financial, and legal questions that come next.
While every divorce is unique, taking a few thoughtful steps before filing can help you protect your interests, reduce unnecessary stress, and prepare for the road ahead.
At the Law Office of Stuart E. Bruers, based in Torrance and serving clients throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, the South Bay, and the San Gabriel Valley, we help individuals navigate every stage of the divorce process—from the initial decision to the final judgment.
Gather Your Financial Information
One of the most important things you can do before filing is collect information about your finances.
Try to gather documents such as:
- Recent bank statements
- Tax returns
- Pay stubs
- Retirement account statements
- Credit card statements
- Mortgage and loan information
- Investment account records
- Business records, if applicable
Having these documents organized can make the divorce process more efficient and help ensure that all marital assets and debts are properly identified.
Take Inventory of Your Assets and Debts
Before filing, it’s helpful to understand what you and your spouse own and owe.
Consider creating a list of:
- Real estate
- Vehicles
- Bank accounts
- Retirement accounts
- Investments
- Personal property
- Business interests
- Outstanding loans and credit card balances
You don’t need to know every detail, but having a general understanding of your financial picture can be extremely valuable.
Avoid Making Major Financial Decisions
Before a divorce is finalized, it is usually best to avoid making significant financial changes without first understanding the potential legal consequences.
For example, avoid:
- Selling major assets
- Draining joint bank accounts
- Taking on large amounts of new debt
- Transferring property to family or friends
- Making unusual financial transactions
Actions like these can complicate the divorce and may draw unwanted scrutiny from the court.
Think About Your Children
If you have children, begin thinking about what custody and parenting arrangements might realistically serve their best interests.
Consider questions such as:
- Where will the children primarily live?
- How will parenting time be shared?
- How will holidays and vacations be handled?
- How can both parents remain actively involved?
Keeping the focus on your children’s stability and well-being often leads to better long-term outcomes.
Be Careful What You Post Online
Social media can become evidence in a divorce case.
Even posts that seem harmless may be misunderstood or used to challenge claims about finances, parenting, or other issues.
Before filing for divorce, it’s wise to:
- Avoid discussing the divorce online
- Refrain from criticizing your spouse
- Think carefully before posting photos or major life updates
- Review your privacy settings
When in doubt, it’s often best to keep personal matters offline until your case is resolved.
Don’t Rely on Advice From Friends or the Internet
Every divorce is different.
What worked for a friend—or what you read online—may not apply to your situation. California family law depends on many factors, including your financial circumstances, whether you have children, and the specific facts of your marriage.
Speaking with an experienced family law attorney early in the process can help you understand your rights and avoid costly mistakes.
Why Experience Matters
The decisions you make before filing for divorce can have a lasting impact on your case. Being prepared from the beginning can help reduce unnecessary conflict, protect your financial interests, and position you for a smoother legal process.
With more than 30 years of family law experience, attorney Stuart E. Bruers provides practical guidance tailored to each client’s unique circumstances, helping individuals throughout Southern California move forward with confidence.
Take the Next Step
If you are considering filing for divorce and want to understand your options before taking the next step, contact the Law Office of Stuart E. Bruers today. We represent clients throughout Torrance, Redondo Beach, Long Beach, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, and surrounding Southern California communities, providing experienced guidance through every stage of the divorce process.