filing for divorce basics
writing-1149962_1920
From blogs to helpful documents to podcasts, you’ll find answers to your divorce basics questions here.

Filing for Divorce, The Basics

Divorce Basics

Divorce Basics Podcasts

Join hosts and SplitReady co-founders Doug Katz and Marya Carey Pleasant as they interview experts from across the divorce field to help divorcing couples understand the basics of filing for divorce.

Getting Split Ready Episode 1: Safety First – Protecting Yourself During a Divorce

Divorce can be an emotional time that can sometimes bring out the worst in people. Although we don’t like to talk about it, it is important to acknowledge the inherent possibilities of domestic violence that can arise during divorce and separation. Join us for our inaugural episode with a conversation...

Divorce can be an emotional time that can sometimes bring out the worst in people. Although we don’t like to talk about it, it is important to acknowledge the inherent possibilities of domestic violence that can arise during divorce and separation. Join us for our inaugural episode with a conversation...

Divorce can be an emotional time that can sometimes bring out the worst in people. Although we don’t like to talk about it, it is important to acknowledge the inherent possibilities of domestic violence that can arise during divorce and separation. Join us for our inaugural episode with a conversation...

Getting Split Ready Episode 3: Dog Fight – The Ins and Outs of Pet Custody

Statistics show that over 30% of the population own either a dog or cat. Many own more than one pet. That equates to 150,000,000 companion animals in the US in over 80,000,000 households. Sadly some of these households will face divorce, which creates the need to find solutions for the continued care...

Statistics show that over 30% of the population own either a dog or cat. Many own more than one pet. That equates to 150,000,000 companion animals in the US in over 80,000,000 households. Sadly some of these households will face divorce, which creates the need to find solutions for the continued care...

Statistics show that over 30% of the population own either a dog or cat. Many own more than one pet. That equates to 150,000,000 companion animals in the US in over 80,000,000 households. Sadly some of these households will face divorce, which creates the need to find solutions for the continued care...

Getting Split Ready Episode 5: Exit Strategy – Having a Plan for Divorce

The outcomes in a divorce are inexorably tied to having defined goals and objectives, as well as a good understanding of the resources available. This means having a plan. Join us for a call interview with the Co-Founders of SplitReady for a discussion on the importance of making a divorce plan and the...

The outcomes in a divorce are inexorably tied to having defined goals and objectives, as well as a good understanding of the resources available. This means having a plan. Join us for a call interview with the Co-Founders of SplitReady for a discussion on the importance of making a divorce plan and the...

The outcomes in a divorce are inexorably tied to having defined goals and objectives, as well as a good understanding of the resources available. This means having a plan. Join us for a call interview with the Co-Founders of SplitReady for a discussion on the importance of making a divorce plan and the...

Getting Split Ready Episode 6: Moving On By Letting Go – Organizing You Post-Divorce Life

Americans undoubtedly have a lot of stuff. Some interesting statistics below shed light on just how much. Here are 21 surprising statistics about our clutter that help us understand how big of a problem our accumulation has actually become. There are 300,000 items in the average American home (LA Times)....

Americans undoubtedly have a lot of stuff. Some interesting statistics below shed light on just how much. Here are 21 surprising statistics about our clutter that help us understand how big of a problem our accumulation has actually become. There are 300,000 items in the average American home (LA Times)....

Americans undoubtedly have a lot of stuff. Some interesting statistics below shed light on just how much. Here are 21 surprising statistics about our clutter that help us understand how big of a problem our accumulation has actually become. There are 300,000 items in the average American home (LA Times)....

Getting Split Ready Episode 16.1: Agreeing in Case You Disagree – The Benefit of Pre and Postnuptial Agreements

Sometimes the way to eliminate animosity in a marriage and during a divorce is anticipating where the friction can occur and coming to agreement prior on any issues. Additionally, there can be benefit when problems arise in putting an agreement together to assist in managing these differences. Join us...

Sometimes the way to eliminate animosity in a marriage and during a divorce is anticipating where the friction can occur and coming to agreement prior on any issues. Additionally, there can be benefit when problems arise in putting an agreement together to assist in managing these differences. Join us...

Sometimes the way to eliminate animosity in a marriage and during a divorce is anticipating where the friction can occur and coming to agreement prior on any issues. Additionally, there can be benefit when problems arise in putting an agreement together to assist in managing these differences. Join us...

Getting SplitReady Episode 16.5: SplitReady Questions and Answers

Listen in to get answers to the divorce questions posed by our listeners, including: What is the best way to integrate a step-parent into a parenting agreement? How is renegotiation of a marriage settlement agreement impacted when it is across state lines? Does it matter who files first? How often should...

Listen in to get answers to the divorce questions posed by our listeners, including: What is the best way to integrate a step-parent into a parenting agreement? How is renegotiation of a marriage settlement agreement impacted when it is across state lines? Does it matter who files first? How often should...

Listen in to get answers to the divorce questions posed by our listeners, including: What is the best way to integrate a step-parent into a parenting agreement? How is renegotiation of a marriage settlement agreement impacted when it is across state lines? Does it matter who files first? How often should...

Getting SplitReady Episode 17.5: SplitReady Listener Mail – Your Questions Answered

Join us for an engaging discussion with our panelists while we answer questions submitted to us by our listeners. Questions include: What is nesting, and is it right for you? When can I refinance my home and can I do it before I am divorced? Can I use a QDROs for your refinance? Should I … Getting...

Join us for an engaging discussion with our panelists while we answer questions submitted to us by our listeners. Questions include: What is nesting, and is it right for you? When can I refinance my home and can I do it before I am divorced? Can I use a QDROs for your refinance? Should I … Getting...

Join us for an engaging discussion with our panelists while we answer questions submitted to us by our listeners. Questions include: What is nesting, and is it right for you? When can I refinance my home and can I do it before I am divorced? Can I use a QDROs for your refinance? Should I … Getting...

Getting SplitReady Episode 18.4: Sometimes Not Sharing Is Caring – Managing Your Social Media During Divorce

Social media – it’s everywhere. Facebook and Instagram in our personal lives. LinkedIn for our professional lives. Even our President and other politicians have moved to Twitter to communicate with constituents and wage war with one another. Our digital footprint has become as influential as our...

Social media – it’s everywhere. Facebook and Instagram in our personal lives. LinkedIn for our professional lives. Even our President and other politicians have moved to Twitter to communicate with constituents and wage war with one another. Our digital footprint has become as influential as our...

Social media – it’s everywhere. Facebook and Instagram in our personal lives. LinkedIn for our professional lives. Even our President and other politicians have moved to Twitter to communicate with constituents and wage war with one another. Our digital footprint has become as influential as our...

Getting SplitReady Episode 19.2: Dictating Divorce – Legislating the Rules for Ending a Marriage

With a divorce rate still in the double digits, the cost of divorce is not only considerable to the couple, but also to the affected municipalities and local governments. As a result, some lawmakers are floating changes to the process that would introduce rules and waiting periods, in an attempt to positively...

With a divorce rate still in the double digits, the cost of divorce is not only considerable to the couple, but also to the affected municipalities and local governments. As a result, some lawmakers are floating changes to the process that would introduce rules and waiting periods, in an attempt to positively...

With a divorce rate still in the double digits, the cost of divorce is not only considerable to the couple, but also to the affected municipalities and local governments. As a result, some lawmakers are floating changes to the process that would introduce rules and waiting periods, in an attempt to positively...

Getting SplitReady Episode 19.5: The Downward Trend in Divorce

Do you know the percentage of marriages that end in divorce? Most people, including some professionals, would answer 50% of marriages. But that’s not exactly accurate. The truth of the matter is the number of divorces have been below 50% for some time and continues to drop. What does this mean...

Do you know the percentage of marriages that end in divorce? Most people, including some professionals, would answer 50% of marriages. But that’s not exactly accurate. The truth of the matter is the number of divorces have been below 50% for some time and continues to drop. What does this mean...

Do you know the percentage of marriages that end in divorce? Most people, including some professionals, would answer 50% of marriages. But that’s not exactly accurate. The truth of the matter is the number of divorces have been below 50% for some time and continues to drop. What does this mean...

Getting Split Ready 20.3: A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place – Organizing Your Divorce

Everyone talks about the emotion and stress of divorce, but what about the logistical and administrative challenges? Even in a fairly straightforward divorce, an extensive amount of paperwork and documents are created. Organizing this mountain of paperwork is essential to be prepared, not only in the...

Everyone talks about the emotion and stress of divorce, but what about the logistical and administrative challenges? Even in a fairly straightforward divorce, an extensive amount of paperwork and documents are created. Organizing this mountain of paperwork is essential to be prepared, not only in the...

Everyone talks about the emotion and stress of divorce, but what about the logistical and administrative challenges? Even in a fairly straightforward divorce, an extensive amount of paperwork and documents are created. Organizing this mountain of paperwork is essential to be prepared, not only in the...

Getting SplitReady Episode 20.4: Talking About My Generation – Age and Differences in Divorce

A generation is defined by the times that they live and the age of its population. These differences of time and age strongly impact the needs and behavior of those generations from baby boomers to generation “Z”. Divorce is no different, and each generation has their own trends and considerations....

A generation is defined by the times that they live and the age of its population. These differences of time and age strongly impact the needs and behavior of those generations from baby boomers to generation “Z”. Divorce is no different, and each generation has their own trends and considerations....

A generation is defined by the times that they live and the age of its population. These differences of time and age strongly impact the needs and behavior of those generations from baby boomers to generation “Z”. Divorce is no different, and each generation has their own trends and considerations....

Getting SplitReady 20.5: Splitting in The Autumn Years – An Introduction to Gray Divorce

When people over the age of 50 get divorced, it’s often referred to as a “gray divorce.” Over the past 20 years, the general divorce rate has declined, but gray divorce has doubled. Divorce for this age group can have some unique challenges. Join us for an engaging discussion with Cameron...

When people over the age of 50 get divorced, it’s often referred to as a “gray divorce.” Over the past 20 years, the general divorce rate has declined, but gray divorce has doubled. Divorce for this age group can have some unique challenges. Join us for an engaging discussion with Cameron...

When people over the age of 50 get divorced, it’s often referred to as a “gray divorce.” Over the past 20 years, the general divorce rate has declined, but gray divorce has doubled. Divorce for this age group can have some unique challenges. Join us for an engaging discussion with Cameron...

Getting Split Ready 21.1 – Civility During Divorce

When a marriage is ending, the common view is that the couple strongly dislikes each other. Sometimes divorce seems like two people put the gloves on and duke it out in a bare-knuckled fight. But that doesn’t need to be the case in your divorce. In fact, injecting civility into the process can...

When a marriage is ending, the common view is that the couple strongly dislikes each other. Sometimes divorce seems like two people put the gloves on and duke it out in a bare-knuckled fight. But that doesn’t need to be the case in your divorce. In fact, injecting civility into the process can...

When a marriage is ending, the common view is that the couple strongly dislikes each other. Sometimes divorce seems like two people put the gloves on and duke it out in a bare-knuckled fight. But that doesn’t need to be the case in your divorce. In fact, injecting civility into the process can...

Getting SplitReady Episode 21.2: Is Divorce Contagious?

We all know yawns are contagious. Whether or not you’re tired, if someone yawns, you yawn. But does the effect go further, say into divorce? Researchers have found that people with divorced siblings are 22% more likely to divorce. When divorce is at a higher rate in a community or geographical...

We all know yawns are contagious. Whether or not you’re tired, if someone yawns, you yawn. But does the effect go further, say into divorce? Researchers have found that people with divorced siblings are 22% more likely to divorce. When divorce is at a higher rate in a community or geographical...

We all know yawns are contagious. Whether or not you’re tired, if someone yawns, you yawn. But does the effect go further, say into divorce? Researchers have found that people with divorced siblings are 22% more likely to divorce. When divorce is at a higher rate in a community or geographical...

Getting SplitReady Episode 21.4: Politics, Partisanship and Marriage

There is no doubt that we are in a time of extreme partisanship. People and politicians nowadays have such strong beliefs or opinions that they are reluctant to compromise on anything. These beliefs transcend to social media and even in person interactions, where people start tirades about whose political...

There is no doubt that we are in a time of extreme partisanship. People and politicians nowadays have such strong beliefs or opinions that they are reluctant to compromise on anything. These beliefs transcend to social media and even in person interactions, where people start tirades about whose political...

There is no doubt that we are in a time of extreme partisanship. People and politicians nowadays have such strong beliefs or opinions that they are reluctant to compromise on anything. These beliefs transcend to social media and even in person interactions, where people start tirades about whose political...

Getting Split Ready 22.2 – Divorce and Hollywood – True to Life or Dramatic Hype?

Cue the drama. In Hollywood, drama sells tickets and gets butts in seats, but is Hollywood’s overly dramatic depiction of divorce accurate? And, more importantly, do Hollywood’s dramatic divorces create preconceived notions that harm the real people who are going through divorce? Join us...

Cue the drama. In Hollywood, drama sells tickets and gets butts in seats, but is Hollywood’s overly dramatic depiction of divorce accurate? And, more importantly, do Hollywood’s dramatic divorces create preconceived notions that harm the real people who are going through divorce? Join us...

Cue the drama. In Hollywood, drama sells tickets and gets butts in seats, but is Hollywood’s overly dramatic depiction of divorce accurate? And, more importantly, do Hollywood’s dramatic divorces create preconceived notions that harm the real people who are going through divorce? Join us...

Getting SplitReady Episode 22.4: Divorce vs. Separation – The Legal and Practical Differences

Divorce seems to be the most frequent choice of splitting up for married couples, but that’s just one way to break up. Other options, such as separation, are available for spouses to split from each other. What, though, is the difference between separation and divorce? Does legal separation mean...

Divorce seems to be the most frequent choice of splitting up for married couples, but that’s just one way to break up. Other options, such as separation, are available for spouses to split from each other. What, though, is the difference between separation and divorce? Does legal separation mean...

Divorce seems to be the most frequent choice of splitting up for married couples, but that’s just one way to break up. Other options, such as separation, are available for spouses to split from each other. What, though, is the difference between separation and divorce? Does legal separation mean...

Getting SplitReady Episode 23.2: For Your Divorce – Go With a Pro

What is a SplitReady Divorce Pro? They are your best resource for support, information and guidance. But don’t just take our word for it, hear from our experts about the benefits of using a SplitReady Divorce Pro for your divorce. Join us for an engaging discussion with Joshua Berngard from Buzzer...

What is a SplitReady Divorce Pro? They are your best resource for support, information and guidance. But don’t just take our word for it, hear from our experts about the benefits of using a SplitReady Divorce Pro for your divorce. Join us for an engaging discussion with Joshua Berngard from Buzzer...

What is a SplitReady Divorce Pro? They are your best resource for support, information and guidance. But don’t just take our word for it, hear from our experts about the benefits of using a SplitReady Divorce Pro for your divorce. Join us for an engaging discussion with Joshua Berngard from Buzzer...

Getting SplitReady Episode 25.4: Distance Divorce – The Rise of Virtual Tech for Unwinding a Marriage

We do so many things virtually today – why not divorce? After all, if you can get a medical opinion through a computer, a marriage can be dissolved online. What may the future hold for technology and divorce? Join us for an engaging discussion on divorce and technology with Amy Schillinger from Balance...

We do so many things virtually today – why not divorce? After all, if you can get a medical opinion through a computer, a marriage can be dissolved online. What may the future hold for technology and divorce? Join us for an engaging discussion on divorce and technology with Amy Schillinger from Balance...

We do so many things virtually today – why not divorce? After all, if you can get a medical opinion through a computer, a marriage can be dissolved online. What may the future hold for technology and divorce? Join us for an engaging discussion on divorce and technology with Amy Schillinger from Balance...

previous arrow
next arrow

Divorce Basics Blogs

Get tips and education from our divorce experts as you start to learn about the paths you can take through your divorce.

How To Prepare for Divorce When You Know It’s Coming

  I am a prepper.  I learned to admit this several years ago and even had a business that provided disaster preparedness information, training and products.  Before your mind fills with images of me locked in a steel bunker surrounded by canned food and ammunition, let me clarify that I was not...

  I am a prepper.  I learned to admit this several years ago and even had a business that provided disaster preparedness information, training and products.  Before your mind fills with images of me locked in a steel bunker surrounded by canned food and ammunition, let me clarify that I was not...

  I am a prepper.  I learned to admit this several years ago and even had a business that provided disaster preparedness information, training and products.  Before your mind fills with images of me locked in a steel bunker surrounded by canned food and ammunition, let me clarify that I was not...

by Douglas Katz
What You Need to Know To Pick the Best Divorce Technology

Divorce is a complex process.  Technology can be a huge help when trying to keep everything straight. On the other hand, technology can also end up costing you precious time and money if you make the wrong choices.  It is easy to fall in love with what seems like the perfect specialized platform; but...

Divorce is a complex process.  Technology can be a huge help when trying to keep everything straight. On the other hand, technology can also end up costing you precious time and money if you make the wrong choices.  It is easy to fall in love with what seems like the perfect specialized platform; but...

Divorce is a complex process.  Technology can be a huge help when trying to keep everything straight. On the other hand, technology can also end up costing you precious time and money if you make the wrong choices.  It is easy to fall in love with what seems like the perfect specialized platform; but...

by Douglas Katz
Four Low-Cost Solutions for Your Divorce Document Vault

  There is no doubt that with divorce comes paper – lots of paper.  Documenting everything from income to expenses to assets are essential to navigating both high-conflict and amicable divorces.  Much of these documents are sensitive and filled with personal information.  This can create some...

  There is no doubt that with divorce comes paper – lots of paper.  Documenting everything from income to expenses to assets are essential to navigating both high-conflict and amicable divorces.  Much of these documents are sensitive and filled with personal information.  This can create some...

  There is no doubt that with divorce comes paper – lots of paper.  Documenting everything from income to expenses to assets are essential to navigating both high-conflict and amicable divorces.  Much of these documents are sensitive and filled with personal information.  This can create some...

by Douglas Katz
Are Divorce Professionals Wanting You to Get a Divorce?

When I tell people what I do and the market in which I work, the results are predictable.  I get the inevitable comments about the huge divorce rate and how easy that it must be to make a living in such a lucrative field.  Sometimes, however, I get an alarmingly visceral negative response.  I have …...

When I tell people what I do and the market in which I work, the results are predictable.  I get the inevitable comments about the huge divorce rate and how easy that it must be to make a living in such a lucrative field.  Sometimes, however, I get an alarmingly visceral negative response.  I have …...

When I tell people what I do and the market in which I work, the results are predictable.  I get the inevitable comments about the huge divorce rate and how easy that it must be to make a living in such a lucrative field.  Sometimes, however, I get an alarmingly visceral negative response.  I have …...

by Douglas Katz
SplitReady Answers – Creating a Divorce Safety Plan

I am in the middle of a divorce with an unpredictable spouse who I feel could become dangerous. How do I create a personal safety plan? – Toni from Lincoln First and foremost, what works for one person may not be a good solution for another individual. You need to figure out what works for …...

I am in the middle of a divorce with an unpredictable spouse who I feel could become dangerous. How do I create a personal safety plan? – Toni from Lincoln First and foremost, what works for one person may not be a good solution for another individual. You need to figure out what works for …...

I am in the middle of a divorce with an unpredictable spouse who I feel could become dangerous. How do I create a personal safety plan? – Toni from Lincoln First and foremost, what works for one person may not be a good solution for another individual. You need to figure out what works for …...

by Douglas Katz
Browsing Safety Tips for National Cyber Security Month

  October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month.  SplitReady is committed to helping people understand the importance of cyber security during separation or divorce. Do you have questions of divorce cyber security?  Check out our videos below on safe browsing.   BROWSING INCOGNITO  ...

  October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month.  SplitReady is committed to helping people understand the importance of cyber security during separation or divorce. Do you have questions of divorce cyber security?  Check out our videos below on safe browsing.   BROWSING INCOGNITO  ...

  October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month.  SplitReady is committed to helping people understand the importance of cyber security during separation or divorce. Do you have questions of divorce cyber security?  Check out our videos below on safe browsing.   BROWSING INCOGNITO  ...

by Douglas Katz
SplitReady Answers – How Can I Hide Divorce Planning?

How can I hide divorce planning and researching from my spouse? – Todd from Cleveland, OH Great question! To approach keeping divorce planning a secret from your spouse,  you need to consider both the physical and digital aspects of your life. Separate Physical Mail and Block GPS You need to eliminate...

How can I hide divorce planning and researching from my spouse? – Todd from Cleveland, OH Great question! To approach keeping divorce planning a secret from your spouse,  you need to consider both the physical and digital aspects of your life. Separate Physical Mail and Block GPS You need to eliminate...

How can I hide divorce planning and researching from my spouse? – Todd from Cleveland, OH Great question! To approach keeping divorce planning a secret from your spouse,  you need to consider both the physical and digital aspects of your life. Separate Physical Mail and Block GPS You need to eliminate...

by Douglas Katz
SplitReady Answers – When is Divorce the Right Answer?

How do I know if divorce is the right answer? – Rebecca from Des Moines, IA As infuriating as this answer probably is… you will know, without a shred of doubt, if divorce is the right answer. Every story is different and every person has their point of no return in a relationship. Therefore, no...

How do I know if divorce is the right answer? – Rebecca from Des Moines, IA As infuriating as this answer probably is… you will know, without a shred of doubt, if divorce is the right answer. Every story is different and every person has their point of no return in a relationship. Therefore, no...

How do I know if divorce is the right answer? – Rebecca from Des Moines, IA As infuriating as this answer probably is… you will know, without a shred of doubt, if divorce is the right answer. Every story is different and every person has their point of no return in a relationship. Therefore, no...

by Douglas Katz
SplitReady Answers – How Much Does Divorce Cost?

How much does divorce cost? – Anne from Cincinnati, OH That question is received with a common answer in divorce, it depends. We even joked about it on one of our podcast episodes. Because divorce is different for everyone, a divorce can literally cost anywhere from zero to several hundreds of...

How much does divorce cost? – Anne from Cincinnati, OH That question is received with a common answer in divorce, it depends. We even joked about it on one of our podcast episodes. Because divorce is different for everyone, a divorce can literally cost anywhere from zero to several hundreds of...

How much does divorce cost? – Anne from Cincinnati, OH That question is received with a common answer in divorce, it depends. We even joked about it on one of our podcast episodes. Because divorce is different for everyone, a divorce can literally cost anywhere from zero to several hundreds of...

by Douglas Katz
SplitReady Tip – Clearing Your Browser Cache and History for Safe Browsing in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge/Internet Explorer

When browsing the internet, we at SplitReady always recommend that you use incognito or other secret modes when you want to avoid anyone seeing information on your divorce search. Sometimes, however, you forget or cannot use that mode. Under those circumstances, you can clear your search history and...

When browsing the internet, we at SplitReady always recommend that you use incognito or other secret modes when you want to avoid anyone seeing information on your divorce search. Sometimes, however, you forget or cannot use that mode. Under those circumstances, you can clear your search history and...

When browsing the internet, we at SplitReady always recommend that you use incognito or other secret modes when you want to avoid anyone seeing information on your divorce search. Sometimes, however, you forget or cannot use that mode. Under those circumstances, you can clear your search history and...

by Douglas Katz
previous arrow
next arrow

Useful Documents

Access commonly used divorce forms and documents to help you file for divorce here. Feel free to browse and download below.

escape button

Be Safe.

To immediately exit the SplitReady site, click the Escape button located in the lower left corner of your browser.

Also, please ensure that you practice safe browser behavior by using incognito or private setting, clearing your cache, and closing your browser when complete.

Close