Divorce Checklist 2026: Everything You Need to File
Get a personalized checklist of everything you need to file for divorce. Select your situation below.
A divorce checklist includes identifying required forms, gathering financial documents, completing service of process, and filing with the court. Steps vary by state, whether you have children, and whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.
Preparation
- Confirm you meet your state's residency requirements
- Determine if your divorce will be contested or uncontested
Documents
- Gather identification documents (IDs, Social Security cards)
Financial
- Collect last 2-3 years of tax returns
- Gather pay stubs from the last 3-6 months
- Compile bank statements for all accounts
- List all retirement and investment accounts
- Document all real estate owned (mortgage statements, deeds)
- List all vehicles with titles and loan balances
- Compile all debt information (credit cards, loans)
- Document insurance policies (health, life, auto, home)
Forms
- Complete the Petition for Divorce
- Prepare the Summons
- Complete the Financial Disclosure form
Filing
- File forms with the court clerk and pay filing fee
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