The Divorce Process, Step by Step
Divorce touches every part of your life at once. This guide walks you through every stage, from first questions to rebuilding, so you can see where you are, what's ahead, and who can help.
Thinking About Divorce
“I'm not sure what I want yet…”
You're questioning whether divorce is the right choice and searching for answers before making this life-changing decision. You may feel torn between staying and leaving, or you may know what you want but feel afraid of the impact that decision could have on your family, finances, and future. At this stage, gathering information and exploring your options can help you gain clarity, reduce uncertainty, and move forward with greater confidence.
Your Priorities Right Now
- Gain clarity about whether divorce is the right decision
- Understand the financial impact
- Learn how divorce may affect your children
- Get answers to your legal questions if necessary
- Build a support system
Recommended First Steps
- 1
Meet with a therapist or divorce coach to gain clarity and support.
- 2
Consult with a financial professional to understand the financial impact of divorce.
- 3
Schedule a short consultation with a family law attorney if legal questions are influencing your decision.
If the attorney encourages you to start working together and asks for you to pay a retainer (can be between $2,000 to $10,000). At this stage, in most cases, you do not need to retain an attorney.
A therapist is trained and licensed to treat emotional and psychological issues related to divorce, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, or high-conflict stress. They require individual state licenses (psychologist/LMFT/LCSW/LPC, depending on the state) and can diagnose mental health symptoms and conditions. A coach has typically completed training through a coaching organization or divorce-specific certification program. Some offer years of experience over certifications. Coaches focus on practical actions, structure and forward-moving planning and support some with specific areas of expertise. Think of counselors for non-clinical, goal focused support. A coach is not a mental health provider. They do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
Therapy/Counseling
Short-term, structured counseling specifically for couples where one partner wants to save the relationship and the other is considering leaving.
A mindful approach to divorce or relationship separation that avoids the anger, blame and conflict typically associated with traditional breakups and prioritizes children.
Resources & Guides
Need help at any stage?
Divorce Network Pro connects you with vetted attorneys, mediators, therapists, financial analysts, and other professionals — wherever you are in the process.
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