One of the keys to keeping your sanity in the midst of getting divorce planning is to get organized right from the start.

Successful divorce planning begins with being as clear as possible on your goals and determining what information you will need to move forward.

Once you’ve established your goals, be sure to develop, implement and use a system that will help stay organized throughout the divorce planning process.

Divorce planning will pay off in the long run if you follow these three simple steps:

1. Gather as many financial and legal documents as possible. A trained divorce financial professional, such as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), can help you determine what money-related documents you will need for the divorce. Planning ahead can prevent slow processing and headaches down the road.  And always make extra copies for yourself! It can be very costly to have to go back to your attorney or financial adviser and ask for copies of your own documents.

2. Store everything in a safe place. You might choose to entrust important documents to a friend or family member, or better yet, rent a safe deposit box.  A jump drive can be used for scanned documents, but be sure to update information on a regular basis.  Use an accordion file, filing cabinet, or a notebook with tabs.  You want to create a “history” of your financial life, in order by month.

3.  Use a calendar to keep track of appointments. You will likely have numerous meetings and hearings to fit into your already busy everyday life.  Make monthly, weekly, and daily to do lists.  Develop new routines and, most importantly, don’t neglect take care of yourself.  Remember, you can’t help yourself (or your children) if you are not at the top of your game while going through the divorce planning process.

Divorce planning can quickly become an overwhelming process, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Even when emotions run high, getting organized before getting divorced sets the groundwork for less frustration.  It also helps contribute to a more amicable situation overall and it ensures you’re prepared if things take a turn for the worst.  An organized approach allows you to protect yourself no matter which way the winds of your divorce blow.