Gather‑Your‑Docs (One Weekend Guide)

One focused weekend to lock down every file your future self (and lawyer) will thank you for 🫶

Purpose: Move from “I might divorce” to “I’m prepared” by assembling, scanning, and securely storing all must‑have documents, before stress, missing mail, or an uncooperative spouse make it harder.

Time Commitment • Plan on 4–7 focused hours spread over one weekend.

What You’ll Need • Clear a table, install a free scanner app on your phone (Adobe Scan, Microsoft Lens, or Genius Scan), create a fresh cloud folder called “Divorce Prep,” keep sticky notes handy for quick labels, and gather the last two months of mail.

Friendly Ground Rules

  1. Agenda-Free Zone—Before, During, After
    Whether you’re weighing the idea of divorce, deep in the paperwork, or rebuilding life on the other side, we’re here to support your chosen path. No judgment, no hidden agenda.

  2. Educational, Not Advice
    Everything you’ll read is for general education. It is not legal, financial, mental-health, or medical advice. Laws and circumstances differ by state, county, and family—always verify details with qualified professionals who know your facts.

  3. Safety & Well-Being First
    If you feel unsafe, overwhelmed, or in crisis, please pause and reach out:
    • National DV Hotline (US) 1-800-799-7233
    • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US) 988
    • 911 (or local emergency) for immediate danger

  4. Every Journey Is Unique
    Divorce and healing are deeply personal. While we strive for accuracy and empathy, not every tip fits every situation. Keep what helps, adapt what might, and leave the rest.

  5. Quick Calm Cue
    Feeling anxious as you read? Try the 5-5-5 Grounding Breath—inhale for 5 seconds, hold for 5, exhale for 5. Repeat three times, then continue when you’re ready.

Why Do This Now?

  • Leverage — Complete docs shorten attorney onboarding and can save 1–3 billable hours.

  • Security — You keep a copy before paperwork “disappears” or logins change.

  • Clarity — Seeing the full money picture calms catastrophic what‑ifs.

Mini‑Win ➜ A neatly labeled cloud folder instantly makes you feel more in control.

The 48‑Hour Round‑Up Plan

Block One (about 2 hours)

  • Download or scan the last three years of tax returns.

  • Pull current statements for checking, savings, credit cards, loans, retirement, HSA, brokerage, and crypto.

Block Two (about 2 hours)

  • Save three recent pay stubs, W‑2/1099 forms, and a Social Security estimate.

  • Download declarations pages for life, health, auto, and home insurance.

Block Three (about 2 hours)

  • Gather property records: mortgage or lease documents, deeds, vehicle titles, and a fresh Zillow or Redfin screenshot of home value.

  • Photograph jewelry, art, or other valuables (include serial numbers, VINs, mileage).

Sunday Afternoon (about 1 hour)

  • Scan family and legal records: passports, driver’s licenses, kids’ birth certificates, marriage certificate, prenup/postnup, wills, healthcare proxies, any prior court orders.

  • Rename every file clearly—example: 2025‑03‑31 Chase_Checking.pdf and upload to your “Divorce Prep” folder.

  • Enable two‑factor authentication and share a view‑only link with a trusted backup (second email, coach, or attorney).

Rule of Thumb: If a document costs more than twenty dollars or twenty minutes to replace, scan it.

Smart File‑Naming & Folder Map (Text Version)

Recommended top‑level folders:

  • Divorce Prep / Financial

  • Divorce Prep / Property

  • Divorce Prep / Insurance

  • Divorce Prep / Legal

  • Divorce Prep / IDs & Kids

Inside each folder, name files with the date (YYYY‑MM‑DD) followed by a short descriptor—e.g., 2024‑12‑31 TaxReturn.pdf or 2018‑06‑12 Prenup.pdf. Consistent names make retrieval lightning‑fast during discovery.

Safety & Privacy Best Practices

  • Store one encrypted cloud copy and a backup on a password‑protected USB locked in a fire‑safe box.

  • Share documents only by view‑only cloud links—never as mass email attachments.

  • Log out and clear browser history if you share a computer.

  • Turn on two‑factor authentication for email, banking, and cloud storage.

  • If your spouse monitors devices, create a new email and title the folder something neutral like “2025 Taxes Project.”

Optional (But Nice‑to‑Have) Extras

  • Loyalty‑ or credit‑card points snapshots (they’re marital assets in many states).

  • Photos of home condition to avoid later disputes about damage.

  • School, medical, or therapy records for children—handy when designing parenting plans.

Check and Review 24‑Hours Later

☑ All key documents scanned and readable
☑ Files correctly named and sorted into folders
☑ Backup copy stored off‑site or on encrypted USB
☑ View‑only link emailed to trusted backup address
☑ Quick victory celebration—tea, walk, or favorite playlist

Final Word

One weekend of scanning turns tomorrow’s “I don’t know where that is” into “Already uploaded, here’s the link.” Preparation isn’t pessimism, it’s self‑protection. You’ve just banked hours of calm for future‑you.

Scan smart · File safe · Forward is forward

— The navigateDivo Team

Need to talk things through with an experienced divorce coach?