So you’ve decided to end the relationship. I’ll bet that there are hundreds of thoughts going through your head, and it’s far too easy to miss a key detail of what to do next. This post will hopefully give you some reassurance that you aren’t missing a key step, and keep you focused on making sure that you have taken the steps to manage your life as a separated spouse.

1. Run a Credit Report

Most Canadian banks will let you run a credit report for free as part of their included services. This will give you a glimpse into how an outsider will view your financial history, as well as giving you insight into how to improve your score. If your bank does not provide this, you can request it from either of Canada’s 2 main credit reporting agencies:

• TransUnion – Get your free report here
• Equifax – Get your free report here

2. Develop a Budget

This is a key aspect of living as a separated person. You need to figure out what your monthly expenses are, including expenses that you don’t usually think of (retirement savings, rainy day funds, vacations, personal care). Once you determine if your income will meet your needs, then you can start looking at “wants” to see what you can afford. If your income doesn’t meet your needs, then you will need to look at either reducing expenses, or finding ways to generate more income.

3. Store Your Information Safely

This refers to both your paper documents, as well as your electronic profile. It is recommended to create a new email address for any activity related to the separation (conversations with friends/family, mediators, lawyers etc.) just in case your soon-to-be-ex (STBX) either intentionally or accidentally comes across your email. Here is a trick to automatically log out of Gmail accounts after you close the browser, and you can also enable 2 part authentication every time you log in.

If possible, scan important documents via email to your new address, which gives you an electronic backup in case the originals are compromised.

3b. Keep the Important Documents Safe

Here are some of the documents that you want to ensure that you bring with, or at least have a copy:

Marriage Certificate	Prenuptual Agreements	Birth Certificates	Social Insurance Cards
Passports	Deed to House	Mortgage Statement	Condo Paperwork
Bank Accounts	Credit Card Statement(s)	Investment Accounts	Life Insurance Details
Home/Auto Insurance Policies	Income Tax Returns	Wills / Trust Agreements	Employment Contracts
Pension Statements	Health Records	Asset appraisals	Gifts / Loans received

4. Address All Dental / Paramedical Needs

If you have insurance coverage through your spouse’s work, take care of any outstanding needs that you have. Not only does it avoid an unnecessary confrontation immediately after the split, but it also ensures that you do not have to cover any residual portion of the amount owing from your own money.

5. Take an Inventory of Household Items

Look through the house, and start cataloguing the items that you have accumulated over the years. Separate it into “must have”, “nice to have”, and “don’t care”. Think about furnishing your new place – any item that you can take with you is one less thing you have to purchase with limited funds.

6. Remove Any Irreplacable Items

The last thing that you want is for your STBX to react to the news and exact a form of vengance by destroying a keepsake that was special to you. Move them into a safe place, preferrably with a friend or family. While the chance of this happening is low, the damage to you will be immense, at a time when you are emotionally vulnerable.

7. Research Professionals that Can Help Your Transition

You are going to need help from professionals to draft a separation agreement, prepare financial plans, and provide emotional support. It is very helpful to have this in place before annoucing your plans to your STBX. At Divorce Financial Solutions, I can help you understand your financial position, determine what settlement you can aim for, and plan for a future as a separated individual.