Legal

• Learn the basic landscape of divorce (terminology, process, timelines) without committing to anything.

• Research what divorce looks like in your state, just to inform yourself.

• Begin a questions list: “What do I need to know before deciding?”
  (Avoid hiring an attorney yet—right now, focus on learning, not acting.)

Financial

• Start gathering basic financial information: income, expenses, assets, and debts.

• Create a current budget snapshot of your household so you know where money is flowing.

• Identify what expenses are in your name vs. your spouse’s name.

Parental

• Observe your children’s emotional climate and jot down what routines or relationships are most stabilizing for them.

• Begin thinking about your parenting values: What’s most important to preserve if things change?

• Keep communication age-appropriate. Don’t involve kids in adult decisions at this stage.

Self

• Focus on emotional grounding: therapy, journaling, or guided coaching for clarity.

• Prioritize stress reduction practices (movement, mindfulness, healthy boundaries).

• Give yourself permission to stay curious without committing. Reflection is progress.