Thinking About Divorce? 5 First Steps to Protect Yourself in Florida
- LaTerria Sherer
- Dec 6
- 2 min read
For many people, the most difficult part of divorce is the decision to move forward. If you’re in that place—uncertain, worried about the future, and unsure what to do next—you’re not alone. The choices you make early in the process, however, can have a lasting impact on your rights, your finances, and your children.
Here are five important first steps to take if you’re thinking about divorce in Florida.
1. Get Informed Before You Take Action
Divorce is both emotional and legal. Well-meaning friends and online sources often give conflicting advice, and every case is different.
Before moving out, changing bank accounts, or making big parenting decisions, it’s wise to understand:
How property is divided in Florida
How child support and alimony are determined
How time-sharing and parenting plans work
A consultation with a family law attorney can help you understand how the law applies to your specific situation so you’re not guessing.
2. Gather and Organize Financial Information
Property division and support depend heavily on accurate financial information. As early as possible, begin collecting:
Pay stubs and tax returns
Bank statements
Retirement and investment account statements
Mortgage, car loan, and credit card statements
Documents related to any business interests
Having this information ready can save time, reduce stress, and help your attorney protect your interests.
3. Think Through Your Priorities
Not every issue in a divorce can be “won,” and not every issue is equally important. It can help to ask:
What matters most: the house, parenting time, financial stability, or something else?
Where might you be willing to compromise?
What do you want life to look like one year from now?
Knowing your priorities gives you a clearer direction in negotiations and mediation.
4. Avoid Making Major Financial Changes Suddenly
Large withdrawals, new debts, or moving money around without context can raise questions later in the process. It’s important to be thoughtful and intentional with financial decisions while you are considering or preparing for divorce.
If you have concerns about financial safety or access to funds, speak with an attorney privately about your options.
5. Take Care of Your Emotional Wellbeing
Divorce is not just a legal process—it’s a major life transition. Counseling, support groups, and leaning on trusted friends or family can help you make decisions from a calmer, clearer place.
The more grounded you are emotionally, the easier it is to navigate the legal side.
Want a Plain-Language Overview of Divorce in Florida?
If you’re not ready to file but want to understand the process, our upcoming event may be a helpful next step:
Divorce Decoded: Protecting Your Rights & Assets
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: The Sherer Law Firm, Tampa, FL
We’ll walk through the Florida divorce process in clear, simple terms and answer common questions about property, support, and mediation.
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