Asset Division & Starter Checklist

Divorce is complex, but preparation is key. Use this interactive checklist to ensure you have gathered all necessary information and taken the critical first steps. You can print this list to bring to your consultation with an attorney in Rapid City.

1. Financial Documentation

Copies of state and federal tax returns for the last 3-5 years.

Pay stubs for the last 6 months for both you and your spouse (if available).

Bank statements for all joint and individual accounts (checking, savings, CDs) for the last year.

Current statements for all retirement accounts (401k, IRA, pensions).

Current mortgage statement and recent appraisal of the marital home (if applicable).

List of all debts: credit cards, student loans, car loans, and medical bills.

2. Personal & Legal Preparation

Confirm Residency: Ensure you are a resident of South Dakota at the time of filing. (No specific duration required, but must be bona fide resident).

Understand the Timeline: Be aware of the mandatory 60-day cooling-off period in South Dakota before a divorce can be finalized.

Create an inventory of valuable personal property (jewelry, art, vehicles, firearms).

Review social media privacy settings. Avoid posting about the divorce or your spouse.

Consider opening a P.O. Box or securing a private email address for legal correspondence.

3. Children & Custody (If Applicable)

Draft a proposed visitation/custody schedule that works for you.

List current expenses for the children (school tuition, daycare, extracurricular activities, medical needs).

Research court-approved parenting classes required by South Dakota law. (View Directory)

Keep a log of visitation exchanges and communication with the other parent.

Upgrade to the Full Kit

The free checklist covers the basics. The Full My Divorce Kit includes:

✅ Comprehensive Asset Spreadsheet (Excel/Google Sheets)
✅ Custody Calendar Templates
✅ Discovery Request Generators
✅ Alimony Negotiation Scripts

Starter Full Kit 99 Done-For-You

Support the Research

Direct funding ensures continued fidelity. Support the My Divorce Kit Research Initiative.