DIY Divorce Resource Center – Start Here

This Resource Center is designed to help you stay organized, reduce overwhelm, and work through the divorce process step-by-step using educational tools and guided planning systems. If you're trying to navigate divorce on a limited budget, this is your starting point.

Begin by using the tools throughout this Resource Center — including the Parenting Plan Builder, Support & Budget Planner, Mediation Toolkit, Co-Parenting Wizard, Assets & Debts Organizer, and Binder Builder. These tools are meant to help you think through your situation calmly and prepare for mediation, self-representation, or more productive conversations moving forward.

Step 1 — Work Through the DIY Tools

  • Complete your Parenting Plan Builder.
  • Use the Support & Budget Planner.
  • Organize your finances with the Assets & Debts Organizer.
  • Build discussion topics in the Mediation Toolkit.
  • Optional: Use the Co-Parenting Wizard.

Your information is stored locally in your browser on this device. You can return and update your work anytime.

Step 2 — Build Your DIY Binder

  1. Scroll down to the Ready-to-Submit Binder Builder.
  2. Enter your case caption and preparation information.
  3. Select the sections you want included.
  4. Compile your preview packet.
  5. Print or Save as PDF for mediation or court preparation.

You can rebuild your binder as your agreements, finances, or parenting plans evolve.

Before You Begin (Helpful, Not Required)

  • Basic information about your marriage and children.
  • General income and monthly expense estimates.
  • A calm space where you can focus.
  • Optional: notes or questions you want to track.

You do not need everything perfect before starting. These tools are designed to help you think through your situation step-by-step.

Before You Use the Support & Budget Tool

This is a do-it-yourself planning tool. It is not legal advice and does not replace official California child support or spousal support calculators.

The goal is to help both of you understand:

  • Monthly household income.
  • Basic living costs across two households.
  • Children’s financial needs in both homes.
  • What range of support may realistically work.

Use this tool to support calm, informed discussions during mediation or preparation.

If you become overwhelmed, consider booking a low-cost coaching or mediation support session for educational guidance.

How to Understand These Calculator Results
These estimates are meant to help both of you understand the larger financial picture.

They help illustrate:

• Monthly take-home income • Estimated living costs in separate homes • Children’s financial needs in both households • Budget differences between households • Possible support ranges for discussion purposes

The purpose is not to determine who is right or wrong.

The goal is to support calmer conversations about:

• What is financially realistic • How both households can remain stable • How children’s needs can be supported • What fair agreements may look like before litigation escalates

These educational tools are designed to help you prepare for mediation and organization.

They are not legal advice and do not replace official court calculators.

If you get stuck, feel overwhelmed, or want help organizing your DIY materials, low-cost coaching and mediation support sessions are available. These sessions are educational and preparation-focused only and are designed to help you stay organized and move forward more calmly.