According to a recent Forbes article, most women contemplating divorce will wait until after the holidays are through to make their beg decision. The reasons are highly individual, but in general, January is the month when most divorces are filed.

A big decision like divorce, says the article, needs to be preceded by proper planning. The concept of divorce planning may seem a tad bit heartless, but it is probably the most important thing to do when you are certain your marriage is ending. Here we'll look at some aspects of that planning.

One should make sure to collect all relevant financial documents, including year-end bank statements, credit card companies, as well as documents from bank and brokerage accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and so on. Make copies of these and store them safely or give them to a trusted friend. They will come in handy later.

Check your credit report while you gather these documents and request a copy. Be sure there are no errors or unusual activities.

Start looking for a team of professionals to assist you with your divorce. A divorce team, according to the author of the article, should consist of a family law attorney, a divorce financial planner and a therapist or counselor. Interview those you think may work well and select the ones you feel can best assist you.

Be sure to open new accounts in your name, and do not use any bank where you have any joint accounts. Open both a savings and a checking account in your own name, and apply for a credit card. These are necessary steps as federal regulations are making it more difficult for women with low or no income to establish credit.

The final point is to be on the lookout for any of your spouse's behavior which may financially harm you. If you are concerned about your husband's financial activity, consider filing separate tax returns.

These are some of the most important steps you can take in planning for your divorce. Much more could be said, but these preparations will lay good groundwork for ensuring your financial well-being in the future.

Source: Forbes, "End-of-the-Year Checklist for Divorcing Women," Jeff Landers, November 6, 2011.