Step 01
Know your numbers
- List every account, debt, and asset in both names.
- Pull your own credit report — free, once a year, from each bureau.
- Photograph or scan tax returns, payslips, mortgage and insurance documents.
The Exit Plan
Preparedness is not betrayal.
You don't have to be leaving to want options. This is a calm, practical checklist for knowing where you stand — financially, legally and personally.
Six quiet moves
Step 02
Build a private cushion
- Open an account in your name only, at a bank you don't share.
- Set a realistic monthly amount — consistency matters more than size.
- Redirect statements to a private email address.
Step 03
Secure your documents
- Passport, birth certificates, marriage certificate, immigration papers.
- Store copies with someone you trust, or in encrypted cloud storage.
- Keep a written record of dates, incidents, and agreements.
Step 04
Protect your digital life
- Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
- Check for shared logins, location sharing, and family plans.
- Use a private browser window for any planning research.
Step 05
Get professional eyes on it
- A one-hour consultation with a family lawyer is information, not commitment.
- Speak to an independent financial adviser about your own future.
- Find a therapist who is yours and yours alone.
Step 06
Plan for safety
- If you feel unsafe, contact a domestic-abuse service before making changes at home.
- Agree a code word with a trusted friend.
- Keep a small bag, spare keys, and cash somewhere accessible.
This is general editorial information, not legal or financial advice. Laws and entitlements vary by country — speak to a qualified professional about your own situation. If you are unsafe at home, contact a domestic-abuse service before making any changes.