When planning for divorce, several initial steps are crucial for establishing financial independence and security post-divorce. Firstly, both spouses should prioritize establishing individual financial accounts, including bank, brokerage, and other accounts in their names, to ensure autonomy and control over personal finances after the separation. Additionally, obtaining new credit cards and building individual credit ratings is essential, particularly if one spouse was not actively involved in financial management during the marriage, as it facilitates future financial independence and access to credit. Furthermore, reviewing and updating beneficiary designations for retirement plans, life insurance policies, and other assets is important to ensure that assets are distributed according to the individual's preferences post-divorce, thus avoiding unintended beneficiaries