Why a Password Keeper Might Save Your Sanity During Divorce with Professional Organizer Leslie Kilgour
Divorce comes with emotional weight—but also with a mountain of paperwork. In this episode of Divorce Happens, host Olivia Howell is joined by professional organizer Leslie Kilgour from Get It Straight to break down how you can stay sane and on top of your life during divorce by staying organized. From legal documents to shared passwords to medical receipts, Leslie shares practical tips for managing it all.
Whether you're splitting bills, co-parenting, or setting up new accounts, Leslie explains how to get a grip on the paperwork chaos. She offers a roadmap for managing one month at a time, using password keeper apps, and simplifying physical mail and digital storage. Her wisdom doesn’t just apply to divorce—it’s useful in all major life transitions. Organization, Leslie says, isn’t about perfection—it’s about removing friction during an already stressful time.
Plus, Leslie reminds listeners of the importance of empathy. If it’s safe and possible, remember that you once loved your partner. Communication and organization together can ease tension, save you thousands in legal fees, and create a path toward healing. If the paperwork is too much to tackle alone, hiring an organizer—even virtually—can be a game changer.
Divorce Happens – Organizing Paperwork During Divorce with Leslie from Get It Straight
Olivia Howell (01:49): Hello, hello, hello—welcome back to Divorce Happens, the podcast where we support you before, during, and after divorce with education, inspiration, and a little bit of laughter. Because, as you know, divorce happens... and then we start fresh.
Today, we’re joined by one of our Fresh Starts experts to talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention—but is absolutely foundational during divorce: paperwork and how to organize it. We’re here with professional organizer Leslie. Leslie, can you introduce yourself?
Leslie (02:30): Hi! I’m Leslie, a professional organizer and founder of Get It Straight. I’ve been organizing professionally for over 20 years—back when people used to ask, “What’s that?” I help with everything from closets to basements, but paperwork is one of the most overwhelming areas for most people. I work with individuals navigating divorce, organizing documents for court, college applications, taxes, and more. It’s hard and overwhelming—but with a system and today’s technology, it’s totally doable.
Olivia Howell (03:18): You helped me through my divorce paperwork, so I know firsthand how good you are at it. When going through a divorce, there are so many elements—mortgage documents, legal forms, letters, kids’ paperwork. How do you help people separate and organize all that without it ending up in a pile of tears on the kitchen table?
Leslie (03:43): Start with a single month. Look at all the bills and recurring expenses for one month and write it down—whether you’re a spreadsheet person or you prefer pen and paper. Don't overwhelm yourself by thinking about the entire year. Look at your mortgage, insurance, cable bill—things people forget. Especially during separation, you need to know your overall monthly costs to determine who’s paying for what. Add in things like childcare, aftercare, etc. Once you have the month mapped out, you can expand from there and figure out who covers what and how it all breaks down.
Olivia Howell (05:45): That makes so much sense. I remember having to walk around the house and inventory things like kids’ medicine and clothes. And logging into accounts to make sure I had access was a huge part too.
Leslie (06:06): Yes! Usernames and passwords are essential. I recommend using a password keeper app—something that works on your phone and computer. Some allow shared access, which is great for mutual bills like cable, internet, or phones. If the divorce is amicable, it’s a helpful way to ensure transparency. If not, that’s different, but ideally mediation allows for cooperation.
Olivia Howell (06:47): And if someone refuses to share that info, the lawyer can request it through the court. Stay calm—it’ll come out eventually.
Leslie (08:13): Exactly. Every call to your lawyer costs money. In New York, that could be $500-$700 an hour! Don’t waste that asking for a password to your utility account.
Olivia Howell (08:34): Let’s talk about the physical paperwork that comes in—legal papers, mortgage docs, random letters. How do you manage that?
Leslie (08:54): First step: open your mail! Mail clutter is mostly envelopes and fine print. Just find the one important page. Keep a recycling bin and shredder nearby. Let the kids shred for fun—just not the toddlers!
Have a few simple folders: Active, Inactive, and Yearly. At year’s end, go through and keep only what’s essential. If you run a business, buy a cute box and toss all your receipts in there—sort it later for taxes. Use the technology we have! Your phone can scan documents into labeled folders. Just back it up.
Olivia Howell (12:31): That’s so good. I do that too—I have a bin in my closet and dump all the important stuff in there, then sort it at tax time.
Leslie (14:00): That’s perfect! Get a small file tote or carryall with legal-sized folders for when you go to your lawyer’s office. Keep things cheerful—use colorful folders, fun paper clips. Organization doesn’t have to be bleak.
Olivia Howell (16:46): Yes! I love that your folders have cherries. It’s a hard time, but we can bring some lightness to it.
Leslie (16:49): Exactly. And if you’re overwhelmed, use auto-pay for at least minimum payments. You’re distracted—don’t risk missing bills and hurting your credit.
Olivia Howell (17:53): Yes. What I love about all these tips is they reduce friction and stress. From password access to scanning and shredding—it’s all about simplifying the chaos.
Leslie (18:20): Yes. The password keeper I use even integrates into your keyboard for autofill. It makes logging in a breeze, as long as your info is up to date. Shared access removes control issues and lawyer conflict.
Olivia Howell (19:32): Yes—do a one-day reset and update all the logins together. It’ll save so much drama.
Leslie (20:17): Two-factor authentication can work for both people—one via email, one via phone. You can even create a shared email like SueAndBobDivorce@gmail.com for mutual access.
Olivia Howell (20:55): And if you’re drowning in paperwork, hire a professional like Leslie—even virtually! Okay Leslie, what words of encouragement would you leave with someone going through divorce?
Leslie (21:26): Try to empathize. You once loved this person. If it’s not a dangerous situation, remember that people change—sexuality, values, goals. You’ve both grown. And especially if you share children, aim for peace and co-parenting.
Talk somewhere neutral. Don’t argue at home. Have a real conversation. Money is often the biggest stressor. Divorce splits everything—bills, homes, lives. But if you support each other and reduce friction, you might come out better people on the other side.
Olivia Howell (23:28): Beautifully said. These tips apply to so many life transitions—moving, career changes, and more. Thank you, Leslie, for sharing your wisdom and heart today.
Leslie (23:48): Thanks for having me!