Adding text to shape then how do I split the shape in two, tried using paths

[Katherine5E75]

So I created a somewhat complicated shape using paths and after lots of tweaking. I added my text. And now I realize i would like the shape split in two where half the text is on one side and half is on the other.

I already manually separated the text so copy past into a shape but... I can seem to get my shape to split in two. Even if I delete all the text.

i.e simple version, made rectangle, filled rectangle with text , delete text, drew line bisecting rectangle, selected with filled in arrow the path of the rectangle and the line path, clicked divide under path finder and get error "The filter produced no results. Please select two or more filled and overlapping paths." Not sure what to do

[Monika Gause]

Please show screenshots and/or a sketch.

[Katherine5E75]

The rectangle was filled with text that i deleted

[Mike_Gondek · Accepted solution]

I believe you are trying to use pathfinder >> Divide on an area text container. You need to outline the type . First.

Or maybe you are trying to split 1 text container into 2. You just need to select hollow arrow tool and drag this bottom of text container up.

Then option drag to duplicate a copy, and remove the type (1st paragraph in this example).

[Katherine5E75]

This is super close to what im trying to do. The second method would work if I was just doing a rectangle but my shape is more complicated.  
basically in your first image, if you added text to fill in the area of the word "textsplit" and then did the exact same split. I want to chop that overall shape in half that has words inside. 

If the textsplit shape, never had any text in it I can get work, but once I add text within the shape nothing happens or I get that error. 

[SJRiegel]

Instead of Divide, choose just the line, and use Object > Path > Divide Objects Below. 

[Katherine5E75]

did you try this ? when I do it nothing happens if the box has text in it.  It works on a regular shape

[Monika Gause]

Please show what you are doing step by step.

[SJRiegel]

Do it to the empty shape, and add the text afterwards.

[Katherine5E75]

Lol yes I already know that works as I said above. The whole reason I made the post was because I made a complicated shape and added text and decided AFTERWARDS split it.

I wanted to know if it was possible to do this AFTER text had been added.

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

What you can do is:

Select just the path of the area text with the group selection tool. Then copy and paste. Then put the divider path on top of it and then divide objects below. Then put the text into it.