How to split live object in AE/AI?

I am trying to animate a flower in AE and I followed this video on Youtube to create the image in AI.  I would like for the petals to each be in a separate layer so that I can have them fall off of the flower, but when I try to split them using line segment tool>window>pathfinder>divide it warps the shapes of the object.  I am assuming this is because I am using a live object.  I have trying using the scissors and knife tools as well to no avail.  I have also tried splitting the petals from the flower directly in AE but I cannot find the tools to do so.  I appreciate any and all advice concerning this issues, thank you in advance.