When most people think about dividing assets in a divorce, they think about the dollar amounts — the balance in the bank account, the value of the house, the retirement account statements. What often gets overlooked until it's too late is this: not all dollars are created equal . Taxes can quietly eat away at what you thought you were getting, and understanding the basics can make a real difference in your financial future. Please note: I am not a CPA and I do not provide tax

More often than not, a CDFA® is a financial planner who, after navigating the divorce process themselves, realizes how invaluable it is to have an unbiased, experienced, and empathetic financial advisor. They commit to strengthening their knowledge of the financial intricacies of divorce by participating in the Institute for Divorce Financial Planning’s educational curriculum and exam. Understanding Your Situation You may have been married to a controlling spouse, feeling lik

Once the word “divorce” is mentioned between spouses a new threat level has been breached. It is a spirit crushing, trust breaking term that should be avoided at all costs. It has even been said that once the word “divorce” is used, the spouse you have known is gone and their actions are no longer predictable. In my experience, I have found this to be a very accurate statement. If your relationship is on the brink, I encourage you now - no matter how much you could never imag

It’s so overwhelming, in one swoop you’ve lost your spouse, your friend group has changed, you have lost family members, your children are c

A divorce settlement can be legally valid, mathematically balanced, and completely unworkable in practice. Here is what to watch for before you sign anything.

The decree is signed. Now what? A complete guide to rebuilding your financial life after divorce — from the first 30 days through long-term planning.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Divorce laws and regulations vary significantly by state. Please consult with qualified legal, tax, and financial professionals in your jurisdiction before making decisions related to your divorce. When most people think about divorce, they think about the legal process — attorneys, hearings, negotiations, and eventually a signed agreement. What they don’t alwa

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Divorce laws and regulations vary significantly by state. Please consult with qualified legal, tax, and financial professionals in your jurisdiction before making decisions related to your divorce. If you are going through a divorce in Mississippi, you will hear two words come up early and often: Form 8.05. Your attorney will ask you to complete it. The court w

If you’re going through a divorce in Mississippi, you’ve likely already heard that you need a good attorney. What fewer people realize is that the legal and financial sides of divorce require different kinds of expertise — and having both in your corner can make a significant difference. Attorneys can advocate for you in court and navigate the legal process — but they do not typically model the long-term financial impact of your settlement, evaluate the after-tax value of di

Most people going through a divorce are focused on the immediate financial picture — the house, the retirement accounts, the monthly budget. Social Security often gets overlooked. But if you were married for at least ten years, you may be entitled to a divorced spouse benefit that could meaningfully affect your retirement income. Here’s what you need to know. Can I Collect Social Security on My Ex-Spouse’s Record? Yes — if you meet the eligibility requirements. You may be abl

Maybe your spouse has already moved on. Maybe you’ve known for a long time — in the quiet, certain way that doesn’t need explaining — that the marriage is over. And yet you’re still here, in the same house or the same limbo, not quite moving forward. Fear will do that. It will keep you exactly where you are, even when staying is costing you more than leaving ever could. This post is for the person who already knows. Not the person who is still deciding — but the one who has d

If you're going through a divorce, one of the biggest financial questions on your mind may be: what happens to my retirement account? The answer depends on a few key factors — but the good news is that retirement assets can be divided fairly, even across different account types, without triggering immediate taxes or penalties if done correctly. Are Retirement Accounts Marital Property? In most states, any retirement savings accumulated during the marriage are considered marit

Divorce later in life — what researchers call “gray divorce” — comes with a unique set of financial challenges. You have less time to rebuild, retirement is closer than it once seemed, and the financial decisions you make now will shape the rest of your life. If you’re a woman facing divorce at 50 or beyond, this is what you need to know. The Stakes Are Higher After 50 Divorce at any age is disruptive. But divorcing later in life means you’re dividing assets that are closer t

When one or both spouses own a business, divorce gets significantly more complicated. A business isn’t like a bank account with a clear balance — its value depends on a number of factors that can be interpreted very differently depending on who’s doing the math. Understanding how business valuation works in divorce can help you protect your interests and avoid settling for less than you deserve. Why Business Valuation Matters So Much in Divorce In many high-asset divorces, a

Divorce is never easy. It’s a time filled with emotional upheaval, uncertainty, and, let’s be honest, a lot of questions about money. How do you protect your financial future? What steps can you take to ensure you’re not left scrambling later? If you’re in the thick of it, you’re probably wondering how to make smart, informed decisions that will set you up for success. That’s exactly why I want to share some advanced divorce financial strategies that go beyond the basics. Th

Just like losing a close friend or family member, psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross identified a predictable pattern of grief that many people experience during divorce. Each person's journey will differ in length and intensity, but recognizing where you are in the process can be enormously helpful. Shock & Denial - During this stage you are still in disbelief and proceeding with your life somewhat normally. The shock serves as a natural buffer so that you are not overwhelm

Every marriage is different, as is every divorce. While there are many common occurrences, you may be dealing with issues that you didn't realize would turn into major points of contention. Adding to the confusion is that each state has its own set of rules governing each situation. 1. Pet Custody - The Law is Evolving In the past, pets were considered property by the courts with no custody shares and no consideration of what might be best for the animal—dividing your family

In addition to the emotional and legal exhaustion divorce can bring, there are matters such as health insurance that are not usually addressed during attorney visits but are critical to moving forward. Understanding how your coverage will change once the divorce is finalized and what options are available is essential to avoid gaps in coverage. Coverage During and After Divorce Once your divorce is finalized, you are typically no longer considered an eligible family member un

Divorce is tough. I get it. It’s not just about emotions and legal battles—it’s about money, too. And money can get messy fast. When you’re trying to untangle your financial life, having the right expert by your side can make all the difference. That’s where a certified divorce analyst expert comes in. But how do you choose the right one? Let’s walk through this together. Why You Need a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst ® When you’re facing divorce, the financial details c

Experiencing a divorce can be one of the most disruptive events in a person's life. While attempting to preserve some stability, you might cling to certain elements of your past life, but are these truly the best choices for the future? Keeping the House: It’s where your kids grew up, it’s your safe place and you really want to keep it, but should you? You’ve been offered $100,000 of equity in your house while your ex is getting $100,000 of the money market account - seems re