Financial Advice for Those Going Through Divorce
Over two decades, we have helped divorced or divorcing clients move toward confidence, control, and freedom, with a goal of thriving after divorce. Having a guide who puts your needs foremost may help you move away from confusion and uncertainty and onto the path you want for yourself.
Clients who need a divorce financial advisor generally come to us about halfway through the divorce process. If you have been referred to us, it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your financial picture, but rather your attorney is trying to match you with a financial partner who can help you navigate this chapter of your life.
Your divorce attorney is the point person on your strategy, and we advise you and work with your attorney on issues that will affect immediate and long-term post-divorce finances.
Through divorce financial planning, we can help you understand your options, the value of your assets, and the financial implications of decisions made during the divorce proceeding. Our warm style and the way we take time and care for people can feel just right after the formality of divorce proceedings. Divorce is a big transaction, and we want to put you in a position to make decisions that are good for you.
Advice during divorce
We stay in touch with you throughout the divorce process, offering perspective, advice, and support. There is no cost for this unless the advice you need turns into a project. Then we give you a quote so you can decide if you want us to do this work.
We know that divorces can often last for months, and we are with you all the way to provide important financial perspectives that can help you create the foundation of your post-divorce life.
As we stay in touch, we will get to know your goals and values to help advise you on questions around housing, investment taxation, asset division, and transactions like exercising stock options.
People coming out of divorce need to make cash flow, investment management and tax planning decisions — sometimes for the first time. Our close communication during the divorce helps us hit the ground running when the divorce is final to help you make these decisions to meet your financial goals.
Help with financial decisions after divorce
- Coordinating what money you will receive, from where, and when to make sure none falls through the cracks
- Splitting and transfering of accounts
- Deciding where settlement money will go and allocating it accordingly
- Rolling retirement money over
- Working with a CPA to make quarterly tax payments
- Managing cash flow to pay for legal fees, moving and other transitional needs, and living expenses
- Updating life insurance policies
If you are new to investing, we will explain the markets and make sure you are comfortable talking about what’s going on under the hood.
The first year of a divorce may be a low-tax year so we will discuss what investment moves can be made to take advantage of that, as well as other strategies to reduce tax.
Moving beyond divorce into the next chapter
Clients who work with us during a divorce often transition to our wealth management services, including investment management and financial planning, after their divorce.
Most clients have been strong accumulators and invest $1 million or more with us. However, we have no asset minimum. Instead, we have a minimum annual fee of $7,500 that comes from your investment accounts. Alternatively, we offer a one-time consultation service. This service also has a minimum fee of $7,500, which may be adjusted based on the complexity of your financial situation. You can find more detailed information on our services here.
Divorce Resources
Consult your attorney for specifics in your situation.
Raising Cash During a Divorce
Divorce can be expensive. Learn how to raise cash for legal fees, etc.
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How to Find Cash in Your Investments
Quick tips to get you started -
Multiple Options for Finding Cash During Divorce
In depth discussion of many key options (audience is family law attorneys & experts) -
During Divorce: Providing for Your Children
Talking with your kids about financial needs after divorce - Dealing with Divorce: Avoid this Common Mistake
The right house for you and your situation
Attorneys & Family Law Professionals
At Laurel Wealth Planning, one of our primary focuses is guiding clients through financial and investment planning during divorce. We understand the complexities that arise during this challenging time and work closely with clients and their legal teams to help them make informed decisions.
In addition to our financial advisory services, we also provide expert witness opinions and testimony in the following areas:
- Retirement planning
- Investment strategies
- Settlement sufficiency
Our insights support your team’s efforts to pursue a stable and confident financial future for your client, both during and after the divorce process.
Request a Discovery Call
Set yourself on the path you want for your financial future by working with a financial planner today.