This is one of the very first questions that comes up when someone’s even considering divorce. It’s often asked quietly, sometimes before anyone else knows what’s happening. Because once the idea is on the table, the financial implications start circling fast — and getting a handle on them early can make everything that follows less overwhelming.

Alongside the practical questions, there’s also everything that happens under the surface: the emotional shifts that unfold once the legal process is done.

But for now, let’s focus on the practical: how to work through your finances in a clear, sensible order.

1. Start with what’s changing right now

In the short term, the priority is to stabilise your day-to-day finances.

Income may look different, household expenses may shift, and there can be legal costs to factor in. Before you make any big moves, get a clear view of your new monthly picture:

• What’s coming in and going out
• Which costs are temporary versus ongoing
• Where immediate pressure points might be

It could be worth pressing pause on major investment or property decisions during this period, although in some circumstances these decisions may still be appropriate depending on individual situations. . Think of it as creating breathing space to get your footing before you start rebuilding.

2. Understand what you actually have

Many people come out of divorce knowing the headline numbers — house, pension, savings — but not the full picture.

Bring everything into one place: property, pensions, investments, savings, insurance, debts. It sounds obvious, but it’s easy for details to get lost in the process.

Assets that were set up for two people often need to be reorganised for one. For example:

• Pensions may have been split on paper but not actually transferred
• Joint accounts might still be open
• Investment portfolios could need reshaping to match your new circumstances

Getting clear on the reality of what you own (and owe) is the foundation for every decision that follows.

3. Rethink housing with a cool head

Housing decisions are often the biggest — and most emotionally charged — part of divorce. There’s a strong instinct to do something quickly, whether that’s keeping the family home or buying somewhere new.

But moving too fast here can lock you into financial commitments that don’t fit your new life. Consider:

• What’s genuinely affordable under your new circumstances
• How your needs might change in the next few years
• Whether renting short-term could give you valuable breathing space

This is also one of the points where emotions and practicalities collide most.

A bit of distance can lead to far better long-term decisions.

4. Get clear on your future goals before locking in plans

It’s tempting to make financial decisions straight after the settlement, but if you haven’t worked out what the next chapter looks like yet, you’re essentially planning in the dark.

This is the stage to give yourself room to think. If your vision for the future is still taking shape, keep things flexible — for example, choosing investment structures that don’t tie you down, or holding off on irreversible pension moves.

Big financial plans should follow your goals, not lead them.

5. Sort out the technical and tax details

This is the unglamorous but essential bit. Once the dust settles, make sure the paperwork catches up with reality:

• Pension sharing orders need to be implemented properly, not just agreed on paper
• Wills, insurance beneficiaries and powers of attorney may all need updating
• Tax positions can shift: capital gains on property sales, income tax changes, child maintenance, loss of certain allowances

It’s easy to lose momentum here once the legal process is over, but getting these details sorted avoids headaches later.

6. Build a new long-term plan — but not on day one

Once you’ve stabilised the short term, understood what you have, and started to get a clearer sense of your future, then it’s time to design a new financial plan.

That might include:

• Revisiting retirement planning and investment strategy
• Adjusting protection cover for your new circumstances
• Rethinking estate planning to reflect your priorities now

The mistake many people make is trying to do all of this in the middle of emotional upheaval. It’s far more effective to do it once the dust has started to settle — calmly, deliberately, and with the future in mind.

Porta’s take

The legal process might draw the lines, but it doesn’t put the pieces back together. Once everything’s agreed, there’s a real human moment of looking at what’s left and working out how to build a life that actually fits again. That’s not something to rush — it takes time, structure and clear thinking.

And when you’re ready to focus on the practical, we can help you work through the next steps with a calm head and a clear plan. Get in touch to start the conversation.

Important information:

This article provides general information only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information is based on our understanding of current regulations, which may change in future. Decisions about your finances should always be made based on your individual circumstances. If you’re unsure about the suitability of any course of action, you should seek regulated financial advice.The Financial Conduct Authority do not regulate tax planning, estate planning or wills.The value of your investments can go down as well as up, so you could get back less than you invested.

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