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In many marriages, one spouse naturally takes the lead when it comes to money. They may pay the bills, manage the retirement accounts, meet with the accountant, handle investments, or make most of the larger financial decisions. If that wasn’t you, divorce can suddenly leave you feeling like you’re expected to understand years of financial information overnight. The good news? You don’t have to become an expert—you just need someone who can help you understand what you’re loo

Divorce later in life can bring a different set of concerns. When retirement is approaching—or has already begun—there may be less time to recover from financial mistakes or rebuild assets. A gray divorce may involve questions about retirement accounts, pensions, Social Security, healthcare, the marital home, taxes, monthly expenses, and how each spouse will support themselves moving forward. That is where a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) can help. A CDFA® looks

When you're going through divorce, one of the first questions you may have is: “What is actually mine?” That’s where separate property comes in. Separate property generally refers to assets that may belong to one spouse rather than being divided as marital property. Depending on state law and your circumstances, this can include property you owned before marriage, an inheritance received individually, or a gift specifically given to you. Sounds simple—but it can get complicat

Divorce doesn't always have to mean conflict or a courtroom battle. Collaborative divorce offers couples a more respectful, team-based way to work through the divorce process. Each spouse has their own collaboratively trained attorney, and other professionals may join the team when needed. Together, the focus is on open communication, problem-solving, and reaching agreements outside of court. A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) can be an important part of the colla

If you or your spouse owns a business, divorce can bring an important question to the table: What is the business actually worth? A business is often more than a source of income—it may represent years of hard work, growth, and investment. During divorce, determining its value can be an important part of reaching a fair and informed settlement. What Does a Business Valuation Look At? A professional business valuation may consider factors such as: Business assets and liabiliti

Military divorce can be more complex than a traditional divorce because it often involves unique benefits, retirement plans, healthcare, and military-specific rules. Whether you're an active-duty service member, a veteran, or a military spouse, understanding your rights and options is an important first step toward making informed decisions. Questions about military retirement, survivor benefits, healthcare eligibility, and relocation can quickly become overwhelming. Taking t

Divorce is one of life's biggest transitions, and it's natural to feel uncertain about what comes next. While the ending of a marriage can bring grief and change, it can also open the door to new opportunities, personal growth, and a future you may not have imagined. A new beginning doesn't happen all at once. It starts with small steps—creating new routines, setting new goals, rebuilding confidence, and giving yourself permission to move forward at your own pace. Every posit

A quiet divorce isn't a legal divorce. Instead, it describes a marriage where the emotional connection has faded, but the couple remains together. They may live in the same home, share responsibilities, and continue daily routines, yet feel more like roommates than partners. For many couples, a quiet divorce develops gradually. Communication becomes limited, affection disappears, and unresolved issues remain unaddressed. While some couples choose to rebuild their relationship

When going through a divorce, it's easy to focus on the family home or other visible assets. However, a pension may be one of the most valuable assets accumulated during the marriage. A pension valuation helps determine the value of retirement benefits and how they may be divided as part of a divorce settlement. Understanding what a pension is worth allows you to make informed decisions and helps ensure all marital assets are considered fairly. Every divorce is unique, and re

Written by LaShaun Shelby, MBA, CDFA®, CFP® Divorce after age 50—often called gray divorce—is becoming increasingly common. While ending a long-term marriage brings emotional challenges, it also creates unique considerations that deserve careful planning. Unlike younger couples, those experiencing gray divorce are often closer to retirement or already retired. This means there is less time to recover from costly mistakes. Decisions involving retirement accounts, pensions, Soc

Written by LaShaun Shelby, MBA, CDFA®, CFP® Divorce isn't just an emotional transition—it's a financial one, too. While most people focus on the legal aspects of divorce, the financial decisions you make during this time can impact your future for years to come. Decisions about the family home, retirement accounts, investments, debt, and support agreements all deserve careful consideration. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of rushing through the financial details s