You’ve Made It Through the Divorce. Now What?
The paperwork is signed. The court has spoken. Your divorce is final—and whether it comes with relief, sadness, or a complex mix of emotions, you’ve crossed a major threshold.
But now what?
For many individuals, especially those navigating a long-term marriage or facing retirement, the next steps aren’t always clear. It’s easy to stall out in this in-between space, unsure how to move forward financially, emotionally, or logistically.
Here’s where I want to gently redirect your focus:
Understanding your divorce settlement is the foundation for building your next chapter.
Don’t Just File It—Understand It
I can’t tell you how often I meet with people who are unsure of exactly what they’ve been awarded in their settlement. It’s understandable. You’ve likely been through months (or years) of legal stress and just want it to be over. But rushing to the finish line without reviewing your decree can leave money, benefits, and future security on the table.
Your divorce settlement contains more than just numbers—it outlines responsibilities, deadlines, and your financial roadmap moving forward. If anything is unclear, don’t guess. Get help.
At Piedmont Divorce Planning, I offer post-divorce settlement reviews to make sure you understand exactly what you’ve received—and what needs to happen next to protect and transfer those assets.
The QDRO: One Document You Can’t Afford to Overlook
If your settlement includes a share of your former spouse’s 401(k), pension, or other qualified retirement account, you likely need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). This legal document ensures that the retirement plan administrator can legally divide and disburse those funds.
Too many people discover years later that their QDRO was never filed—and by then, it can be much harder (or even impossible) to claim what’s owed.
I help my clients coordinate the QDRO process and ensure nothing slips through the cracks during this crucial stage.
What Comes Next: Managing What You’ve Received
Once you’ve confirmed what assets you have and how they’ll be transferred, the next step is creating a plan to manage them wisely.
Whether you’ve received a lump sum, retirement accounts, real estate, or other financial assets, you need more than a good spreadsheet—you need a comprehensive strategy aligned with your life goals, retirement needs, tax situation, and risk tolerance.
It is essential to work with a trusted financial advisor who can help you:
- Translate settlement terms into real-life action steps
- Create a financial plan tailored to your new circumstances
- Address retirement, Social Security, Medicare, long-term care, and estate planning • Provide peace of mind as you navigate this transition
Choose the Right Financial Guide
You deserve to work with someone who makes you feel comfortable, heard, and understood. Don’t get dazzled by jargon or pressured into products that don’t serve your best interests. Find someone who treats your future with the care and attention it deserves. Someone who is approachable and relational, not transactional. You will need someone to walk beside you—not just as a planner, but as a partner.
