"You're Divorced... Now What?
Kelley Hughes • March 21, 2025

Now, it's time to take a few important steps to begin this next chapter with clarity and confidence.

1. Review Your Settlement

Make sure you understand what's been awarded to you. If there's a retirement plan involved, you'll likely need a QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) to divide it. The sooner you begin this process, the better. It's also a great time to sit down with a financial advisor who can help you map out your new plan, open any necessary accounts, and consolidate old ones. Let's schedule a time to meet to review your settlement. Here's a link to set up a consult with me: Schedule Here

2. Update All Accounts

Remove your ex-spouse's name from all joint accounts-banks, credit cards, utilities, insurance policies, etc. And if you don't already have one, open a credit card in your name alone. This is the beginning of your financial independence.

3. Get Organized

Create a system-whether digital or paper-to store all your important financial and legal documents. Keeping things in order now will give you a sense of balance

and make life easier moving forward. Here's a link to an online tool I use to help my clients get their finances organized: Your Personal Finances Tool

4. Update Beneficiaries

One of the most overlooked steps-updating the beneficiaries on your accounts and insurance policies. It's essential to make sure your money goes to the right people when the time comes.

5. Write a New Will

Your circumstances have changed, and your estate plan needs to reflect that. If you had any trusts, it's time to revise or replace them. A new will ensures your current wishes are honored.

A personal note:
When I received my final decree, I cried-just a little-for what I was leaving behind. But I also felt something else: the beginning of a new version of me. Years later, I can say that divorce, while painful, became one of the most empowering chapters of my life. Each step helped me rebuild, rediscover, and reclaim who I was always meant to be.

Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Make it count.

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