How a Financial Adviser Can Help You Through a Divorce: Practical Steps for Moving Forward

Every January the same headlines appear. "Divorce Day." "The January spike." The first working Monday of the year, when family lawyers brace themselves for a wave of calls from people who've made it through one more Christmas and realised they can't do another.

I don't know if it's the forced proximity of the holidays, the optimism of a new year, or simply having time to think clearly. But I do know this: if you're reading this because you're facing a separation, you're not alone. And while I can't help with the emotional side, I can help you understand the financial side — which, in my experience, brings its own kind of relief.

Why finances feel so overwhelming during divorce

When a relationship ends, everything suddenly feels uncertain. The home you live in. The money you have access to. Your plans for the future. It's not just about dividing what you have now — it's about understanding what your life will look like afterwards.

Many people I meet are worried they'll be taken advantage of, or that they'll make a decision now that they'll regret later. They're juggling legal appointments, childcare arrangements, and their own grief — and then they're handed pension valuations and mortgage statements they've never had to think about before.

That's where a financial adviser comes in. Not to make decisions for you, but to help you see clearly what you're working with and what your options are.

What does a financial adviser actually do during a divorce?

Understanding what you have

The first step is simple: we gather everything in one place. Pensions, savings accounts, ISAs, investments, property equity, debts. Often one person has been managing the household finances, so the other might not have a full picture. We make sure both parties understand what exists and what it's worth.

We also help you understand how pensions work in divorce. They're often the second-largest asset after the family home, but they're less visible than a house. A pension sharing order might mean you receive a percentage of your ex-partner's pension as a separate pot in your own name. That's valuable — but only if you know it's there and understand what to do with it.

Working with your solicitor

A good financial adviser works alongside your family lawyer, not instead of them. Your solicitor handles the legal process. We handle the financial planning. That might mean providing pension valuations for the court, modelling different settlement scenarios, or simply being a calm, neutral voice when emotions are running high.

Take someone like a woman in her early 50s who's been out of the workforce for years while raising children. She might be entitled to a share of her husband's pension, but what does that actually mean for her day-to-day life? Can she afford to stay in the family home? Does she need to go back to work? Those are the questions we help answer.

Rebuilding after the settlement

Once the divorce is finalised, the real work begins. You might have cash from a property sale, or a pension that needs consolidating, or simply a need to start again financially. We help you build a plan that feels secure and sustainable — not just for now, but for the long term.

That could mean reviewing your protection insurance (especially if you have children), updating your will and Powers of Attorney, or creating a new investment strategy that reflects your changed circumstances.

Common questions people ask me

• "Will I be financially secure on my own?"

This is the question that keeps people awake at night. The answer depends entirely on your circumstances — your age, your income, your outgoings, what you receive in the settlement. But what I can tell you is this: having a clear plan makes it feel less frightening. We run projections. We look at different scenarios. We help you see what's possible.

• "Should I keep the house or take a bigger pension share?"

There's no universal answer. Some people want the stability of staying in the family home, especially if they have children. Others would rather have financial flexibility and a fresh start. We help you understand the trade-offs — maintenance costs, future care planning, tax implications — so you can make the decision that's right for you.

• "What happens to our joint savings and investments?"

Typically, everything is considered as part of the overall financial settlement. But in practical terms, you might need to close joint accounts, transfer ISAs, or move investments into your sole name. We make sure nothing gets overlooked and that you're not paying more tax than necessary in the process.

• "Do I need a financial adviser if my ex and I are being amicable?"

Even in the most straightforward separations, it helps to have someone on your side. Not in an adversarial way, but simply to make sure you understand what you're agreeing to. I've seen too many people nod along in mediation because they don't want to seem difficult, only to realise months later that the settlement wasn't as fair as they thought.

What you can do right now

If you're at the start of this process, here's what I'd suggest:

• Start gathering paperwork. Bank statements, pension statements, mortgage documents, savings accounts. Even if you don't fully understand them, having them in one place will save time later.
• Don't make big financial decisions in a hurry. This isn't the time to raid your pension or sell investments without advice. Wait until you have a clearer picture.
• Think about your priorities. What matters most to you? Staying in your home? Financial independence? Security for your children? Knowing this helps guide the decisions you'll need to make.
• Get your own advice. Even if your ex has a financial adviser, you need someone looking after your interests. That's not about being combative — it's about being informed.

A final thought

I won't pretend divorce is easy. It's one of the hardest things you'll go through. But financial clarity genuinely helps. When you understand your position and have a plan for moving forward, it takes away one layer of uncertainty.

And that, in the middle of everything else, can make all the difference.

If you're going through a separation and need help making sense of your finances, we'd be happy to talk it through with you. Our first meeting is always free, with no obligation — just a chance to explore what's possible.

Catriona Bryden, Financial Adviser, Ginkgo Financial Ltd

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Divorce settlement is not regulated by the Financial Conduct authority

Approver Quilter Financial Services Jan 26