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A Financial Post-Divorce Checklist Worthy of Sharing with a Friend
- Michelle Francis
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Divorce is more than a legal process—it's a deeply personal transition. And while signing the final paperwork may bring a sense of relief, it can also leave you wondering, What now?
That’s exactly how Sarah felt. After 17 years of marriage, she found herself staring at a new chapter she didn’t quite feel ready for. Bills were in both names. Her retirement accounts were untouched since her twenties. Her head spun with questions about insurance, credit cards, and even whose name was still on the car title.
If you can relate, know this: you are not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.
That’s why we created a free Post-Divorce Financial Checklist, designed to help people like Sarah (and you) take confident, organized steps toward a more secure future.
A Few Key Highlights from the Checklist That Helped Sarah:
Closing Joint Accounts and Opening Her Own
The first thing Sarah did was visit her bank. Using the checklist, she was reminded to close the joint checking and savings accounts she shared with her ex. It felt symbolic—like reclaiming her financial identity. She opened new accounts in her name, giving her more clarity and control over her cash flow.
Transferring Retirement Funds the Right Way
Sarah wasn’t sure what to do with the 401(k) portion she was awarded in the divorce. The checklist guided her through initiating a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) and connecting with the fund administrator. With the help of her financial advisor, she rolled the funds into her own IRA—without paying any penalties.
Updating Insurance and Beneficiaries
When Sarah checked her life insurance policy, she realized her ex was still listed as the sole beneficiary. The checklist reminded her to make those changes, not just on insurance but also on her retirement accounts and will. It was a quiet but powerful act of protecting her children and her future.
Why the Checklist Matters
The emotional weight of divorce can make even simple financial tasks feel overwhelming. Having a clear, step-by-step list gave Sarah peace of mind. She wasn’t just reacting to problems—she was making informed choices, one small task at a time.
You don’t need to have all the answers—you just need a place to start.
This free checklist is your guide to the most important financial tasks to complete after divorce. Whether you're updating documents, managing accounts, or planning for the future, it will help you take action with confidence.
Click below to download your copy of the Post-Divorce Financial Checklist ⬇️
Your next chapter is waiting. Let’s make sure it starts on solid ground. To learn what it's like to work with a financial advisor as you're recovering from your divorce, you can book a free call with Life Story Financial. For more personal finance tips, download my free ebook series that covers debt management, growing your income to save more, investing wisely and retirement planning.
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