What to Ask Before Hiring a Financial Advisor After Divorce or a Major Life Change

When your life changes, your finances often follow. Whether you’ve recently gone through a divorce, lost a spouse, or taken on caregiving responsibilities, you may be facing a question you never thought you'd have to answer:

"Who can I trust to help me make sense of all this?"

Hiring a financial advisor can feel intimidating — especially after a major life event that’s already left you feeling vulnerable. But the right advisor can offer more than just investment help. They can offer stability, clarity, and a plan that reflects your life story — not someone else's agenda.

So how do you choose the right one? Start by asking the right questions.

1. “Do you specialize in working with people in life transitions?”

Life after divorce or caregiving isn’t just about adjusting your budget — it’s about rebuilding your financial foundation with fresh eyes. An advisor who understands the emotional and logistical complexities of these transitions is more likely to offer compassionate, relevant guidance.

Look for someone who doesn’t just “also work with women,” but who builds planning frameworks around new chapters, family shifts, and long-term empowerment.

2. “What’s your planning philosophy — and how does it reflect my values?”

Not every advisor puts your life at the center of the plan. Some lead with products or performance. Others start by listening.

At LifeStory Financial, we believe financial planning should reflect your values, your priorities, and your story. That’s why we start with conversations about what matters most to you — not just how much you’ve saved.

3. “How are you compensated?”

One of the most important questions you can ask: How do you get paid?

Fee-only advisors — like LifeStory Financial — are paid only by their clients. That means no product commissions, no surprise fees, and no hidden agendas.

You deserve full transparency. Ask:

• Is your fee flat, hourly, or based on assets under management?

• Are there any other costs I should be aware of?

If the answer isn’t clear and simple, that’s a red flag.

4. “How will we communicate, and how often?”

Some advisors disappear after the paperwork is signed. Others are responsive, proactive, and patient — especially when you’re dealing with complex or emotional decisions.

Ask:

• How often will we meet?

• Can I reach out with questions in between?

• Do you explain things in plain language?

You should never feel rushed, judged, or talked over.

5. “What’s your process for helping me plan around life changes?”

This is where the right advisor stands apart.

You want someone who:

• Helps you get organized — emotionally and financially

• Understands the tax, legal, and legacy impacts of your decisions

• Walks with you through uncertainty — not just markets
  

Whether you’re navigating alimony, updating your estate plan, or planning for long-term care, your advisor should offer both structure and grace.

Final Thought 🌱

Finding the right financial advisor isn’t about choosing the biggest firm or the flashiest website.  It’s about choosing someone who listens without judgment, explains without jargon, and builds a plan that reflects your life — not someone else’s formula.