You’ve successfully crossed over to the other side. Now that the divorce is final, it’s time to start the next chapter. You have overcome your sorrow and anger. You overcame the divorce process’s overwhelming amount of change and now you’re facing a new existence that you can’t even begin to imagine yet. Many folks seem to get stuck here for a while. I’ve seen some people return to their carefree youth without obligations or limitations. This is where some less-than-smart decisions concerning finances, employment, and housing are made. Don’t act this way. It’s a waste of time and you’ll regret it for sure. This is the moment to start fresh and move forward. Here is where you can start to create something worthwhile and constructive out of everything you’ve been through.

The first step in creating a healthy new life is to understand your divorce settlement! I am aware that the process has been challenging and that you would like to relax, but this is really important. I frequently see folks who are unsure of the specifics of the settlement they have received. And yet they don’t contact attorneys because they simply want to be done paying attorney expenses. But trust me, of all the cost you have paid, this might very well be the best return for your money. Make sure you fully comprehend your final decree by reading it through. If you don’t, either suck it up and schedule another hour for your attorney to consult with you, or hire a divorce expert like me to assist you. Reviewing your divorce decree, establishing accounts, and guiding you through the transfer of any assets that need to be transferred are all parts of the post-divorce transition that my company can help you with.

At this time, if you haven’t heard it before, you’ll likely hear that dreaded term, QDRO (pronounced quadro.) If you are entitled to receive a portion of your former spouse’s retirement account you will also need this legal document. Years after the divorce, I’ve had people ask me why they never received the 401(k) or pension contributions they were expected to. Because nobody did a QDRO or informed everyone that they should! It’s absurd! However, it does occur, and you don’t want to be the person who loses out on a pension because the QDRO was submitted late!

Knowing what you have will help you manage it so it will last! Here comes your dependable financial advisor. Get one if you don’t already have one! Don’t think twice, you need a professional. Here is my greatest recommendation for locating one. In actuality, they are all offering the same goods and services. Some offer twenty options, while others just one or two. Some prefer complexity, while others prefer simplicity. The most important thing is to hire someone you like and trust. Even if it is only a gut instinct. Embrace it. Don’t be fooled by gimmicks in sales. Pick the person you considered a friend. You’ll be happier over time.