Navigating the Cost of Divorce

“Divorce is hard” — an obvious statement, but if you’ve lived through one, you know how layered that truth really is. Despite the best intentions, it can get messy in a hurry.

Even when it is amicable, divorce has a way of unearthing everything — financial details, emotional wounds, and decisions that reach into every corner of your life. Having the right team in your corner — from financial guidance to emotional support — can help you rebuild stability and confidence for what’s next.

The financial costs of divorce

The financial side is often the easiest to understand, though not necessarily to stomach. There’s the sticker shock of attorney fees ($400–$600/hour is standard in many markets) or disbelief with what is owed/received in alimony or child support. Choosing mediation over litigation can often save tens of thousands of dollars and help preserve communication, especially when children or complex assets are involved.

Then comes the task of dividing property, investments, and retirement accounts. And these transfers may affect both your taxes and long-term wealth. For example, not all assets are created equal: a $100,000 brokerage account and a $100,000 pre-tax IRA do not carry the same after-tax value.

A proactive financial plan may help you:

• Evaluate assets for their after-tax value, not just their face value.
• Strategize around liquidity, timing, and long-term cash flow.
• Balance immediate needs with long-term wealth preservation.

The emotional and community side

Divorce reshapes both the numbers and the narrative of your life. If splitting accounts were all it took, the process would be simple. The emotional journey is often what lingers the longest.

Building a supportive network can be a lifeline. Connecting with others who have walked a similar path offers both perspective and encouragement. Workshops or community programs focused on budgeting after divorce, rebuilding confidence, or navigating single-income households can provide a mix of emotional grounding and practical tools.

It also helps to work with advisors who see you as a whole person, not just a balance sheet. Compassionate financial planning should meet you where you are — acknowledging the emotional realities of this transition while helping you move forward with clarity and purpose.

The professional impact

Divorce doesn’t happen in isolation — it touches every aspect of your life, including your career. You may find your focus shifting, your energy divided, or your professional goals evolving.

If legal proceedings or parenting responsibilities are stretching your bandwidth, consider creating more flexibility in your work life. Temporary adjustments — such as remote work, reduced hours, or recalibrated goals — can help you protect both your productivity and your well-being.

For those with executive compensation or equity awards, this period also calls for careful strategy. Understanding vesting schedules, payout timing, and the tax implications of equity division can help make informed decisions.

Your career and financial strategy are interconnected. Aligning them thoughtfully can help support both short-term stability and long-term goals.

Rebuilding and thriving after divorce

While divorce closes one chapter, it also opens the door to reinvention — financially, personally, and professionally.

This is your opportunity to redefine what fulfillment looks like:

• Revisit your goals and align your money around what matters most now.
• Explore passions that bring meaning, whether through travel, education, or giving back.
• Design a financial roadmap that supports the life you’re creating, not the one you’re leaving behind.

With intentional planning, you can move from recovery to renewal. From managing investments to legacy planning, this is your time to build a life that feels both secure and deeply aligned with your values.

The takeaway

Divorce is an invitation to begin again with intention. With the right support network — trusted advisors, empathetic professionals, and a clear plan — you can move to a future that reflects the life you want next.

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as individualized advice or a recommendation for any specific product, strategy, or course of action. Brighton Jones, its affiliates, and employees do not provide personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice through this communication. This material is not intended to, and does not, create a fiduciary relationship under ERISA or any other applicable law. For individualized advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please consult with your adviser.