Get a clear picture of your money after a major change
Recently separated or divorced? This helps you organize income, bills, accounts, assets, debts, and insurance — and build the question list to bring to your attorney, CPA, or financial professional. It's a preparation tool, not advice.
Educational only. HansonsBudget is not a law firm or a financial, tax, or divorce advisor. This does not provide legal, tax, support, custody, or asset-division advice. Don't move assets or change account titles or beneficiaries without professional review.
A little context (optional)
Urgent cleanup checklist
- Make a list of every account (bank, credit, loans, investments) and where statements go.
- Change passwords and turn on two-factor on your email and financial logins.
- Pull your free credit reports to see every account in your name.
- Note any shared/joint accounts and authorized users — review with your attorney before changing anything.
- Keep copies of recent statements, tax returns, and key documents in a safe place.
Accounts to review
- Joint checking/savings — how they're titled and who has access
- Credit cards where you're a joint owner or authorized user
- Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA) and their beneficiaries
- Life insurance policies and their beneficiaries
- The home title and mortgage, if any
- Health insurance coverage and what changes at separation
Beneficiary review reminder
Retirement accounts, life insurance, and TOD/POD accounts pass by their beneficiary forms — not your will. After a separation, these are worth reviewing. Confirm the right timing and any restrictions with your attorney before making changes.
Ask your attorney
- What should I avoid doing with accounts, titles, or assets right now?
- How are our shared accounts, home, and debts typically handled in this state?
- What documents and information should I gather for our conversation?
- How do support and any agreements interact with taxes and timing?
Ask your CPA
- How will filing status, dependents, and any support affect my taxes this year?
- Are there tax consequences to transferring or selling shared assets or the home?
- What records should I keep for retirement-account or property changes?
Ask a financial professional
- Once things are settled, how should I review beneficiaries and account titles?
- What does a realistic post-change monthly budget look like for me?
- How should I rebuild emergency savings and review insurance coverage?
Professional review may help
Depending on your situation, an attorney, CPA, or financial professional can review the details. HansonsBudget doesn't recommend specific providers or strategies — bring the questions above to professionals you choose.
This is educational and not legal, tax, divorce, or financial advice. Asset division, support, custody, and title changes vary by state and by your specific facts — review them with a licensed professional before acting.