How to Ensure You Are Financially Secure After Divorce | Los Angeles Divorce

I’m Tim Blankenship with Divorce661. In my video I walk you through practical steps to regain financial control after divorce and build long-term security. Divorce is more than a legal process — it’s a major financial transition — and the choices you make now will shape your future. Below I lay out a clear, actionable plan to move from uncertainty to confidence.

Divorce is more than just a legal process. It’s a major financial transition.

Start with a clear picture of your finances

Before you can plan, you need to know exactly where you stand. Gather documentation and tally your monthly cash flow so you can make informed decisions.

Key documents to collect

• Recent pay stubs and income statements
• Bank and credit card statements
• Mortgage, lease, and housing expense records
• Insurance policies (health, auto, homeowners)
• Retirement and investment account statements
• Outstanding loan balances and other debts

Build a post-divorce budget

Create a realistic monthly budget reflecting your new lifestyle. Include fixed and variable expenses and factor in any support payments paid or received.

• Housing (mortgage or rent, utilities, maintenance)
• Insurance premiums (health, auto, life as applicable)
• Support payments (child or spousal support)
• Transportation, groceries, childcare, and everyday costs
• Debt payments and minimums
• Savings and emergency fund contributions

Protect and rebuild your financial foundation

After divorce, take immediate steps to protect credit, savings, and your ability to move forward without surprises.

Practical steps to secure your finances

• Close or separate joint bank accounts and open accounts in your name.
• Confirm your name is removed from debts your ex is responsible for; monitor credit reports to catch issues early.
• Update beneficiaries on retirement accounts and life insurance policies.
• Review and adjust insurance coverage to reflect new needs.
• Start (or continue) contributing to retirement accounts even with small amounts — long-term security matters.

Monitor your credit

Regularly check your credit report for accounts or balances that should no longer be associated with you. Dispute errors quickly and work with lenders to correct mistaken liabilities.

Build an emergency fund — even if it’s small

An emergency fund reduces reliance on credit and provides breathing room for unexpected expenses. Begin with a modest, achievable goal and build from there.

• Initial target: $500–$1,000 to handle small emergencies.
• Longer-term goal: 3–6 months of essential living expenses.
• Automate savings when possible — even $25–$50 per paycheck adds up.

Real client example: overwhelmed to empowered in six months

One client hadn’t managed household finances during her marriage and felt lost after the divorce. We started with a simple budgeting system, tracked support payments, and created a step-by-step savings plan.

• Within six months she paid off a credit card, built a small emergency fund, and gained confidence managing her money.
• Small, consistent actions and clear priorities produced meaningful progress quickly.

Tools and support to help you move forward

At Divorce661 we focus on the real-life side of divorce — not just legal paperwork. Practical tools and guidance can accelerate your recovery and protect your long-term financial security.

What we offer

• Budgeting tools and templates tailored to post-divorce life
• Financial checklists to organize documents and actions
• Guidance on credit protection, savings plans, and retirement concerns
• Flat-fee divorce services and 100% remote help across California

Next steps: a simple action plan you can start today

1. Collect your financial documents and list your monthly income and expenses.
2. Create a post-divorce budget that includes housing, insurance, and support payments.
3. Separate joint accounts and confirm debt responsibilities in writing.
4. Open a savings account and start an emergency fund, even with small contributions.
5. Monitor your credit report and update beneficiaries or policies as needed.
6. Seek help if you feel overwhelmed — professional guidance can save time, money, and stress.

Conclusion and where to get help

Divorce is a major life shift, but it doesn’t have to lead to financial insecurity. With a clear picture of your finances, a realistic budget, protective steps for your accounts and credit, and a plan to build savings, you can regain control and build confidence.

If you want personalized help organizing, prioritizing, and creating a financial plan that puts you back in control, visit Divorce661.com and schedule a free consultation. We’ll work with you to build a stable, secure future so you can move forward with peace of mind.