The Intentional Divorce Library

Divorce comes with more financial questions than anyone expects. This is where you'll find real answers on asset division, budgeting, retirement, and the mistakes that quietly cost women the most, written by a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst who has helped clients navigate exactly what you're facing now.

No fluff, no fear tactics. Just the information you need to make clear-eyed decisions and protect the life you're building next.

Not sure where to start?

Every article here is written for a particular moment. Start with the stage that matches where you are, and you will find the handful of pieces that actually apply to you.

Browsing by topic instead? Every category is listed in the sidebar, from QDROs and the family home to co-parenting and life after divorce.

Can I Afford to Get Divorced? What Women Need to Know Before Making a Decision alimony/spousal support asset division certified divorce financial analyst considering divorce divorce financial planning financial planning house in a divorce ohio divorce preparing for divorce retirement accounts in divorce

One of the most common questions I hear from women sitting across from me is some version of: "Can I actually afford to do this?"

They are not asking because they want to stay in a painful marriage. They are asking because they are terrified of the financial unknown. They have heard horror stories....

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Financial Abuse in Marriage: Signs, Examples, and What to Do if You’re Preparing for Divorce considering divorce divorce financial planning financial abuse hidden assets divorce

One of the things that breaks my heart is how often I hear women apologize before they tell me what has been happening with the money.

They say things like:

  • “Maybe I’m overreacting.”
  • “He’s always handled the finances.”
  • “I’m just not good with money.”
  • “I don’t even know what questions to ask.”
  • ...
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Does my state have alimony? alimony/spousal support considering divorce

 If you're going through a divorce and wondering about alimony in your state, it's important to understand both the legal requirements and the financial implications. Working with a certified divorce coach can help you navigate these complex financial decisions and prepare for conversations with you...

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Common Divorce Myths That Could Cost You Money (And What's Actually True) certified divorce financial analyst considering divorce divorce financial planning divorce mediation ohio divorce preparing for divorce

When you are going through a divorce, you hear a lot of things. From well-meaning friends who went through their own messy split five years ago, from that one aunt who knows somebody who knows somebody, from late-night Google rabbit holes that send you spiraling.

The problem is that when the same th...

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Top Signs of Financial Infidelity to Watch For considering divorce financial abuse financial infidelity infidelity

When people think about infidelity, they typically think about one spouse or the other cheating with another person. However, did you know there's an entirely different type of infidelity that may not even involve another person? It's called financial infidelity or "financial cheating."

If you thin...

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Cover Your Assets: How Your Spouse Might be Hiding Theirs considering divorce financial infidelity hidden assets divorce

If you and your spouse are going through the process of a divorce in court, the judge will try to ensure that all of your shared property is divided fairly or equally, depending on the laws in your state. However unpleasant it is to consider, there is a possibility that your spouse could be conceali...

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Could You Benefit from Discernment Counseling? considering divorce preparing for divorce

Discernment counseling is a unique approach to helping couples decide what they should do about their marriage. While traditional couples’ therapy typically has an end goal of saving the marriage or saving the relationship, discernment counseling allows couples to work through different processes an...

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7 Signs of an Impending Divorce (And What to Do Next) considering divorce preparing for divorce

Divorce rarely comes out of nowhere.

Most of the time, it builds slowly. The distance grows. The conversations get shorter. The resentment gets louder. And one day, someone says out loud what both people have been thinking for a long time.

In my work as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, I've sa...

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My Husband Wants a Divorce - What Should I Do? considering divorce preparing for divorce

If your husband asked for a divorce, you are likely experiencing a lot of different emotions. Take a step back and breathe. It might not feel like it right now, but you are going to be okay.

The first thing you should do is start taking really good care of yourself. This may seem like a strange reco...

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Financial Abuse in Relationships: 5 Steps to Establish a Solid Financial Foundation considering divorce financial abuse

First, if you are considering leaving an abusive relationship and are in an unsafe situation, I encourage you to contact The National Domestic Violence Hotline for assistance.

If you are experiencing financial abuse in your relationship, it's important to take action to protect yourself. Financial ...

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Contemplating Divorce? 4 Ways a CDFA can Help Reduce Your Stress certified divorce financial analyst considering divorce

Divorce is complicated and emotional. It's not something that people decide on a whim. It's important to research and explore all your options to create a secure financial future for yourself. Hiring a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) before you begin your divorce process is a smart choice...

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How to Survive Divorce as a Stay-at-Home Mom considering divorce preparing for divorce

I find myself supporting quite a few stay-at-home moms with their divorces. I think that's because stay-at-home moms know with absolute certainty that they cannot afford to make costly financial mistakes in their divorce settlements. When you don't have your own income, and your income is entirely d...

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