It’s Not Over Until All the Work Is Done

Contributed by Eileen Stoner, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® professional Divorce Resources Early and Meaningful, DREAM LLC, The Stoner Group https://financialservicesinc.ubs.com/team/thestonergroup/

Sometimes couples expect that once a divorce agreement is signed, everything they have settled upon will automatically be completed. How can you know what the potential next steps are?  The financial aspects of post-divorce follow up can be a complex arena to navigate.

Investment and banking accounts may need to be opened, closed or retitled.  In a settlement agreement couples may have agreed to divide various assets.  Settlements that are planned as streams of income may need to be protected in case the payor predeceases the ex-spouse or children.  Health insurance continuation for a non-working spouse or eligible children may be available for continuation through COBRA guidelines, but the continuation period is time limited.[1]  Employer-sponsored retirement plans are complex and oftentimes the parties involved must file specific requests with the plan administrator well in advance of the final divorce decree becoming available[2]

Financial planning should be considered post-divorce so the “new single” can understand what the “new budget “may look like.  Evaluate how the ability to achieve future goals may have been impacted.  This process can help identify gaps so they can be understood and addressed.

When the family law professional is winding down the client engagement at the conclusion of a divorce, consider being a proactive participant and seek advice about any next steps that you will be responsible for with a Financial Advisor. A Financial Advisor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst CDFA® professional can be a valuable resource to help you understand and navigate the next steps as you move into your next chapter of life.

The Stoner Group is a team of Financial Advisors with UBS Financial Services Inc. a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC in 16810 Kenton Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078. The information contained herein is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. Investing involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of UBS Financial Services Inc. As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, we offer both investment advisory and brokerage services. These services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate contracts. For more information on the distinctions between our brokerage and investment advisory services, please visit  ubs.com/workingwithus. For designation disclosures visit https://www.ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures.html.  . In providing financial planning services, we may act as a broker-dealer or investment adviser, depending on whether we charge a fee for the service. The nature and scope of the services are detailed in the documents and reports provided to clients as part of the service. Financial planning does not alter or modify in any way a client’s existing account(s) or the terms and conditions of any account agreements they may have with UBS. UBS Financial Services Inc., its affiliates and its employees are not in the business of providing tax or legal advice. Clients should seek advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax or legal advisor.

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