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Thinking About Divorce?
Here’s What Every Woman Needs to Know First
Divorce Is Emotional, But It Shouldn’t Be Disempowering
No one plans for divorce, but when it happens, it hits every part of your life—your heart, your home, your finances, and your future. And too often, women are left scrambling to figure it all out in real-time, alone and overwhelmed.
That’s why we recently went live on Instagram with Erica from the Crazy Ex-Wives Club. She’s built an incredible community for women navigating divorce, and together we talked about the emotional and financial realities of splitting up.
This blog expands on that conversation—with insight from Julianna Lepo, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA) and Purse Strings Approved Professional who works directly with women preparing for this major life shift. If you’re facing divorce—or even just thinking about it—this guide is for you.
“The beginning steps are always the hardest,” says Julianna. “The very first thing I tell women is to pause and get organized—emotionally and financially. Before you take any big steps, start quietly gathering information: account statements, tax returns, property records, even a simple list of assets and debts.”
Start by gathering this information:
- Bank and investment account statements
- Tax returns (last 3 years if possible)
- Property and mortgage documents
- Retirement accounts
- Credit card statements
- A list of shared and separate debts
- Any legal documents like wills, prenups, or trusts
When you have clarity, you can move forward with confidence, not fear.”
You don’t need to have everything “just so” when you meet with a professional. “I’ll probably re-organize it anyway 😉 — just bring as much as you can gather, even if you’re not sure it’s relevant.”
Approaching divorce with a plan puts you back in control. It helps you move forward with clarity—not chaos.
Grab the free checklist: 👉 Actions to Take Before the D Word Is Mentioned
Step 2: Make Sure You Have Money in Your Own Name
This is one of the most empowering things you can do—not just during a divorce, but in life.
“This one’s easy! Because independence is power!” says Julianna. “Having money in your own name isn’t just about dollars — it’s about choices. It’s about being able to stand on your own, whether you’re married, divorcing, or retired.”
Why this matters:
- You may lose access to joint accounts during separation
- You’ll need funds for legal help, housing, and day-to-day expenses.
- It protects you from financial abuse or manipulation.
“Too often, women put their financial lives in someone else’s hands, and then find themselves scrambling in a crisis. I tell my clients, ‘An emotional crisis does not have to be a financial one!’”
Whether it’s $50 or $5,000, having funds that are accessible and truly yours creates security.
“I want every woman I work with to know what she has, where it is, and how to use it — because financial clarity brings peace of mind, and with that comes real freedom!”
Step 3: Don’t Do It Alone—Build Your Tribe
Divorce can feel isolating—but it doesn’t have to be.
Dr. Barb shared her own story during the Live:
“When I went through my divorce, I was lucky enough to find a group of women who had been through it too. That support changed everything.”
That’s what Erica is doing with the Crazy Ex-Wives Club—creating a space where women can be raw, real, and resilient together.
“Creating your tribe, your thinking partner — that’s what’s going to help you feel like you can take your next steps,” Julianna emphasizes.
Community matters. Whether it’s a local group, an online space, or a network like Purse Strings that connects you with professionals who get it, having people in your corner makes all the difference.
It’s time.
Where to Go From Here
If any part of this post resonates with you, take one small step today. You don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need a starting place.
Download your free checklist: How to Prepare for Divorce Before You Mention the D Word
🧑💼 Need support? Explore our vetted network of Purse Strings Approved Professionals — experts who specialize in helping women navigate financial transitions with confidence.
🎧 Want to hear the full conversation? Check out our podcast episode with Erica from the Crazy Ex-Wives Club for more insights on community, healing, and moving forward.
💬 Final Thought: Divorce may feel like an ending, but it’s also the beginning of something new—your next chapter, written by you. And you don’t have to write it alone.
