Preparing Financially for Divorce Proceedings

By Janice Berner, MBA, CPA*, CDFA, CLTC

How to organize your finances, understand your obligations, and confidently navigate financial discussions during divorce.

Divorce is often one of life’s most challenging transitions—not just emotionally, but financially. Whether the process is amicable or contested, being prepared financially can reduce stress, help protect your interests, and support better decision-making throughout divorce proceedings.

Preparing for divorce isn’t about predicting every detail, but rather about gathering key information, understanding your financial situation, and entering discussions—whether with attorneys, mediators, or the court—with clarity and confidence.

This guide walks through important steps to prepare financially for divorce, helping you lay the groundwork for a smoother, more informed process.

Taxes and Divorce: Key Considerations

By Janice Berner, MBA, CPA*, CDFA, CLTC

How filing status, exemptions, alimony, and asset division can affect your tax planning after divorce.

Divorce doesn’t just change your relationships—it also can reshape your financial life in profound ways. One of the most important (and sometimes overlooked) aspects is how divorce impacts your taxes. From filing status and child-related exemptions to alimony and property transfers, understanding how the tax code treats these changes is essential to avoid costly surprises and help ensure efficient financial planning.

Whether you're in the middle of a divorce or adjusting to life after one, here’s some helpful information about how divorce may affect your tax situation.

Janice has Completed the Divorce Life Transition Planning Program

Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts

The Certificate in Divorce Life Transition Planning is a course teaching financial advisors to help clients navigate the emotional and psychological aspects of divorce, in addition to the technical financial planning involved. The Financial Transitionist® Institute has been pioneering the human side of financial transition planning for 25 years. 

An Interview With Martita Mestey:
Janice Berner Of Baystate Financial On 5 Things You Need To Create a Highly Successful Career as a Woman Financial Planner or Financial Advisor

As Seen on Authority Magazine and Medium

"Prioritize Wellness and Joy. If you’re healthy and energized, your practice thrives. I encourage clients — especially post-divorce — to see new goals as opportunities. I do the same in my own life and career."

CRN202808–9222656

E-Book: 10 Financial Mistakes To Avoid in Divorce

By Janice Berner, MBA, CPA*, CDFA, CLTC

Janice's e-book walks you through ten common mistakes made in divorce - and how to avoid them.

Quoted in:
6 Ways to Teach Young Kids About Money

As Seen on What To Expect and Fresh Starts  

"For kindergarten and early elementary students, a great way to teach them about money is through an allowance that they earn for work they do to help out," Berner says. "To teach them about savings and spending, have [them create] two separate jars where they put the money they are using to save for something and funds they get to spend now. If you would like to teach them to do for others, you can add a third jar for money going to a charity of their choice."

CRN202611-5376569