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Divorce is A Shit Sandwich

(Because it is, right?!)

A Tough Topic You Can’t Afford to Overlook

Friends, in this week’s blog I’m talking about the difficult topic of estate planning.

Wondering what this has to do with divorce? Life transitions, like divorce, illness, and marriage, present an important opportunity to get organized and prepared. It’s important to update your beneficiaries and make decisions about guardianship and your assets.

In this article I share a personal experience that motivated me to get my own estate plans together, and a list of specific steps to take, created by a respected Estate Planning Attorney.

It may not be the sexiest topic out there, but it is also one that you won’t regret addressing. 💝💪

Do you have a tough question? Ask away. I’ll find the right experts to weigh in and make sure you’re getting the input you need.

Question:
My financial advisor suggested I put together an estate plan since my divorce is now final. What does that involve exactly and is it really that important?

Answer:
According to Sara Bastani, an Estate Planning Attorney at Bastani Law Firm, “Your financial advisor is right. Going through a divorce is tough, and it brings a lot of changes—not just in your personal life but also in how you manage your finances and legal affairs. Simply put, estate planning is all about deciding what happens to your stuff and who takes care of things if you’re not around. After a divorce, it’s super important to revisit and update your estate plan.”

She shared the following specific steps that are important:

1. Updating Beneficiaries and Executors:

After a divorce, update the beneficiaries on your financial assets to prevent your ex-spouse from inheriting them.

2. Guardianship of Minor Children:

Designate a guardian for your minor children, reflecting any new custody arrangements.

3. Asset Distribution:

Adjust your estate plan to reflect changes in your financial situation and ensure your assets go where you want them to. This can be done by creating a will or a revocable living trust.

4. Protecting Inheritances:

Protect any inheritance you receive post-divorce from being considered marital property in future relationships.

5. Healthcare Directives and Powers of Attorney:

Update these documents to ensure someone you trust will make medical and financial decisions on your behalf if needed.

Updating your estate plan after a divorce is crucial. It ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, your children are cared for, and your directives are followed. It’s a smart move that provides peace of mind and helps you focus on starting your new chapter with everything in order.

Here I’ll share some of the books, websites, podcasts and experts to help make your journey a little less shitty!

Sara Bastani is an experienced attorney who focuses on the entire estate planning process. You can find out more at Bastanilaw.com.

Additionally, many family lawyers offer this service since it becomes necessary following a divorce. Please contact me if you are interested in additional recommendations.

Please note that I am committed to compiling and sharing the best possible resources for you as you navigate this challenging time. There is no financial incentive for me to recommend the mediators listed here, or any other service or professional. That said, I am also confident that you will be treated with respect and receive the highest quality information and service if you do choose to speak with someone I recommend. You are always welcome to use my name when reaching out.

I am a corporate communications VP turned Certified Divorce Coach, and I created the Better Than Before Divorce™️  program for those early in the divorce process who want to reduce the impact of divorce on themselves and their children, minimize conflict and come out BETTER on the other side. Throughout my career I have worked to help executives, teams and individuals communicate succinctly, with clarity, intention, and impact, and I love using these skills to provide support and confidence to women and men tangled in the web of divorce.

My Better Than Before Divorce™️ clients benefit from my 25+ years of experience in crisis communications, branding and marketing, as well as my calm strength and commitment to tangible results. I am also a trained mediator, I’ve completed Colorado’s Collaborative Divorce Level I and II trainings, and I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and an M.S. in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania.

I hope you found this information useful. Please share your feedback HERE anytime, and visit the rest my website, betterthanbeforedivorce.com, for more information on private coaching, or the Better Than Before Divorce™ online course.