FINP057 Separation Planning: An adviser's perspective (643 words)

In this article we explain why it is vital to see a financial adviser during a relationship separation or divorce. Written from the perspective of the financial adviser, the article details the important steps that need to be taken to gain financial independence and ensure a brighter financial future after separation.

Few client meetings have been as challenging. After years of being happily married, Sarah and her husband decided to separate, and the story of her acrimonious divorce was certainly distressing.

It started with a chance meeting, where in passing, Sarah mentioned the divorce. She assured me she’d had enough of advisers for a while and just wanted some time out. I insisted we meet as quickly as possible.

The first step was to sort out her will. Again, Sarah said she never wanted to speak to another solicitor again, but this quickly changed when I explained that if something happened to her today, all her assets would go to her ex-husband.