Guides and Articles
The ultimate destination for divorce resources, support, and content.
Guides
Guide: Contemplating Divorce
Deciding whether to end your marriage is one of the most difficult decisions you’ll ever face. There’s no simple answer, and what’s right for one person may not be right...
Guide: Preparing for Divorce
Preparing for a divorce can be one of the most challenging times in your life, filled with complex emotions and tough decisions. Our guide offers essential strategies to help you...
Articles
If You Think Divorce Is Messy, Try Splitting Up When You’re Not Married
From The Wall Street Journal: Breaking up without being legally married can be even more complicated than divorce, because the law offers far fewer protections....
Five Unexpected Things People Went to War for in Their Divorce
From The Wall Street Journal: Divorces often involve intense disputes over seemingly trivial items—not because of their value, but because of the emotions attached to them....
What It’s Actually Like to Downshift Your Life After Divorce
From The Wall Street Journal: Divorce often leads to a significant lifestyle downgrade, even for high earners, because the financial advantages of sharing expenses disappear....
When the Ultrarich Divorce, This Lawyer Calculates What Their Solo Life Will Cost
From The Wall Street Journal: For the ultra-wealthy, divorce can resemble a complex financial unwind, similar to a corporate liquidation, where massive assets and high-end lifestyles are at stake....
She Watched Her Parents Divorce. It Upended Her View of Money.
From The Wall Street Journal: Parental divorce often shapes how children think about money—for better or worse—well into adulthood....
What It’s Like to Retire in America After a Divorce
From The Wall Street Journal: Divorce among Americans over 50—often called “gray divorce”—has risen sharply, now accounting for nearly 40% of all divorces. While younger couples are divorcing less, older...
Inside the ‘Financial Infidelities’ That Tear Marriages Apart
From The Wall Street Journal: It has never been easier to conceal unsavory spending from a spouse. Divorce—and significant financial damage—can follow....
What is a Quitclaim Deed?
A Quitclaim Deed is a legal document used to transfer ownership interest in real estate from one person to another without guaranteeing that the title is clear of any liens...
Estate Planning Should be a Part of Divorce Planning
Deciding to divorce can be painful and disorienting, creating a less-than-ideal headspace for making big financial decisions. During a divorce, it’s not uncommon for smart people to make financial choices...
Onward Glossary
Confused by financial and legal jargon? The Onward Glossary breaks down the key terms you’ll encounter when navigating divorce, asset division, or financial planning — all in plain English....
Can You Assume Your Mortgage After Divorce? (Most People Get This Wrong)
The truth? In many divorce cases, you can assume the loan — even if it’s a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan. It’s called a release of liability, and it...
Different Approaches to Managing Child-Related Reimbursements
After a divorce, managing shared expenses for your child can quickly become a source of tension if not clearly outlined. From medical bills to extracurricular activities, it’s essential to establish...
The 411 on Multiple 529s
When families have multiple children, deciding who should own each 529 college savings plan can get tricky. The good news: there’s flexibility. Ownership doesn’t have to fall under one parent...
Dividing Real Estate in Divorce: What You Need to Know
Dividing property during divorce is rarely simply a financial decision, especially when it comes to the family home. The emotional weight, financial complexity, and long-term consequences of deciding what happens...
Should You Keep, Sell, or Buy Out Your House
Deciding what to do with your home during a divorce can be challenging. Whether selling, buying out your spouse, or co-owning, each option has emotional and financial implications. Reflecting on...
Valuing Real Estate: What Is It Worth?
Divorce can be a complex process, particularly in dividing real estate. Knowing your property's market value is essential for an equitable split. Options like refinancing, selling, or temporary joint ownership...
How to Manage a Timeshare During Divorce
Navigating a timeshare during a divorce can be challenging due to emotional and financial complexities. Whether selling, buying out your spouse, or sharing the timeshare post-divorce, knowing your options is...
Debt in Divorce: What You Need to Know
Divorce involves emotional, legal, and financial aspects. While asset division is a focus, understanding debt responsibilities is crucial too. From credit card debt to mortgages, knowing who is accountable can...
How to Minimize Financial Risk During Divorce
Divorce can lead to financial challenges that linger long after it's over. Joint debts may be overlooked, causing future conflicts. With the right preparation, you can mitigate these risks. Learn...
Understanding Marital vs Separate Property
Navigating divorce can be overwhelming, especially with asset division. Knowing the difference between marital and separate property is essential for your financial future. Marital property includes assets acquired during marriage,...
Protecting Your Property Rights
Protecting property rights requires careful planning and clear records. Legal agreements can set property rules before or during marriage. Keeping detailed documents helps prove what belongs to whom....
Understanding How States View Marital and Separate Property
Navigating divorce can be overwhelming, but understanding its phases and legal implications can empower you. Each stage presents unique considerations, from contemplating divorce to post-divorce adjustments. Your state's view on...
What is Plaid?
Navigating divorce can be overwhelming, but with Onward and Plaid, you can simplify the process. Securely connect your financial accounts and share only necessary data. Say goodbye to manual entry...
Common Myths About Marital and Separate Property
Many people misunderstand how assets and debts are treated in divorce, especially when it comes to joint accounts, business interests, and debt division. These misconceptions can lead to confusion or...
Simplify Financial Disclosure for Divorce with Onward
Dividing finances during a divorce can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. At Onward, we simplify financial disclosures by integrating with Plaid, enabling you to securely connect your...
Understanding How Retirement Accounts Are Divided in Divorce
Dividing retirement accounts during a divorce can be confusing, especially because different types of accounts require different legal processes. Below is a quick comparison chart to help you understand the...
Financial Literacy for Kids and Teens
Divorce often brings financial changes, and it can be helpful for kids to learn about managing money early. There are free tools and programs that teach kids financial responsibility, saving,...
What is a QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order)?
A QDRO protects your financial future by ensuring you receive your fair share of retirement benefits in a divorce. If your divorce involves retirement assets, ask your attorney or mediator...
Modifying Maintenance (Alimony) Post Divorce
Divorce settlements often include spousal maintenance to help one spouse maintain financial stability after the marriage ends. Whether you are paying or receiving maintenance, you may have the right to...
Onward Article: To Move or To Stay
One of the questions we’re asked most often is: Should I move out of my home or stay put? Deciding to move during the divorce process typically depends on several...
Dividing Child-Related Expenses
Dividing child-related expenses is often one of the most confusing and emotionally charged aspects of divorce, but having clarity upfront will make a huge difference for you and your children....
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Should You Seek a Modification of Maintenance?
Thinking about a modification of spousal maintenance? Before moving forward, it’s important to weigh the financial and practical benefits against the potential costs and risks....
529s During Divorce
Navigating 529 college savings plans during a divorce can be complex, as they involve financial, legal, and custodial considerations. Here’s a breakdown of key steps and considerations to help manage...
Real Estate Literacy: What is a Special Warranty Deed?
A Special Warranty Deed is a legal document used in real estate transactions to transfer property ownership with limited guarantees about the title. It ensures that the seller (grantor) only...
Do I Lose Rights by Leaving Our Home?
Leaving the marital home during a divorce does not automatically mean you lose your rights to the property or the custody of your children, but it can impact your case...
Large Purchases During Divorce
One of the most common questions the Onward experts get asked is: How should I be spending, or should I be spending at all? Making a large purchase during the...
Quitclaim Deed vs. Special Warranty Deed
What are the key differences? Both Quitclaim Deeds and Special Warranty Deeds are used to transfer property ownership, but they offer various levels of protection, guarantees, and usage scenarios. Here’s...
Domestic Abuse and Violence Resources
Seeking support for domestic abuse can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Numerous organizations offer confidential help, safety planning, and legal resources to ensure you feel safe and supported....
How to Handle Taxes Post Divorce
Filing taxes after a divorce can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. From updating your filing status to understanding who can claim dependents, knowing the rules can...
Navigating Alimony Documents
Alimony can be a tricky topic, but with the right documents, it doesn’t have to be a headache. From the divorce decree that outlines the terms to payment records that...
Changing Alimony Post – Divorce
Ah, Alimony – also called Maintenance, or Spousal Support. It can feel daunting, and many people, divorced or not, can associate alimony with negativity. However, it’s an aspect of most...
How To Request Custody Modification
Navigating custody modification post-divorce can be daunting. Whether facing a significant change or seeking to better meet your child's needs, understanding the process is crucial. Our expert resources at Onward...
Opening a New Bank Account
Navigating finances after a divorce can be challenging, but opening a new bank account shouldn't add to the stress. Discover how to take control of your financial future with our...
Divorce Financial Disclosures: Requirements and Consequences for Non-Compliance in Colorado
In a Colorado divorce, both spouses must provide comprehensive financial disclosures, including a Sworn Financial Statement and supporting documents, to ensure fair asset division and avoid delays in finalizing the...
Post-Nuptial Agreements 101
A post-nuptial agreement is a legal contract that a married couple creates after they are already married. It outlines how their assets, debts, and other financial matters will be divided...