Guide · Life event

When might you need a financial adviser after divorce?

Divorce can turn one household plan into two. The financial planning question starts with what your new position needs to support.

Updated 28 August 2026 · UK

What can change financially?

Income, housing, pensions, investments, insurance and future retirement plans can all change after separation or divorce. Once the legal position is clear, financial advice can help turn the new asset and income position into a workable plan.

Financial adviser and family lawyer do different jobs

A solicitor deals with the legal process and settlement. A financial adviser can help plan what to do with assets, pensions and future cashflow after or alongside the legal work. Complex cases may require them to coordinate.

Pensions can be especially important

Pensions may represent a major part of family wealth even though they are less visible than property or cash. If the settlement affects pensions, make sure the adviser has relevant retirement and pension experience.

Choose for the new situation

Cashflow planningCan the adviser model the new household position?
Pension experienceDoes the adviser regularly work with retirement assets?
Investment adviceCan they help if settlement assets arrive as cash or investments?
FeesDoes the service make sense for the amount and complexity involved?
Sources & further reading

MoneyHelper - Do I need a financial adviser? ↗