Case Study: Preparing for Divorce as a High-Earning Woman
The Challenge: Carrying the Weight of the Marriage
Many high-achieving women—doctors, lawyers, executives—find themselves juggling both career and home life while their spouses contribute little. They handle the finances, care for the children, and manage the household, only to realize after years of sacrifice that their marriage is unsustainable.
When these women reach their breaking point and decide to file for divorce, they often expect a quick resolution. However, without proper planning, they may be at a disadvantage, particularly if their spouse is unemployed or disengaged from parenting.
The reality? Rushing into divorce without setting up the right financial and custodial foundation can lead to unfair settlements, excessive financial obligations, and custody imbalances.
The Strategy: Preparing Before Filing for Divorce
Rather than immediately filing and risking a poor outcome, we advise our clients to take strategic steps first to level the playing field.
Key Steps for a Stronger Divorce Position
Reduce Work Hours (If Possible) – If you want shared custody, establish a track record of being present for your children before filing. This can prevent your spouse from arguing that they should have primary custody because you’re “too busy.”
Encourage Your Spouse to Work – If your husband has been underemployed or unemployed, getting him into a real job before filing may reduce financial burdens like alimony or support obligations.
Organize Financial Records – Before filing, it’s crucial to gather bank statements, tax returns, retirement accounts, and property valuations to ensure financial transparency and fairness in asset division.
Build a Post-Divorce Life Plan – Start envisioning and practicing the life you want post-divorce before taking legal action. This minimizes disruptions once the case is underway.
The Outcome: A Smoother, More Favorable Divorce
By delaying the divorce slightly and making smart pre-filing adjustments, women can avoid unnecessary financial and custodial setbacks.
We help our clients map out their strategy before filing, ensuring they mitigate risks, protect their assets, and secure fair custody arrangements. This preemptive planning leads to faster, cleaner divorce proceedings with significantly better results.
Your Next Step: Plan Before You File
If you’re considering divorce but aren’t sure if you’re financially or legally prepared, taking the right pre-filing steps can make all the difference.
Download our Divorce Planning Guide for expert strategies on setting yourself up for success.
Schedule a Consultation today to create a personalized pre-divorce plan that protects your finances, parental rights, and future stability.
