Divorce ranks among life’s most emotionally demanding experiences, and one of the most financially disruptive. When a marriage or long-term relationship ends, income, asset ownership and future financial security can shift dramatically.

Understanding the financial implications can help you protect what you’ve built and move forward with confidence post-divorce. This is especially important for women, who typically experience a much steeper income decline after divorce. Multiple studies show a drop in income of around 21–30%, compared with only 5% for men.

Working with an experienced financial planner on the Gold Coast can help you navigate these changes strategically and avoid mistakes that could impact your long-term wealth and retirement plans.

Key financial areas to consider in divorce negotiations

Approaching divorce negotiations from a position of strength starts with understanding the key areas that will significantly influence the financial outcomes. Here’s what to consider:

Property and business assets

When negotiating a property settlement, consider how the proposed outcome will support your income needs, living expenses and long-term financial goals.

Dividing assets isn’t always a simple 50-50 split. The final outcome can depend on factors such as who will have primary custody of children, income differences between partners, and each person’s financial contributions.

Before reaching an agreement, ensure all assets, including property, vehicles, business interests, investments and high-value items such as artwork or jewellery, are professionally valued. If the family home or other property is to be sold, seek advice on potential tax implications, such as capital gains tax or transfer duty, if you intend to buy a new home.

Engaging both an experienced family lawyer on the Gold Coast and a financial planning firm familiar with divorce settlements can ensure every financial detail is considered.

Superannuation and retirement planning

Under the Family Law Act 1975, superannuation can be divided between separating partners by agreement or court order. This means part of one person’s super balance can be transferred to the other’s account. This is a common outcome when one spouse has spent time out of the workforce to raise children, resulting in a gap in retirement savings.

Losing a portion of your super can set your long-term financial goals back significantly and delay your retirement.The closer you are to retirement, the less time you have to rebuild your balance.

Following a divorce, revisit your retirement planning strategy with your financial planner to account for changes in income and future living costs and lifestyle expectations.

Child and spousal maintenance arrangements

Moving from a dual-income household to a single-income household can reduce your financial capacity while increasing living expenses.

The statistics also show that for many women, this income drop can persist for years. A financial planner can help you assess your financial position, adjust your lifestyle and develop a sustainable strategy to support you after divorce.

If you’re unable to meet reasonable living expenses or are the primary carer for children, you may be entitled to spousal or child maintenance, or both. A payment plan can be negotiated between you and your former partner, ideally with guidance from your family lawyers.

If an agreement cannot be reached, you can approach the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, which will determine a just and equitable maintenance arrangement.

The steps to take to navigate divorce confidently

1. Engage professional expertise from the outset

An experienced Gold Coast family lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and negotiate a fair property settlement. A financial planner can assess your financial position, model potential outcomes, and work with your lawyer to ensure the settlement supports your long-term financial security.

2. Prepare a full asset and liability list

Your financial planner will want to review assets such as superannuation, shareholdings, business interests and investment properties, along with liabilities including loans, credit cards and any future financial obligations.

3. Adjust your retirement plan

Should part of your super be transferred to your former spouse, your retirement goals may need to change. You might need to boost contributions or adjust lifestyle expectations in retirement. If you’re over 40, your savings window is much shorter, making proactive retirement planning essential.

4. Rework your budget

Transitioning to a single-income household requires a fresh look at everyday costs. Housing, utilities, transport, medical and food expenses will no longer be shared. You may even have new costs, such as additional travel for shared parenting that you need to budget for.

5. Plan the way forward

After a divorce, rather than focus on what’s been lost, redirect your energy to shaping a more secure future. Work with your financial planner to develop a roadmap to build a financial buffer and grow your investments and retirement funds.

Frequently asked questions

Working with a financial planner can help you regain your financial footing

Divorce can be one of life’s most financially disruptive events, but it doesn’t have to derail your future. With the right financial guidance, you can protect your assets, rebuild stability and move toward long-term wealth.

At RFS Advice on the Gold Coast, we’ll work with you, providing tailored financial planning and wealth strategies to support a fresh start.

Book a call with one of our experienced advisers to explore how we can help you strengthen your financial future and move forward with confidence after divorce.

General advice warning: The information and any advice provided in this article have been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs.  Because of that, you should, before acting on the advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to those things.