Frame the financial plan before comparing proposals
For households with substantial retirement and investment assets, separate brokerage, traditional IRA, Roth and cash-equivalent balances from home equity and business interests. A household total today does not tell you what investable assets or income may be available after settlement.
Ask a financial and tax professional to compare basis, potential tax on access, liquidity, concentration risk and future single-household spending under clearly stated assumptions. Legal rights and any settlement agreement remain with your attorney and the court.
Build a clear picture
Collect records you are authorized to access: account statements, debts, income, insurance, retirement plan information and prior tax returns. Record balances and statement dates rather than making assumptions about ownership.
An inventory is a planning tool. It does not determine who owns an asset or what a court will decide. Ask an attorney about preservation obligations, access rights and any restrictions before moving money or changing accounts.
- List accounts and balances without uploading account numbers here.
- Separate current household spending from estimates for two households.
- Identify employer retirement plans and request their QDRO procedures early.
Prepare a professional discussion
An attorney addresses legal rights and court process. A tax professional can explain basis, filing status and potential tax consequences. A properly qualified financial professional may help compare cash-flow scenarios, within the scope of their role.
Use the quiz to identify discussion topics. Results do not provide legal conclusions or a recommended settlement.