Should you plan your finances before a divorce?

Yes, your life is already plenty complicated, but taking these steps may save you future headaches. A divorce does not have to be messy if you careful plan your finances before decisions are binding. Before the divorce, assess your shared financial situation and seek guidance from a certified financial planner or other licensed professional.

Can divorce affect your finances?

"Divorce can be a long, draining process, but you need to stay vigilant when it comes to the finances. You'll be making decisions that will likely impact your finances for many years to come, and you can't go back and change them once it's done," Burns said. It can also help to start thinking about lifestyle adjustments you may need to make.

What should I do if I'm divorced?

A good place to start is reassessing your financial goals, which may have drastically changed during the divorce. "These might include short-term goals like replacing a car or buying a home or long-term goals like retirement," Burns said. From there, strategize a plan to bring your goals to life.