Divorce changes more than just your relationship status; it can reshape your finances, daily routine, and the future you had in mind. While it’s natural to focus on the practical side, your emotional well-being is just as important. In fact, the two are more closely linked than many people realise. In a recent episode of The Divorce Podcast by amicable, host Kate Daly spoke with Octopus Money Senior Paraplanner Ben Atherton to talk through five essential money tips for navigating life after separation.
1. Give Yourself Permission to Grieve
Ben’s first point is simple, but important: before you dive into financial decisions, give yourself time to adjust.
“Divorce can feel like a loss,” he says. “You’ve not only lost a relationship — you’ve lost a version of your future.”
When you’re mentally and emotionally exhausted, it’s harder to make good decisions. Whether it’s time off work, speaking to a therapist, or simply going for a daily walk, make space to look after yourself first. That clarity will help you tackle what’s next with confidence.
When you’re mentally and emotionally exhausted, it’s harder to make good decisions. Whether it’s time off work, speaking to a therapist, or simply going for a daily walk, make space to look after yourself first. You’ll feel more confident tackling the next steps.
2. Reset Your Money Mindset
Post-divorce, your financial situation will likely look very different. So your mindset needs to shift, too.
Ben recommends starting with one clear, achievable goal:
“Maybe it’s clearing a small debt or saving your first £500. Just one quick win can build the momentum you need.”
Whether you were the “money person” in your relationship or not, now’s the time to get comfortable with your finances.
3. Get to Grips With Child Maintenance
If you’re co-parenting, child maintenance is an important factor when discussing your financial arrangements. Use the government calculator for a baseline, but keep in mind that’s just a starting point. Children often come with extra costs, and it helps to be prepared. amicable offers a Separating with Children Service, where parents can get expert support from a Co-parenting Specialist, who can help them navigate child maintenance.
Ben advises getting any agreements in writing and using a tool like the amicable co-parenting app to track payments. It keeps things organised and reduces conflict.
Also, check your eligibility for financial support. Single-person council tax discount, child benefit, and other benefits can make a meaningful difference.
4. Update Your Will and Pension Beneficiaries
A divorce doesn’t automatically update your legal documents. That means your ex could still be listed as a beneficiary unless you change it.
Review your pension, life insurance, and will as soon as you can. It may not feel urgent, but it’s one of the most overlooked risks after a separation.
Services like Octopus Legacy can help, and Octopus Money customers can access an exclusive 50% discount. Log in to your Octopus Money account, or speak to your coach or advisor to get your unique link.
5. Plan for Your Financial Future
Once things feel more settled, it’s time to think ahead. Ben’s first suggestion is to build an emergency fund.
Ben’s first suggestion: an emergency fund.
“Aim for three to six months of expenses. It gives you breathing space and helps shift your mindset out of scarcity.”
Then start mapping out your bigger picture — retirement, home ownership, investing, or whatever your goals may be. Divorce is the end of one chapter, but it’s also the start of a new one. Creating a financial plan helps you take back control and move forward with purpose.
What to Do Next
Divorce can feel like starting from scratch. But with the right tools and support, you can rebuild — one decision at a time.
If you’re just starting to think about divorce, amicable can help you separate in a kinder, more cooperative way — with legal guidance, emotional support, and simple tools to make the process smoother.
If you’re already navigating separation, here are a few practical steps to take now:
✅ Check what support you’re eligible for — from child benefit to council tax discounts and other entitlements.
✍️ Update your will — Octopus Money customers get an exclusive 50% discount with Octopus Legacy. Get your unique link by logging into your Ocotpus Money account or by asking your coach or advisor.
💬 Speak to a financial coach or advisor through Octopus Money to create a clear plan for your next chapter. Don’t have a coach? Book your free session to get started.
You don’t have to do everything at once. Just take the first step — the rest gets easier from there.
