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Certified Divorce Coach, Divorce Mediator, Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®),
Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE®), Licensed Real Estate Broker
NH Based | Virtual Services Nationwide
(603) 617-0806 | OptimalDivorceSolutions@gmail.com

Divorce Insights Blog
Expert guidance to help you navigate divorce with
clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Divorce, Real Estate & Financial Clarity Blog
Expert articles on divorce coaching, mediation, financial planning, and real estate decisions.
Divorce is overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. Explore practical advice on mediation, financial clarity, and real estate decisions to move forward with confidence.


Why Financial Awareness is Critical During Divorce
Key Takeaways Why is financial awareness important during divorce? It empowers you to make informed decisions and avoid financial surprises. What steps can you take to understand your finances? Gather financial documents, track expenses, and assess your assets and debts. How does financial awareness benefit your divorce process? It ensures fair settlements, helps with planning, and reduces financial stress. What tools can help you gain clarity on your finances? Budgeting

Lisa McNally
Jan 143 min read


Why Financial Stability After Divorce Has Nothing to Do With Income
True financial stability after divorce is built through thoughtful decisions, not income alone. One of the most common assumptions people make during divorce is that financial stability after divorce is primarily about income. The logic feels obvious: earn more, and everything will be fine. But in practice, income alone is a poor predictor of post-divorce stability . Many people with strong incomes feel financially stressed after divorce, while others with more modest earning
Lisa McNally
Jan 134 min read


Why Rushed Divorce Decisions Often Create Long-Term Problems
Wanting divorce over quickly can quietly create long-term challenges. One of the most common phrases people say during divorce is, “I just want this over with.” On the surface, that desire makes sense. Divorce is emotionally draining, disruptive, and uncomfortable. Wanting relief is human. But when the primary goal becomes speed, rather than clarity, the decisions made along the way often create long-term problems that last far longer than the divorce itself . Understanding
Lisa McNally
Jan 64 min read


When Emotions Quietly Dictate Financial Divorce Decisions
Financial divorce decisions are often shaped by emotions beneath awareness. Divorce is often described as a legal or financial process, but beneath the surface, something quieter—and more powerful—is at work. Emotions frequently dictate financial divorce decisions , even when people believe they’re acting logically. This doesn’t happen because people are careless or irrational. It happens because divorce creates emotional pressure at the exact moment when financial decisions
Lisa McNally
Dec 30, 20253 min read


How to Build Financial Independence Post-Divorce
Key Takeaways Why is financial independence important after divorce? It provides stability, security, and the freedom to shape your future. How can you start taking control of your finances post-divorce? By creating a realistic budget and understanding your income and expenses. What role do savings and investments play in financial independence? They help build a safety net and grow wealth over time. How can financial education benefit you? It empowers you to make informe

Lisa McNally
Oct 22, 20253 min read


Divorce Money Mindset: How to Build Financial Clarity and Confidence During Divorce
Money Mindset: Building financial clarity and confidence during divorce. Divorce doesn’t just separate two people — it untangles lives, finances, and futures. For many, money becomes the heaviest burden during this process. It’s not just about dividing assets or handling child support; it’s about shifting your money mindset so fear doesn’t control your decisions. If you’re going through a divorce in New Hampshire, Southern Maine, or beyond, understanding and reshaping your r

Lisa McNally
Sep 25, 20254 min read


Why Financial Literacy is Essential During Divorce
Key Takeaways Financial literacy is critical for making informed decisions during divorce. Understanding concepts like alimony, child support, and asset division helps protect your financial future. Proper financial education can empower you to negotiate better terms in your divorce settlement. Knowing your financial rights and obligations ensures clarity and reduces post-divorce disputes. Financial literacy provides peace of mind and confidence as you navigate the divorce pr

Lisa McNally
Sep 10, 20253 min read


The Cost of Divorce: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Learn what divorce really costs, how to prepare financially, and how to save with coaching, mediation, and expert support. Divorce can be one of the most emotionally and financially challenging transitions of your life. While every divorce is unique, one common denominator is cost. Whether your situation is amicable or contentious, understanding the financial landscape of divorce—and preparing for it—can make a significant difference in how you emerge on the other side. At Op

Lisa McNally
Sep 5, 20253 min read


The True Cost of Divorce: How to Prepare and Save Thousands
Managing the cost of divorce starts with the right strategy and support. Divorce is one of the most emotionally and financially complex events a person can face. Whether you're considering divorce or already in the process, it's important to understand the potential costs, how to prepare for them, and—most importantly—how to minimize them. As a Certified Divorce Coach, Mediator, Financial Analyst, and Real Estate Expert, I help my clients navigate every stage of divorce with

Lisa McNally
Aug 26, 20254 min read


Financial Clarity in Divorce: A Must-Have When Working with Your Attorney
A woman reviews financial documents during divorce, preparing to work effectively with her attorney and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) Why Financial Clarity Is Key When Working with Your Divorce Attorney If you're going through a divorce—especially a high-net-worth or gray divorce—financial clarity isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. Without a clear picture of your assets, liabilities, and financial goals, your attorney can only do so much. At Optimal Divorce Solu

Lisa McNally
Aug 20, 20254 min read


Understanding Debt Division in Divorce
Divorcing couple reviewing bills and debt statements together. Divorce is never just about emotions—it's also about untangling a life built together. And one of the most misunderstood and stressful parts of that process is figuring out who is responsible for what when it comes to debt division. Whether you’re facing credit card balances, a joint mortgage, business loans, or tax debt, understanding your rights and obligations is crucial to securing your financial future. At Op

Lisa McNally
Aug 20, 20253 min read


How to Protect Your Credit During Divorce
Reviewing financial documents with precision is key to protecting your credit during divorce. Divorce is hard enough without adding a wrecked credit score to the mix. Yet, many people going through a divorce unknowingly make decisions (or fail to act) that lead to lasting credit damage. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), Divorce Coach, and Mediator, I’ve seen firsthand how easily financial entanglements during divorce can affect your creditworthiness for years

Lisa McNally
Aug 10, 20254 min read


Navigating a Buyout: How to Keep the Home Without Financial Fallout
Accurate home valuation and financial analysis are essential steps when navigating a divorce buyout. For many divorcing couples, the family home is more than just a property—it's a symbol of stability, comfort, and identity. But when the marriage ends, tough decisions must be made. One common scenario is a buyout, where one spouse wants to keep the home and compensate the other for their share of the equity. As a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE), Certified Divorce

Lisa McNally
Aug 9, 20254 min read


How to Build a Post-Divorce Budget You Can Actually Stick To
Building a realistic post-divorce budget starts with clarity and smart planning. Divorce not only marks the end of a relationship—it often signals a major financial reset. Whether you’re navigating life solo for the first time in years or rebuilding from financial uncertainty, creating a post-divorce budget is one of the most empowering steps you can take. At Optimal Divorce Solutions, I help clients gain financial clarity and develop realistic, sustainable budgets that refle

Lisa McNally
Jul 31, 20254 min read


The Biggest Financial Mistakes People Make in Divorce and How to Avoid Them
Divorce doesn't have to destroy your finances—learn how to navigate money matters with clarity and confidence. Divorce is not just a legal and emotional process—it’s also one of the most significant financial turning points in a person’s life. The decisions you make during divorce can impact your finances for years to come. At Optimal Divorce Solutions, I work with clients across the U.S.—especially those in high-net-worth and gray divorce cases—to avoid common financial mis

Lisa McNally
Jul 27, 20253 min read


Divorce, Real Estate, and Credit Scores: Protecting Your Financial Future
Divorcing couples often feel overwhelmed by the financial impact on their credit—especially when real estate and shared debt are involved. Divorce doesn’t just split a marriage—it often splits financial stability. And one of the most overlooked casualties in the process is your credit score. If real estate is involved, the stakes are even higher. From shared mortgages to missed payments and lingering liabilities, your credit can take a serious hit if the process isn’t handled

Lisa McNally
Jul 22, 20254 min read


How to Track Down Hidden Assets During Divorce
Hidden assets can significantly impact your divorce settlement—knowing how to uncover them is critical to ensuring a fair outcome. Divorce can bring out the best in people—but it can also bring out the worst. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for one spouse to hide assets in an attempt to keep more than their fair share. Whether it’s a secret bank account, underreported income, or suspicious transfers, hidden assets can significantly impact your settlement. At Optimal Divorce

Lisa McNally
Jul 19, 20253 min read


What Happens to Your Mortgage During Divorce? A Step-by-Step Guide
Reviewing mortgage options with a trusted professional helps divorcing couples make informed decisions that protect both their finances and their future. For many divorcing couples, the home—and more specifically, the mortgage—becomes one of the most complex and misunderstood elements of the property division process. While splitting equity may seem straightforward, the mortgage adds an entirely different layer of legal and financial responsibility that can have long-term con

Lisa McNally
Jul 16, 20254 min read


Divorce and Taxes: 7 Costly Mistakes to Avoid
Divorce and taxes are closely connected—avoiding these costly mistakes can save thousands and reduce post-divorce stress. Divorce is already overwhelming emotionally—but it also has serious financial consequences that can last for years, especially when it comes to taxes. Many people make critical tax mistakes during or after their divorce that result in unexpected bills, IRS audits, or lost savings. At Optimal Divorce Solutions, I work with clients to anticipate and avoid th

Lisa McNally
Jul 9, 20253 min read


Top 5 Divorce Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Divorce mistakes are avoidable if you know what to look for. Divorce is never easy, but it doesn't have to be destructive. Over the years, I've worked with hundreds of clients through Optimal Divorce Solutions, guiding them to make informed, empowered decisions that protect their financial future, emotional well-being, and family stability. Unfortunately, there are a handful of mistakes I see over and over again—costly errors that can prolong the process, create unnecessary

Lisa McNally
Jul 8, 20254 min read
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