Women’s Divorce and the Power of Self-Advocacy: How to Stand Up for Yourself in 3 Simple Steps

Did you know that women often see a 41% drop in their lifestyle after divorce, while men typically only take a 23% hit?

Let that sink in for a moment. 

These numbers aren’t just stats—they’re a wake-up call for every woman going through a divorce. Here’s the hard truth…

The system isn’t going to have your back. 

Your ex definitely isn’t going to have your back. 

And, no offense, but even the most dedicated lawyer may not know how to protect your financial future the way you need.

This is why you must have your own back, girlfriend.

I know it’s tempting to want to trust the process, to believe that things will just work out. But let me tell you, the stakes are way too high to leave your future to chance. We’re talking about your financial security, your peace of mind, and your freedom. Without self-advocacy, you’re risking everything—your lifestyle, your hard-earned assets, your future.

Think of it this way—you’ve been a part of building a life together, and you deserve your fair slice of the pie. You’ve put in the effort, the love, the sacrifices. Now, it’s time to stand up and claim what’s yours.

So, how do you make sure you’re your own best advocate during this tough time? I’ve got your back. Here are three powerful ways to stand up for yourself in a divorce.

Divorce Tips for Women: 3 Steps to Stand Up for Yourself and Claim a Fair Divorce Settlement

⭐ Women’s Divorce Step #1: Get intimately familiar with your finances.

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your money. If you want to advocate for yourself, you need to know your financial situation inside and out. I’m talking about every penny—what’s coming in, what’s going out, and what you’ve got stashed away. You can’t afford to be in the dark about your own finances.

Start by gathering all the documents—bank statements, tax returns, retirement accounts, credit card bills, mortgage papers, everything. Lay it all out, and don’t be afraid to dive into the details. 

If something looks confusing or you’re unsure, ask questions. Get help if you need it (this is what Certified Divorce Financial Analysts® are for 😉). The goal is to have a crystal-clear picture of where you stand financially.

Knowing your finances gives you the power to make informed decisions.

It’s your foundation for negotiating, for pushing back when things don’t seem right, and for building a future that’s secure and stable. And trust me, when you know your numbers, you’ll walk into every meeting, every negotiation, with confidence and control. 💪

⭐ Women’s Divorce Step #2: Don’t be afraid to speak up.

I get it. Speaking up for yourself, especially in the middle of a divorce, can feel intimidating. You might worry about being seen as difficult or demanding. But here’s the deal—advocating for yourself is not being selfish. It’s being smart. It’s about ensuring your needs are met and your rights are respected.

If you want fair child support, say so. If you need spousal maintenance to get back on your feet, demand it. If you think the division of assets is unfair, speak up. After going through Step #1, you already know what you need to live comfortably and securely. So, don’t be shy about making your voice heard.

This is NOT the time to be a people pleaser. 

This is your life, your future. Don’t settle for an unfair divorce settlement because you’re trying to keep the peace or because you’re worried about how you’ll be perceived. Standing up for yourself is about ensuring you get what’s rightfully yours, and it’s a powerful step toward building the life you want post-divorce.

Related: 7 Empowering Divorce Tips for Women from a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®

⭐ Women’s Divorce Step #3: Bring in the big guns—hire a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® who exclusively serves women.

Look, divorce isn’t just about who gets the house or how much child support is paid. It’s about securing your financial future—including this chapter, and the next, and the next, and the next. This is where a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® comes into play. 

A CDFA® knows the ins and outs of divorce finances. They’ll look at your entire financial picture, help you see the long-term impact of different divorce settlement options, and make sure you’re not missing out on what’s yours.

But here’s the key—you need a CDFA® who gets it.

You need someone who knows what women face in divorce, and who is dedicated to ensuring you come out on top. That’s why it’s crucial to hire a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® who exclusively serves women (hey, that’s me! 👋). We’ll be in your corner, looking out for your best interests, uncovering hidden assets, and making sure you’re not getting short-changed in the divorce settlement.

As part of my work as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, I’ll help you build a solid team of professionals, including the right lawyer, so you have comprehensive support throughout the process. It’s like having your own financial bodyguard, ensuring you’re protected every step of the way.

Related: Women’s Divorce: 8 Reasons You SHOULDN’T Hire a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst ®

Embrace your power and protect your future.

Divorce is tough, but it’s also an opportunity—a chance to reclaim your power and secure your future. By getting intimate with your finances, speaking up for what you need, and bringing in a CDFA® who knows how to protect your interests, you’re setting yourself up for success. This is your time to shine, to advocate for yourself, and to build the life you deserve.

Want more divorce tips for women? Get on the waitlist for Bold Beginnings: a guided journal for navigating women’s divorce.

Ready to take the next step in your divorce journey? My new book, Bold Beginnings, is your guide to becoming your own best advocate. With practical advice, real-life examples, and empowering tools and strategies, you’ll uncover the inner power you need to stand up for yourself and secure your future.

📖 Join the waitlist for Bold Beginnings and start building the life you deserve!

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