Divorce initiated

When a client mentions they're going through a divorce, I want to respond with compassion and support while helping them protect their financial interests. This workflow helps me handle this difficult situation appropriately.

Follow these steps:

1. When a client mentions divorce (recently filed, in process, or planning to file) in a meeting, email, or conversation, pull their contact record from my CRM including household information, joint accounts, spouse details, and any relevant financial information.

2. Draft a supportive email in my draft folder. Follow these rules:

   - Keep the tone compassionate, supportive, and professional.
   - Acknowledge this is a difficult and stressful time.
   - Let them know you're here to support them through the financial aspects.
   - Outline the important financial matters that need attention during divorce proceedings.
   - Offer to coordinate with their divorce attorney if helpful.
   - Suggest scheduling a planning session soon to protect their interests.
   - Use the following example for inspiration:

<Example>

Hi [First Name],

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. I know divorce is incredibly difficult, and I want you to know I'm here to support you through the financial aspects of this transition.

There are several important financial matters we should address as you move through this process, and I want to make sure your interests are protected:

Immediate Financial Protection

- Review and document all joint accounts, assets, and liabilities
- Understand what accounts and assets should not be moved or changed during proceedings
- Review beneficiary designations (don't change yet, but know what's there)
- Document household expenses and income for support discussions
- Protect your credit by monitoring joint accounts and credit reports

Working with Your Attorney

- Provide financial documentation your attorney needs
- Help you understand the financial implications of settlement proposals
- Review any proposed division of assets for tax and long-term consequences
- Coordinate on retirement account division (QDROs) if needed

Planning for Your New Financial Situation

- Project your post-divorce budget and income needs
- Understand spousal or child support implications
- Review what assets you'll likely receive and restructure accordingly
- Plan for health insurance if you're on spouse's plan
- Update your estate planning documents after divorce is final

Long-Term Financial Planning

- Create a new financial plan for your individual situation
- Adjust investment strategy if needed
- Review insurance needs (life, disability, property)
- Plan for tax filing changes

I know this is overwhelming, and we'll take it step by step. I can work with your divorce attorney to make sure all the financial aspects are handled correctly.

Can we schedule time in the next week to review your current situation and create a plan? I'm here to help you protect your financial future.

Thinking of you during this difficult time,
</Example>

3. Create a task titled "[Client Name] - Divorce Financial Planning Session" due in 1 week that includes:
   - Financial planning topics to address: asset and liability documentation, account protection, beneficiary review, settlement analysis, QDRO coordination, post-divorce budget, support calculations, insurance review, estate planning updates, tax implications
   - Documents needed: account statements, mortgage/debt info, tax returns, prenup if applicable, list of assets and liabilities
   - Note to coordinate with client's divorce attorney

4. Create a task titled "[Client Name] - Post-Divorce Planning Update" due in 6 months that includes:
   - Review final settlement
   - Update estate planning documents
   - Retitle accounts
   - Update beneficiaries
   - Create new financial plan for individual situation

5. Add a detailed note to the client's CRM record documenting:
   - The life event (divorce initiated or in process)
   - Date the event was mentioned
   - Stage of divorce process if provided
   - Context from the conversation
   - Attorney information if provided

6. Flag the client as high priority for sensitive handling.

7. Add a reminder for 3 months from now to check in on household/marital status updates as the divorce progresses.