Gail Vaz-Oxlade's Guide To:

Do I Want A Divorce?

Financially Smart Divorce
With 25+ years of no-nonsense financial advice on TV, radio, and as a best-selling author, Gail Vaz-Oxlade brings her financial common sense to divorce.

Do I Want A Divorce?

Considering Divorce? Here's What You Need to Think About—First!

Alright, let’s cut the fluff. If you’re here, you’re probably already knee-deep in thinking about whether “I want a divorce” and if this is the right step for you. It’s not easy, it’s not pretty, but it’s real. And before you start making decisions that will impact your life, your finances, your retirement—and the lives of your kids—you need to get your head in the game. Divorce isn’t just a “we’re not in love anymore” decision; it’s a full-on life shake-up, and you’d better be ready.

To The Point: Do I want a Divorce? Are You Really Done?

First things first: Are you truly, honestly, 100% done with your marriage? Divorce isn’t something you toy with. This isn’t about being mad because they forgot your birthday or didn’t pick up the dry cleaning. You need to be ready for the hard truth: Once you’re out, you’re out. Ask yourself:

  • Can this be fixed with counseling?
  • Have you had the big talk with your partner? (And I mean REALLY talked.)
  • Are you emotionally ready for the fallout?

The Financial Fallout (Yup, It’s Going to Hurt)

Before deciding I want a divorce, remember divorce isn’t cheap, and it’s not just about paying for lawyers. You’re about to take the financial hit of a lifetime. This is especially true if you’ve got a house, kids, joint accounts, and debts. So let’s get real about what you need to think about:

  • Can you afford to live on your own? This means rent or a mortgage, utilities, groceries—hell, even gas for the car. It adds up.
  • Do you know how your debts and assets will be split? If you don’t, now’s the time to start learning.
  • Have you seen a financial advisor? If not, get one. They’ll help you figure out if you can survive post-split without living on instant noodles.

How Will This Affect Your Kids?

If you have kids, this is where the tough questions come in. I’m not here to sugarcoat things, but divorce will change their lives. You’ve got to be prepared to co-parent, and I’m telling you now, it’s not a cakewalk. Here’s what you need to consider:

  • How will custody work? This isn’t just about where they sleep—it’s about their routines, their emotional health, and their stability.
  • Are you ready to make decisions with your ex? Yup, even after you split, you’ll still have to work together when it comes to your kids. Can you do that without losing your cool?
  • Have you thought about what’s best for them, not just what’s easiest for you?

The Legal Stuff: You Need a Plan

Divorce isn’t just a decision—it’s a process. And this process? It takes time, energy, and a whole lot of legal navigating. You don’t want to walk into this blind, so get smart:

  • Have you considered alternatives to traditional lawyer litigation – like mediation? (It’s cheaper, faster, and less brutal than court. So, yes, give it a shot.)
  • Do you know your rights? This isn’t the time to assume things will go your way. Speak to a professional, get educated, and protect yourself.
  • Have you thought about the long-term implications? This isn’t just about the next six months. You need to think five, ten years down the road.

Emotional Prep: Don’t Be Naive

Let’s be honest: Divorce can rip you apart emotionally. Even if you’re the one who wants it, you’ll go through anger, sadness, and regret. You’ve got to mentally prepare for the ups and downs:

  • Do you have a support system? Whether it’s family, friends, a divorce coach or a therapist, you need people in your corner.
  • Are you ready to be alone? This is a tough one. Even if your marriage was awful, being alone can feel like a punch in the gut.
  • Can you handle the gossip? People will talk, and some of them will judge. You need to be thick-skinned and ready for it.

Have a Post-Divorce Plan

You can’t just jump into divorce without having a clue about what life after divorce will look like. You need a plan:

  • Where will you live? Can you afford to stay in your house, or are you moving out?
  • What will happen with your friends? Because let’s face it, some will take sides.
  • How will you move on? You’re not going to sit around forever, are you? You need to think about what’s next.

Final Thoughts: Do I Want A Divorce?

DO I want a divorce? Gail Vaz-Oxlade and the Common Sense Divorce.

Divorce can be brutal—emotionally, financially, and legally. But if you’re sure it’s the right decision, then you need to go in prepared. Don’t leave anything to chance. Get your finances sorted, protect your kids, and make sure you’ve got the legal advice you need. This isn’t a time to wing it; it’s a time to get your ducks in a row.

You’ve got this, if you prepare for it.

The Smart Solution: The Common Sense Divorce

Look, divorce is messy. But it doesn’t have to be chaos. If you want to do this the right way from the start, you need support—real support that covers all your bases. That’s where The Common Sense Divorce comes in.

This isn’t just about a quick legal fix. We’re talking about practical financial expertise, legal guidance, and emotional support all in one place. You don’t need to run around trying to piece it all together on your own, wondering if you’ve missed something important. You want to get this done properly the first time, without court battles, without confusion, and without draining your wallet.

With The Common Sense Divorce, you get:

  • A divorce solution that works: Avoid court, minimize lawyers, save money, and focus on solutions.
  • Financial planning: Don’t get caught in a financial mess. We help you figure out your support, assets, debts, taxes and future finances with clarity.
  • Legal wisdom: You need to understand your rights, and we’ve got the experts to walk you through it.
  • Support every step of the way: It’s not just about getting divorced. It’s about being guided through a smart and clearly defined process with your sanity and finances intact.

If you want a divorce that’s financially smart, efficient, and handled by people who know what they’re doing, this is the way to go. Divorce is hard enough—don’t make it harder by going in blind. The Common Sense Divorce helps you stay in control, and get the results you need.

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