Planning For A Divorce In 2026? These Smart Money Moves Can Save You Stress Later

Some people look to the new year to bring them a renewed sense of self and purpose. But for those with a divorce on the horizon, the new year can be mean the dawning of a whole new life. Post marriage, you might look to book an inexpensive "shoulder season" vacation with the best friends who know everything behind the break up. Older divorcees may dream of moving away to start over, perhaps to one of the 15 best countries to retire in outside of the United States.

Regardless of how anyone feels about divorcing in 2026 — be it joyful, crestfallen, or somewhere in between — splitting up can be tough. The process can often become stressful, expensive, and time-consuming, and some make the situation worse for themselves by hiring expensive private investigators or making bad money moves. While divorce might ultimately be the best move for you, being able to live a happy life in this new phase means taking some key financial steps when preparing for a divorce. 

Per LegalZoom, the average cost of a divorce with full-scope legal representation is $11,300. For an uncontested divorce where a couple still wants to have a lawyer check paperwork, add around $1,000 worth of legal fees to the $500 filing cost. Divorces with mediation may cost somewhere between $5,000 and $9,000 in some states. 

If a couple has no contest over how their finances and assets will be split, they can simply file divorce paperwork. Some states have a class that divorce filers are required to attend, at a low cost to help them move through the process. Completing uncontested divorce paperwork can cost as little as $199 on sites such as Divorce Forms Filler or OnlineDivorce.com, with a minimum for court filing fees after that. This kind of uncontested divorce in a joint filing and without any lawyers, could cost less than $500.

Of course, a divorcing couple isn't likely to be in total agreement on much of anything. Mediating issues, especially custody concerns, via virtual mediation sessions can save money in the long run by helping couples tackle tough issues with a third party. Participating in virtual mediation also fits more easily into most busy schedules. This mediation method often works best for couples who don't have to contend with a wide financial imbalance post-divorce. For other couples who think they are all set, it could help to attend mediation to understand all the financial considerations that impact a divorce. Remember that the peace of mind that comes with legal help is priceless.

Those planning to spring a divorce on an unsuspecting partner should plan ahead. Recruit a small, private team of trusted loved ones and legal help to guide you through. Next, protect your privacy and digital accounts by changing passwords and log-in information, as well as starting a new private bank account. Doing so can help create a sense of independence and security while preventing an infuriated partner from draining your cash. 

Another tip? Don't be sneaky. In the past, hiding wealth with cryptocurrency investments was once a clever way for a partner to falsely lower their own value, but digital asset division is a common feature in divorces today. Hidden money is often easily discovered and those who do it loose their upper hand in court. In that same vein, hiring a private investigator is tempting for many hurt partners divorcing in the midst of an affair. And while some states consider infidelity when awarding money to each spouse, hiring a pricey investigator could cast a pall on divorce proceedings, and add more expensive legal time.

Finally, legal help is costly, and while celebrities are known for expensive divorces, the financial burden hits the average person much harder. If alimony is a major pain point, paying a lump sum can be beneficial for the payer and the payee. Negotiating for a lump sum payment has its drawbacks, but can make it emotionally — and ultimately, financially — easier to cut the cord.