Denice Nard is a Managing Director and Supervisory Principal in Mesirow Wealth Management an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor (RIA firm As Managing Director and Supervisory Principal she implements and oversees the firm’s supervisory program and all supervision activities across the division Working closely with the Wealth Management leadership team legal and compliance she works to ensure…

Divorce is one of the many unexpected events that can happen on the road we call Life If your path leads you here you will want to be prepared for the financial ramifications and confidently move forward with a new plan  As with any significant life change a divorce can be an emotional and stressful period and the more organized and prepared you are the better equipped you will be for this…, Pre-planning, As you are planning your vows divorce is not typically top of mind  However before you say “I do” there are ways to begin planning to protect your assets as well as the assets of your future spouse    Asset Protection Retain separate titling of pre-marital assets such as gifts inheritance or any other assets held prior to marriage Consider prenuptial agreements to establish potential settlement…, Build your own team, Start by building your own team of trusted advisors — legal and financial experts (attorney mediator financial advisor CPA  You will want a team of experienced advisors who are working together for your best interests  Even in the most amicable situations it is advisable to find your own team rather than continue to share resources with your spouse or soon-to-be ex-spouse    Surround yourself…, Get financially prepared early, Gather all the financial information you have for the last few years (at least 3 years if you can before you ask your spouse for a divorce or if you suspect your spouse may ask you for one Unfortunately some spouses may try and hide assets once they know a divorce is inevitable Getting your ducks in a row early will be beneficial as you move through the process and think about settlement options…, Begin to separate your life, When is the best time to begin building and safeguarding for your new financial future The earlier the better Creating a new financial plan and budget will be vital as you review potential settlement options and the long-term impact of those various scenarios on your financial goals and priorities  In reviewing the list below you should consult with your advisory team as some of these steps can…, Life after divorce, You will want to leave yourself in a position for you and your family to move forward in the best possible way If you are considering a divorce think about the long term What will life look like after your divorce is final Getting as prepared and organized as you can before the process begins can save you time and energy in the long run A well thought out financial plan can prepare you for the…, Published January 2026

Dominic Freeman is an Operations Associate in Mesirow Currency Management Hes responsible for the day-to-day operations Prior to joining Mesirow Dominic was a Procurement Financial Analyst Intern at Boeing Dominic earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Washington