A divorce budget shows what it will actually cost you to live on your own — before you agree to a settlement. It is the foundation for spousal and child support requests, the decision to keep or sell the house, and the trade-offs between cash and retirement assets. Keith Powell, CDFA® CFP®, builds it with you line by line.
Your cash flow changes three times
Before you file
Document what the household spends today, so nothing is guessed later.
While the case is pending
Two households, legal fees and temporary orders — plan for surpluses and shortfalls.
After the decree
One income, new insurance and new goals — a budget that protects your credit and retirement.
Why Your Budget Matters in a Texas Divorce
Most settlement decisions come back to one question: what will you need each month to live? A documented budget turns that question into evidence.
Spousal Support
Texas courts award maintenance based on the requesting spouse’s “minimum reasonable needs.” Your budget is how you prove them. Spousal support →
Child Support
The guideline amount may not match what your children actually cost. A budget shows the gap before you sign. Child support →
The House
Keeping the home only works if the payment, taxes, insurance and upkeep fit one income.
Cash vs. Retirement
Retirement assets can look equal on paper but leave you short on cash. Your budget shows which assets you need now. Asset division →
What Goes Into a Divorce Budget
Every recurring cost you will carry on your own. We work from your actual statements, not estimates.
Housing
Mortgage or rent, property tax, HOA, home insurance, repairs
Transportation
Car payment, auto insurance, fuel, maintenance, tolls
Insurance & health
Health, dental, vision, life and disability coverage
Daily living
Groceries, clothing, personal care, pets, gifts
Utilities
Electric, water, gas, internet, phones
Children
Childcare, school costs, activities, medical copays
Debt
Credit cards, personal and student loans in your name
Taxes & savings
Estimated taxes, emergency fund, retirement contributions
- Health insurance. Coverage through your spouse’s employer typically ends at divorce. If the plan is subject to COBRA, you can usually keep it for up to 36 months, but at up to 102% of the full premium.
- A second household. Furniture, deposits and setup costs for whoever moves out.
- Childcare. Often new or larger if you return to work or add hours.
- Filing on your own. A different tax bracket and filing status than you’re used to.
Costs that are new after divorce
Your journey to a secure tomorrow, starts today.
Austin Divorce Planners offers an exclusive initial consultation with our seasoned financial experts for only $100
Can You Afford to Keep the House?
The family home is often the hardest asset to let go of — and the one most likely to strain a post-divorce budget. Equity in the house is real, but you can’t spend it on groceries.
We model two versions of your future side by side: keeping the home, and taking other assets instead. You see the monthly cash flow and the long-term net worth of each before you decide.
Count every cost of keeping it
With these tailored services, we guide you through the financial complexities of divorce, helping you plan for both the short and long term.
How Keith Builds Your Divorce Budget
Four steps, working alongside your attorney or independently.
Gather your documents
Bank and card statements, pay stubs and bills. Our free checklist lists them all.
Set your baseline
What the household really spends today, category by category.
Model each settlement
Your post-divorce budget under every proposal on the table, after tax.
Plan the first year
A spending plan, emergency fund and goals for life after the decree. Post-divorce planning →
Free resource
Divorce Financial Prep Checklist
The exact list of documents Keith walks through with every client in the first meeting.
Who We Help
Austin Divorce Planners is a locally owned financial planning firm that works primarily with women, and also serves men and couples.
Many clients have never managed the household budget on their own — we make sure you leave with a plan you understand. For women · For men · For couples
Divorce Budget Planning: Frequently Asked Questions
What should a divorce budget include?
Every recurring cost you will carry on your own after the divorce: housing, utilities, transportation, children’s expenses, insurance including health coverage, debt payments, daily living costs, taxes and savings.
When should I create a divorce budget?
Before you negotiate — ideally before you file. A budget shows what you need from the settlement and supports any request for spousal or child support.
Can I afford to keep the house after divorce?
It depends on whether you can refinance on your own income and cover property taxes, insurance and upkeep. We model keeping the home against taking other assets so you can compare monthly cash flow and long-term net worth.
What happens to my health insurance after divorce?
Coverage through a spouse’s employer plan typically ends at divorce. If the plan is subject to COBRA, a former spouse can usually continue it for up to 36 months, but may pay up to 102% of the full premium — a cost to build into your budget.
How do I get started?
Book a $100 initial consultation with Keith Powell, CDFA® CFP®. Download the Divorce Financial Prep Checklist first so you can bring the right documents.
Know what you need before you sign.
Start with a $100 initial consultation. Keith will review your situation and outline the budget and settlement analysis your case needs.