When Michael Harding’s divorce was finalized, he discovered he needed to abandonhis original plans for the future.
Uncertainty about forging a new path began to creep into his thoughts.
He faced questions about life post-divorce he didn’t have clear answers for: Can one paycheck support me? Should I remain in a place tied to memories of the relationship and mutual friends?
Although Harding, who lives in Baltimore, counts himself fortunate to have caring, generous friends during that unsettling period, he still felt the financial sting of launching a new life.
Even though his divorce was finalized in January 2016, the financial residue lingers to this day.
Post-Divorce Living Is Expensive for Many
Harding isn’t the only one who continues tofeel the monetary repercussions of a divorce.
It’s widely understood that dissolving a marriage can be costly. With court fees, document charges, attorney expenses and more, the process can leave your finances strained.
But the financial struggle doesn’t end at the courthouse — that’s often where it begins. Once the decree is issued and the judge signs off, your life opens up to an array of new expenses.
The real price of beginning life anew includes everything from securing separate housing and arranging individual insurance policies to reentering the dating scene.
Below are examples of the kinds of costs you might face when you start over.
You’ll Need to Secure New Housing
You and your former partner likely shared a house or apartment, so you’ll need to arrange a new place to live.
If you rent, you’ll probably be on the hook for substantial upfront expenses, including a security deposit,andfirst and possibly last month’s rent.
Depending on how assets were divided, you may not retain all of the furnishings from your previous home, meaning you’ll have to replace many items yourself.
Liz Carter, director of communications at Savinly, had to begin nearly from scratch after her divorce.
While she took a few small pieces of furniture from her former residence, she had to replace larger items, plus linens, cookware, towels and other household necessities.
She also paid a security deposit and first month’s rent for her new place. Altogether, she figures she spent about $3,000 to secure and outfit her new apartment.
These figures will vary greatly depending on geography and property size.
Restoring Your Emergency Fund Can Take a While
For Harding, dividing the shared savings 50-50 was the most significant financial blow. He said he had funded their nest egg with the expectation that they’d draw from it together in the future. But when they agreed to split it, he found himself in unfamiliar territory.
“It definitely upended the plans I had and the vision I held for the future,” Harding said. “Cutting net worth in half is a huge hit for anyone, especially someone relatively young and early in their career.”
Harding lost roughly $15,000 when the savings were split; it took him nearly two years to get close to where he’d been before the split.
All Household Bills Are Your Responsibility Now
Many couples merge finances while married.
After divorce, though, you won’t have a partner to share utility and living costs with. If you’ve relied on split payments for many years, shifting to solo bill-paying may be challenging initially.
There are practical steps to regain footing: revising your budget, pausing before impulsive purchases and preparing a strategy for financial recovery can help you adapt to managing expenses alone.
You’ll Need Individual Insurance Plans
Being single often eliminates the benefits of combined policies, like multi-car or family health plans.
Examples of coverage you may need to obtain independently include:
- Auto insurance: If you and your spouse were on a shared auto policy, you may have enjoyed a multi-vehicle discount. Once you’re on your own, you’ll have to secure separate coverage, which may raise your costs. According to industry data, marriage can decrease premiums by a few percentage points, meaning a divorce can push your rate back up.
- Health insurance: If your ex had you on their health plan, you’ll now be responsible for finding your own medical coverage.
- Disability insurance: If you owe alimony or child support, disability insurance can protect you so payments can continue if an illness or accident prevents you from working.
Taxes Change — You’re a Single Filer Now
Filing jointly typically offers tax advantages like larger standard deductions and certain credits. As a single filer, your tax burden may increase.
Don’t Overlook Phone Plan Changes
If you and your former partner shared a mobile plan, you’ll need to decide how to proceed.
Many phone contracts have steep termination fees. If the split wasn’t friendly, canceling might be worth the cost.
Erin Matthews, a senior account manager at Savinly, shared a cell plan with an ex. After they separated, they canceled the account.
The cancellation fee was $300, which they split between them.
Mental Health: A Cost Often Ignored
Investing in mental health might not be a line item you expected, but Dr. Elise Carter, founder of a divorce support community, urges people to consider it.
She likens the divorce process to grieving, noting you may be “mourning the dream of having a family.”
“I truly believe therapy helps,” Carter said. “One thing I see repeatedly is how beneficial it is to be part of a community of others navigating the same journey.”
If traditional therapy feels too costly or stigmatized, alternative supports exist. Look into online communities or local divorce recovery groups. Some have membership fees and some are free — investigate your options.
Dating Again: Budget for It
Once you’re emotionally ready, you might think about dating. While this can be an enjoyable chapter, it can also be pricey.
Many people spend $150 to $250 on a single date for dinner, drinks and travel.
With the rise of dating apps, we’re going on more initial dates than before. That shift has changed how couples approach first-date costs — some split the bill, others expect one person to pay, and some even look for cheaper alternatives.
But you don’t always need to splurge: opt for low-cost or free dates like bike rides, park visits or happy-hour meetups to keep spending in check.
Starting over Is Pricey at First — But It’s Also Hopeful
The expenses of reestablishing life after divorce can add up, yet a fresh start often brings renewed optimism.
Joy Prosperity Coaching founder and life coach Joy Lambert finalized her divorce in March 2014 after 13 years of marriage. While she had to secure her own health coverage, she also invested in self-care and spending time with friends.
“My friends said I got more fun after my divorce,” Lambert wrote in an email. “Ha! I also began improv classes and started performing again. I turned into a stronger version of myself after my divorce!”
If your finances feel tight as you adjust to single life, remember you’re not alone.
Harding repaired his savings by working long hours in the months after the split. He even took on a second job, putting in most weekends. For him, rebuilding the nest egg was a “mental victory,” and keeping busy helped him move forward.
He offers this guidance to those feeling overwhelmed by getting back on financial footing:
“The best advice I can give is that you will make it through: Once the initial shock fades, aim to replace lost funds — boost your savings and trim spending, but do it at a pace that fits you. Only you can judge the right rate for cutting back or allowing small indulgences during this hard time.”
Here’s to fresh starts.
For more on restructuring your finances after a split, consider reading about rent and landlord expenses to better plan housing costs post-divorce.
