It typically takes about two years to get over the death of a loved one. A divorce is similar. Whether you’d initiated the proceedings or were completely blind-sided, divorce marks the death of the marriage.

Money that you—or he—inherit is automatically classified as “separate” property. So is money that’s awarded to you from a lawsuit. So what’s yours is yours, and what’s his is his. Simple, right? Nope.

Well, that certainly sounds ominous, doesn’t it? “Divorce is just the beginning.” Of what? Something better? Something worse? It could, actually be either. It’s a choice. And it’s up to you.

But the bank account is in his name! I hear this from divorcing women all the time, who feel not only powerless, but penniless. Good news: The mere title of the account means nothing in the eyes of Arizona divorce law. His name might be atop the bank account. But if you were married, it’s community property. Half of that is yours.

Executive compensation is complicated. When you’re divorcing from a man who’s been an executive, and is compensated accordingly, you really need a financial pro on your side. That would be me.