EP Wealth Insights

Paths Through Divorce: Post-Divorce Financial RoadmapWith the divorce final, Kathy Costas, a financial advisor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), explains that many people feel grief and fear about next steps, especially how to avoid running out of money. She describes how post-divorce finances differ from married life, particularly for those relying on support payments, requiring buffers and backup plans, and often a lower risk tolerance in investments. She emphasizes starting wit

Paths Through Divorce: Gray DivorceThe script explains that “gray divorce” has surged in the past 5–10 years, with divorces among people 55+ growing fastest, driven by strong housing and financial markets, greater financial independence and inheritance for women, and longer, higher-quality life expectancy leading older couples to leave unhappy marriages. Kathy Costas, a financial advisor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, describes unique challenges for older or retired clients, including

Paths Through Divorce: Navigating DivorceKathy Costas, a financial advisor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) at EP Wealth Advisors, explains first steps for people facing divorce. She advises learning the “rules of the game” in your state, since state law largely determines property division and support: community property states like California generally split marital property 50/50, while equitable division states leave distribution to a judge. She outlines spousal support (alimo

Paths Through Divorce: Divorce Myths and Financial GuidanceA divorce financial advisor explains why Googling divorce and relying on friends’ advice often leads to misinformation, requiring “myth busting” in initial client meetings. She challenges the idea that you need a “bulldog” attorney, arguing divorce is largely settlement negotiation and you need a strategic advocate and skilled negotiator. She says there is no single “best” divorce attorney; the right choice depends on your needs and the

Paths Through Divorce: Survivor-Style Divorce Financial GuidanceKathy Costas compares divorce to the TV show Survivor: sudden disorientation, shifting rules and alliances, and difficulty knowing whom to trust, but with higher stakes because the opponent knows your weaknesses and the “prize” is your financial future and time with your children. As a financial advisor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), she positions herself as a dedicated guide and advocate who educates clients, expl

Paths Through Divorce: Money Talks For Married CouplesFinancial advisor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Kathy Costas explains that many married couples rarely discuss their “money story,” even though each partner brings a preexisting relationship with money shaped by upbringing, scarcity or abundance, spending habits, debt, and past financial setbacks. She says these differences often surface at inflection points like paying for children’s college, deciding when and how to retire, manag

Paths Through Divorce: Mediation, Collaboration, LitigationFinancial advisor and CDFA Kathy Costas of EP Wealth Advisors explains that divorces can follow different processes and choosing the right one depends on a couple’s dynamics and financial transparency. She outlines three main approaches: mediation, where a neutral third party facilitates discussions without advising either spouse and can work best when both parties get along and understand the finances; collaborative law, which uses two