From Separation to Strength: Your Financial Fresh Start After Divorce
By Dr Lisa Bridgett | Founder, Stellar Finance Group
Divorce isn’t just the end of a relationship – it’s a complete reset of your emotional, legal, and financial life.
I know this firsthand. As a solo mum with two children under two, I navigated the rollercoaster of financial separation while breastfeeding and rebuilding my life from scratch. Now, as a finance broker, I’ve made it my mission to help other women do the same – with less fear, more clarity, and way more support.
If you’re facing a separation and unsure where to start financially, this blog post is for you. Here’s a simple, step-by-step roadmap to reclaim your financial confidence and secure your fresh start.
✅ Step 1: Know Your Numbers
Before you can move forward, you need a crystal-clear picture of:
What you own (property, super, savings)
What you owe (mortgage, credit cards, loans)
What your credit score says about your financial health
This isn’t about judgment — it’s about information. And knowledge is power when negotiating settlements, refinancing, or budgeting for your new life.
🏠 Step 2: Secure Your Home Base
Whether you want to stay in the family home or move somewhere new, understanding your housing options is key.
Can you refinance the mortgage into your name?
Would selling be more strategic long term?
Need to buy a new home before your settlement is final? Bridging finance might help you do that without rushing decisions.
💡 Pro Tip: Work with a broker who understands separation finance – not all loans are structured equally, especially post-divorce.
⚖️ Step 3: Fund Your Legal Journey Without the Stress
Legal fees can be a major blocker for women seeking a fair settlement. That’s where legal loans (litigation finance) come in – these are short-term loans designed to fund lawyer costs and are repaid from your final property settlement.
This means you don’t have to pause your case because of cashflow – and you don’t have to settle for less just to “get it over with.”
💵 Step 4: Build a Budget for Your New Life
Your old budget was built around a shared household. Now it’s time to build a new one – tailored to your income, your kids’ needs, and your future goals.
Start with the essentials:
Housing costs
Childcare and school fees
Groceries and health expenses
Child support (received or paid)
Then plan for the future:
Emergency fund (start small!)
Debt repayments
New savings goals
🎁 Step 5: Use Every Grant and Scheme Available
Don’t leave money on the table.
As a single parent or someone re-entering the housing market, you may qualify for:
Family Home Guarantee (FHG) – Buy with just 2% deposit and no LMI
First Home Guarantee (FHBG) – For new buyers (or re-entrants after 10 years)
Stamp duty exemptions/concessions in NSW and other states
These government supports can save you tens of thousands – and massively accelerate your fresh start.
💬 Final Thought
Rebuilding your financial life after divorce isn’t easy. But it is absolutely possible — especially when you have the right support, guidance, and tools.
If you’d like help assessing your home loan, accessing grants, or planning your next financial steps, I’d love to hear from you. I’ve been where you are — and I’m here to help.
📞 Book a Discovery Call: stellarfinancegroup.com.au/meet
📧 Email me directly: lisa@stellarfinancegroup.com.au
🌸 You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.
Dr Lisa Bridgett
Founder & Principal Broker, Stellar Finance Group
