Wills, Trusts & Divorce: How to Legally Protect Your Family After Divorce | Elizabeth Neyens

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Taking Control of Your Future: Estate Planning After Divorce

Why Every Woman Needs to Prioritize Her Protection and Peace of Mind

Navigating divorce is so much more than handling the paperwork or finalizing settlements—it’s about rediscovering who we are, how we protect our families, and how we move forward feeling confident and in control. On a recent episode of The Crazy Ex-Wives Club, I welcomed Elizabeth Neyens, owner and attorney at Neyens Law, to give us the real scoop on estate planning. Trust me, ladies—no matter what phase of divorce you’re in (contemplating, in process, or figuring out your new normal), estate planning is a superpower you don’t want to overlook.

Why Protection (and Estate Planning) Matters After Divorce

When the dust is still settling after a breakup, that overwhelming feeling of loss of control is incredibly common. We spend so much time planning for the future with someone by our side—then suddenly, we’re navigating a brand new chapter alone. As Elizabeth shared, this can feel scary, but it’s also a golden opportunity to claim your power and set yourself (and your children) up for security.

Estate planning isn’t just for retirees or the ultra-wealthy—every woman needs to know where her hard-earned assets will go and who will care for her kids, should the unthinkable happen. It’s about peace of mind, confidence, and clarity.

Estate Planning 101: What Is It, and Why Do I Need It?

Here’s the truth: estate planning covers two “what ifs” we all face:

What happens to your assets when you die (spoiler: it WILL eventually happen!)
Who makes decisions and manages your affairs if you become incapacitated (temporarily or permanently)

That means:

Wills: Decide where your possessions go and, if you have kids, who will care for them.
Powers of Attorney: Appoint someone to manage financial affairs if you can’t.
Healthcare Directives: Name who makes healthcare decisions on your behalf.

If you have minors, you can’t just slap their names on your accounts—minors can’t inherit directly. If you haven’t planned for this, guess who manages the money? Often, your ex! (Uncomfortable pause… right?) Estate planning lets you decide.

When Should You Start? (Hint: Sooner Than You Think!)

No matter where you’re at in the divorce timeline, you need core planning docs in place as soon as possible. If you’re already divorced, that’s perfect timing. If you’re contemplating divorce or in the thick of proceedings, a few things—like changing beneficiaries—can be tricky, depending on state laws.

Elizabeth’s advice?

Get your healthcare directives and financial powers of attorney updated ASAP
Do a full plan or major updates once the divorce is finalized

Plus, you’ve already done the hard work—you know what and where all your assets are thanks to divorce paperwork. Now, it’s just about putting plans in place to protect it.

Don’t Fall Into the “Someday” Trap—Why We Put It Off

Estate planning is easy to file under “later”—it’s uncomfortable, life is busy, and thinking about worst-case scenarios stinks. But as Elizabeth reminded us, tragedy and accidents don’t just strike at age 98. Anyone over 18 should have something in place, even if it’s just a basic will and medical directive. Don’t wait until life slows down…because we all know, that’s a moving target!

Wills, Trusts, and What Actually Works

I used to think trusts were just for the Rockefellers and TV billionaires. Not true! Elizabeth set us straight: trusts are an incredible tool for regular women who want to avoid court, keep things private, and ensure kids inherit responsibly. Trusts can stop an 18-year-old from blowing through a hefty inheritance (hello, new motorcycle!) and prevent your ex from stepping in as money manager. They’re not “just” for millionaires; they’re for anyone wanting true control.

Finding the Right Help (and Why DIY Isn’t Always the Best Bet)

There’s a time for online do-it-yourself options…but when it comes to estate planning after divorce, you want an expert in your corner. Elizabeth’s process is comprehensive (think five steps, not five minutes), and you’ll get real advice, not just form letters. She even offers a special giveaway for single moms each year—how cool is that?

If you’re not in Minnesota, don’t worry—Elizabeth can recommend a trusted pro in your area. Pro tip: Always look for someone who takes the time to educate you, not just sell you a template.

Take Action: Your Empowerment Checklist

Ready to protect yourself and those you love? Here’s what to do next:

Pull together your financial paperwork (you probably have this from your divorce)
Schedule a consultation with a qualified estate planner
Watch Elizabeth’s pre-consult webinar to understand wills vs. trusts
Review and update your plan every five years, or after major life events

Ladies, I know it can feel like “just another thing” on your post-divorce checklist. But trust me—taking ownership of your estate plan brings a whole new level of clarity and empowerment. Give yourself this gift of protection. You’ve got this, and we’re cheering you on at every step!

Until next time—take care, stay strong, and remember: you are worth every ounce of peace of mind.

—Erica, host of The Crazy Ex-Wives Club

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Learn More About This Week’s Guest: Elizabeth Neyens

Elizabeth is the Owner & Attorney at Neyens Law. She has assisted hundreds of families with their estate planning needs. Following a successful sales career, Elizabeth Neyens attended law school to pursue a profession that would provide an opportunity for her to help solve families’ problems during difficult times. Her holistic approach to planning is intended to protect assets and preserve relationships. Elizabeth is known for her warm personality and ability to simplify complex legal concepts.

Elizabeth graduated from William Mitchell College of Law. She currently practices in Oakdale, Minnesota, primarily in the areas of estate planning and probate, which are two areas that involve family transitions, challenging circumstances, thoughtful decisions, and careful planning. Elizabeth aims to be not only a legal advocate, but also a calming influence.

Connect with Elizabeth