I Know You're Not a Gold Digger

I know that divorce creates unexpected change and with it fear, emotionally and financially.

I know that this is magnified when you are divorcing a CEO, and you sense he has the upper hand.

I know you are kicking yourself that he is more financially confident, more financially experienced.

I know you wish you’d kept a closer handle on the finances.

I know you dread facing him in this process, because he’s a better negotiator and because he doesn’t necessarily have your best interests at heart.

I know that what you want is a fair outcome, a settlement that works.

I know that you can’t just step back into a career, that you can’t just replace his income. That the many years you supported him mean that you are now out of touch with your profession or industry.

I know that being a wife to someone on a CEO trajectory is not easy. That you carried so much weight to logistically make things happen, so he could focus on his career.

I know you’re not a gold digger.

I know that what you want is to keep things amicable, to avoid a harrowing court battle.

I know you are filled with empathy, and this could be to your disadvantage.

I know you are treading carefully, keen to avoid triggering him.

And I know he has worked out the figures, and he just wants you to take them.

I know you need security.

I know you need to know what are the figures that work, how much do you need and how can you be sure.

I know this lack of clarity fills you with fear. And regret.

What I want you to know it is exceptionally common for women divorcing CEOs to find themselves suddenly needing to gain a handle and perspective on finances.

I want you to know it is common for women like you to feel scared about the implications of financial decisions that are made during divorce.

And what I want you to know is that you are not alone.

I want you to know that completing your due diligence will make all the difference.

I want you to know that when you are clear, it takes away the fear.

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I’m Ceri Griffiths, my company is Willow Brook Lifestyle Financial Planning and I’m a Financial Planner who works exclusively with women divorcing CEOs. I’m on a mission to remove financial vulnerability and level the playing field for women in this position.