What is Divorce Settlement Planning in British Columbia?
In British Columbia, Divorce Settlement Planning is a specialized financial protocol designed to transition assets divided under the BC Family Law Act into a sustainable, independent income model. Unlike general investment advice, it focuses on immediate liquidity management, tax implications of spousal buyouts (specifically in the Okanagan real estate market), and establishing a "Safe Burn Rate" to ensure post-divorce solvency.
You Are Navigating "The Disruption," Not Just a Legal Split.
The legal end of a marriage often triggers a financial beginning filled with noise. You may be facing "Ticker Shock"—the fear that the lump sum settlement won't last. In the Okanagan Valley, where property values complicate asset division, the pressure to make immediate investment decisions can be overwhelming.
We believe in Sanctuary. We do not ask you to "maximize returns" while you are healing. We ask you to pause.
We Don't Sell Financial Plans. We Ratify Constitutions.
A traditional financial plan assumes your life is stable. A Sudden Wealth Charter assumes your life is in transition. We build a fortress around your settlement using three non-negotiable phases:
The Solvency Lock
We segregate your settlement from market risk, ensuring your immediate lifestyle needs are met without touching the principal.
The Quiet Period
A strategic 6 to 12-month freeze on major capital decisions. This protects you from emotional spending and predatory advice while the dust settles.
Verified Independence
We mathematically stress-test your "Burn Rate" against your settlement to prove exactly how long your money will last.
The Clarity Protocol: How We Work.
We reject the industry standard of "Free Consultations" which are often disguised sales pitches. We charge for our time to ensure we are working for you, not a commission.
Step 1: The Stabilization Session
Fee: $249 (Flat Fee)
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Format: 60 Minutes (Zoom or In-Person at our Kelowna Office).
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The Deliverable: A 3-Point Stabilization Plan. We identify immediate pressure points, reduce cortisol, and determine if you require a full Charter.
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No Commitment: You are under no obligation to proceed further.
Step 2: The Chartering Process
Fee: $3,999 - $4,999 (Transition Retainer)
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The Action: We enter The Quiet Period. We gather all data, liaise with your legal counsel regarding the BC Family Law Act, and draft your personal financial constitution.
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The Outcome: A ratified "Sudden Wealth Charter" that explicitly defines your investment policy and Quiet Period rules.
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The Independence Clause: There is no obligation to continue working with us after the Charter is ratified. The Charter is your property. You are free to implement the strategy with another institution if you choose.
Step 3: The Alliance
Fee: Standard AUM (Wealth Management Fee)
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The Action: Once the Charter is ratified, we enter into ongoing stewardship and management.
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The Outcome: Quarterly Charter Compliance audits and investment management updates, with Annual Charter Updates (if necessary) to ensure your Constitution evolves with your life.
Specialized for the
British Columbia Context.
Divorce in Kelowna presents unique challenges that generic advisors miss:
Real Estate Liquidity: Navigating the buyout of a matrimonial home in a high-value market like the Okanagan requires specific mortgage and tax structuring.
Pension Division: We specialize in the commuted value transfer of BC pensions.
Support & Tax: Clarifying the tax treatment of spousal support versus lump-sum settlements under CRA rules.
Common Questions About Divorce Settlements
Is a divorce settlement taxable in British Columbia?
Generally, no. Assets received as part of a divorce settlement (equalization of net family property) are not usually taxed as income. However, the growth on those assets after you receive them is taxable. Furthermore, spousal support payments are considered taxable income for the recipient and tax-deductible for the payer.
What is the "Quiet Period" you mention?
It is a 6 to 12-month protective pause. "The Quiet Period" is a core protocol of our Charter where we advise clients to make no major irreversible financial decisions (like buying a new house or funding a business) for one year post-settlement. This allows "The Disruption" to settle and prevents emotional financial errors.
Do you work with my divorce lawyer?
Yes. We frequently collaborate with family law professionals in Kelowna. While they handle the legal division of assets, we handle the financial modelling of that division to ensure the settlement you accept is one you can actually afford to live on long-term.
Do you require me to move all my assets to you?
No. We use a Transition Retainer Model (Flat Fee) for our initial planning phase. This means we can give you objective advice—like paying off a mortgage or gifting money to family—without a conflict of interest. Our advice is not tied to how many assets we manage; it is tied to your stability and clarity.
Why is there an upfront fee for the Charter?
Can't you just take it from the investments?
We charge for our time so we don’t have to rush for yield. If we relied solely on Asset Management (AUM) fees, there would be an invisible pressure to rush your settlement into the market to generate revenue. By charging a flat fee for the Charter, we buy the time to do our best work. It allows us to pause, strategize, and build your "Constitution" properly—without the pressure of generating immediate fees from your portfolio. We work for you, not the transaction.