When finances change overnight: inheritance, divorce and new responsibilities

At a glance

• Many women will become recipients of large sums through bereavement and divorce over the next few decades.
• A robust network will provide emotional and financial support during difficult times.
• If you receive a large sum, don’t rush into making any decisions about what to do with it.

Losing a partner, a parent, or going through a divorce, are among the most difficult life experiences you can face. It can happen quickly too, without much warning. Not only will there be strong and complex emotions to deal with, but for many women it means a sudden and significant change to their finances.

For some women it might be the first time they’ve had to manage a property, investments, or a large sum of cash on their own.

Making decisions about your wealth at such pivotal points in life can be stressful and overwhelming. So how can women be confident they’re making the right choices for their future when their finances change overnight? 

Dealing with sudden change

Your situation can change overnight when big life events happen.

But research suggests that some women may not feel prepared to manage unexpected and potentially large sums of money.

According to St. James’s Place’s Financial Health Report 2026: Women and Wealth, only 44% of women say they would feel confident investing an inheritance or financial windfall.¹

And yet, women are holding more wealth than at any time in history, due to a range of factors, including higher earnings, running their own businesses, and inheriting money.

Divorce can also represent an unexpected turning point, where women are suddenly required to take control of their finances. In 2025 as well as 2024, more than 100,000 couples filed for divorce in the UK.²

Divorce is a different process for everyone, but many couples end up splitting assets such as savings and pensions.

Claire Trott, head of advice at St. James’s Place, says: “Having a sudden change of circumstance and finances can mean you feel pressure to make decisions, but they can wait in most cases.

“It is better to get a good handle on the options and potential outcomes rather than rushing into the unknown. Take your time, ask questions and get answers before acting.”

Taking charge

For some women, divorce may be the first time they have sole responsibility for making decisions about pensions, savings and long-term financial planning. Understanding what assets are available and how they will support future goals can be an important first step towards rebuilding financial confidence.

More broadly, understanding your options when you become the recipient of a large sum can help you to make decisions that are right for you and your future.

•    Take your time

Yet it’s worth taking your time and pausing, rather than rushing to take action. The idea that financial decisions must be made immediately is a common misconception.

After a significant life event, it is perfectly reasonable to give yourself time to process what has happened before making major financial decisions.

•    Ask for support

Discussing your circumstances with a trusted friend or relative can help you understand your options and identify opportunities you may not have considered. This can be an important step towards achieving the outcomes you want.

Speaking to an adviser can also be reassuring and helpful, particularly when life feels overwhelming. An adviser can provide an objective perspective and help you make decisions that align with your long-term goals and priorities. 

•    If it helps, find others who have been through the same

For some people, it feels easier to seek support from someone who understands what they’re going through.

Speaking to someone who has experienced similar life events may help you process your emotions and feel more confident about making financial decisions.

If you think it could be helpful, consider speaking to a female adviser, or someone who has experience supporting clients in similar situations. They’ll be able to tailor the advice and financial plan to your specific situation.

•    Review your financial plan regularly

One of the most overlooked aspects of a financial plan is regular reviews. Life changes constantly, and your needs and ambitions are likely to evolve over time.

Reviewing your finances regularly helps ensure your plan continues to reflect what’s most important to you.

Building confidence

Many people believe that they need to become financially confident before making important decisions. But confidence can take time, and it develops through asking questions, taking small steps and building a strong support network.

Support can come in many forms, from trusted family members to financial advisers, solicitors and pension specialists.

For the many women who may suddenly find themselves responsible for significant wealth over the coming decades, the goal isn’t to have all the answers immediately. It’s to know where to find trusted support when you need it.

It’s normal to feel unsure after a major life change. You don’t have to navigate it alone. When life changes overnight, having the right support around you can make all the difference.

Sources 
¹Financial Health Report 2026: Women and Wealth. On behalf of St. James’s Place, Opinium surveyed 6,000 UK adults nationwide between 17 March and 9 April 2026. Quotas and post-weighting were applied to the sample to make the dataset representative of the UK adult population. 
²UK Government, Ministry of Justice. Family Court Statistics Quarterly: October to December 2025 – March 2026

SJP Approved 24/07/2026