Recovering from the emotional turmoil of divorce is only half the battle. After a split, it is just as important to focus on financial wellness. This is especially true for people whose ex-spouse handled most of the family's money matters.

Your Ohio divorce lawyer will help you obtain a settlement or decree that protects your financial future. Still, there are some basic steps all newly divorced people should take to make sure they are on the path to financial health.

Organize your documents: Start a file with all of the paperwork you will need to manage your accounts. Make sure you include several copies of your divorce decree or settlement agreement - you will need these to update accounts and transfer property.

Talk to an advisor: If you already have a financial advisor, stockbroker or someone else who helps with your financial planning, make an appointment to discuss the impacts of your divorce. If you don't have a relationship with a financial advisor, now is a good time to start.

Separate your accounts and assets: Make sure all your joint bank accounts are closed or distributed according to the divorce decree and that your ex-spouse is removed from any of your accounts or credit cards. Also make sure property such as your home and your car is retitled appropriately.

Update your estate plan: If you have a will update it. If you don't, draft one. Also, don't forget to change the beneficiaries on your life insurance, retirement plan and annuity accounts. Now that you've gone through divorce, you probably want that money to go to someone besides your ex-spouse.

Plan for retirement: You will likely need a different retirement plan now that your spouse's income is not part of the picture. Depending on your age and how long you were married, you may still be entitled to part of your ex-spouses Social Security or military benefits.

Review your insurance needs: If you were covered under your ex-spouse's health insurance, you will likely need to shop for new coverage. You may also want to consider life insurance, disability insurance and long-term care coverage.

Divorce is financially challenging, but it doesn't have to be damaging. With good planning and good support, you can be back on the road to financial freedom sooner than you may have thought.

Source: The Huffington Post, "Women and Divorce: Become the C.E.O. of Your Life," Jennifer Calandra, Jan. 23, 2012.