If you haven’t been involved in day-to-day finances, your first priority is understanding the full picture. List all assets including property, pensions, investments and liabilities. This isn’t just about what you’d like to keep; it’s about what will support your lifestyle and give you flexibility. For example, holding on to a large family home might feel comforting, but it could tie up capital and create maintenance costs. A share of pension income might offer more security.