BEVERLY HILLS, CA - January 22, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE -

Leading California family law firm Berenji Divorce & Family Law Group (formerly Berenji & Associates) recently contributed expert legal insights to a new publication addressing the complex financial and legal challenges women face during midlife divorce. Partner Nikoo Berenji was selected as a legal authority for Real Girl's Guide to Midlife by Angela Burk, providing a professional perspective on estate planning, financial independence, and self-advocacy for women navigating divorce later in life.

The firm's participation in this publication highlights the growing recognition that midlife divorce presents unique challenges requiring specialized legal expertise. Women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s often confront financial decision-making and legal agency for the first time after decades of marriage, making expert guidance particularly crucial during this transition.

According to Berenji's expert analysis shared in the publication, estate planning represents more than a financial task for women going through midlife divorce. The process becomes an act of self-definition and self-advocacy, forcing women to clarify their priorities, identify who they want to protect, and determine how they want to be remembered. For women who have spent years deprioritizing themselves, this process can prove deeply empowering while preventing unintended outcomes such as assets passing to an ex-spouse.

The legal insights reveal that guilt, shame, and fear frequently delay women from taking necessary legal and financial action. These emotions are extremely common among women who have spent decades caregiving or putting others first. However, delaying action often increases legal and financial vulnerability. Claiming legally entitled assets is not selfish but essential for survival and long-term stability.

"Financial clarity fundamentally changes the power dynamic for women going through midlife divorce," stated Nikoo Berenji, Partner at Berenji Divorce & Family Law Group. "When women begin managing finances independently, they often realize how much they minimized their own needs throughout their marriage. This newfound confidence in handling accounts, meeting with advisors, and budgeting for their future creates options they never knew existed. With clarity comes the realization that staying in an unhappy marriage is not the only path forward."

One of the most significant mistakes identified through Berenji's extensive experience representing women in complex divorces is financial avoidance. This includes avoiding understanding household finances, trusting that a spouse will act fairly, and entering divorce proceedings without a clear picture of assets, income, and debts. Courts do not automatically credit emotional or caregiving sacrifices without proper documentation, and lack of preparation can lead to significantly worse outcomes.

The expert guidance emphasizes that every woman in midlife should address critical legal documents, including a will, power of attorney, and advance healthcare directive. These documents are often neglected, especially by women who don't see themselves as financial decision-makers. Trusts may also be appropriate depending on assets and long-term goals. Failing to update documents after a divorce can leave women legally and financially exposed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSgoSExnOwQ

About Berenji Divorce & Family Law Group: The firm focuses exclusively on family law matters throughout California, with particular emphasis on high-net-worth and complex divorce cases. With over 45 years of combined experience, the firm provides comprehensive representation in child custody, child support, divorce mediation, property division, and spousal support matters. Partner Nikoo Berenji serves as an adjunct law professor at UCLA and USC, bringing academic rigor to her practice representing women in aggressive, high-asset divorce proceedings.

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For more information about Berenji & Associates, contact the company here:

Berenji & Associates
Berenji & Associates
3102716290
[email protected]
9465 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 333
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

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