MEDIATION and FINANCE
Working with a CDFA
Why you should consider working with a Divorce Financial Mediator:
- Know the future financial effect of any given divorce settlement. Avoid the fear of the unknown.
- Understanding your financial situation will give you a sense of control over your life---before, during and after divorce.
- Avoid litigation. Resolve and reach a creative and mutually agreeable solution that meets the best interest of the parties and families.
- Efficient/ low cost/ non adversarial/ reduced anxiety for all.
- Find a settlement fair enough to accept.
- Know what you have and what you need financially. Know what disposable income is available for support.
- Complete the process so you and your family can move on….and ahead with life.
- Divorce does not need to be an expensive, exhausting and ugly battle.
My role as a trained Mediator, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Financial Planner:
I act as a neutral financial professional to either a couple or individual who may already be in the divorce process and thought that litigation was the only way. It is not. It is not uncommon for only one spouse to come in to gain some financial help and education regarding their marital financial situation before ever talking to their partner that the thought of divorce is present. I help to clarify income available for spousal and child support, identify all monthly expenses and develop a realistic future budget. It is important to take time to be accurate with the numbers and not omit any monthly expenses or any major expenses that may be looming. What if you agree to accept less support than is really needed? What if you agree to support payments that you cannot really pay? What if one spouse agrees to keep the house in place of a future pension for example and then cannot afford the ongoing maintenance required on the house? What if one spouse does not have retirement funds put away? What if future taxes are due on an asset that was not considered when divided? Did one spouse have separate property that should have been financially identified? I can help with these issues and more.
Although I do not provide legal advice or legal documents, my expertise can help cut the cost of a long court proceeding by paving the way to a fair settlement for each spouse. I can become part of the professional team (attorney, therapists etc.) to financially evaluate different settlement options. I am aware of the specific tax laws that apply to divorce and have background knowledge of the legal issues in divorce. When investments are involved, I can evaluate them as to their cost basis, the tax liability if they are sold, how risky they are to keep, what kind of return they are producing, etc. In other words, I help to identify which asset and liability is the best and most suitable for one spouse to have going forward versus the other spouse.
Ready to find out more?
To schedule an appointment please call; 949-527-5171 (949-KAR-5171)
I am happy to chat with you briefly on the phone without charge so you can decide if my services are appropriate for you before making an appointment.