Do I need an attorney?
Yes, you need to avail yourself of the services of an attorney in your area who specializes in family law.  You will need legal advice on the laws in your state, and we will want to present our settlement options to your attorney for his/her input.  Also, an attorney will prepare your legal separation agreement and assist you in obtaining the actual divorce.

Will you work with both the husband and wife?
In the mediated and litigated divorce processes we represent one party in the case.  Our customized financial reports will show the effect of the settlement proposal on both parties, however, we are working as an advocate for our client in mediated and a litigated cases. If you and your spouse have a true desire to work together on a resolution, we highly recommend the Collaborative Divorce (trademark) process whereby you can utilize us as your trained collaborative financial specialist as well as other team members to help you through your negotiations.  All information is shared openly among the team.  You and your spouse are members of the team and your re-formed family is the client.  Team members include collaborative attorneys, CDFAs, and mental health professionals including child specialists.

Do you help with visitation and custody agreements?
No, you will need an attorney to advise you on these matters.

What can I do now, if I think we are going to be separating?
Avail yourself of copies of all pertinent financial information.  Make copies of tax returns, paycheck stubs, real estate evaluations, information on your mortgage, copies of insurance policies - any and everything that has to do with your marital finances.

 You may seek the services of a CDFA before you actually separate.  Many clients have benefited from pre-separation planning.  When it actually occurred they were well prepared.

Do you do mediation?
No, mediation is a separate and very different process.  We work as an advocate for our client.  We represent your best interests and assist you in making good financial decisions.

Mediation is conducted by a neutral third party who attempts to facilitate an agreement between the two of you without representing either of you.

Are pension plans or retirement plans a part of the divorce settlement?
Most of the time, yes.  Pension plans that pay out benefits in the future can be evaluated in today's dollars, and if they are determined to be a marital asset, they are considered as valuable as the equity in your home.  We do pension evaluations when they are needed.

If you have other questions, please contact us.