Divorce Mediation
Many couples are looking for an amicable way to go through the divorce process. Mediation provides just that – an amicable, fair and transparent way to resolve both financial and non-financial issues outside of the court system. It is a process that keeps you and your spouse in control of your futures by allowing you to make informed decisions that are best for you and your family. Using my expertise as a CDFA and my skills as a certified mediator, I work to ensure that my clients are financially educated and empowered to make these life-changing decisions.
Mediation works when there is complete transparency and an understanding of the financial data. It fails when there is an imbalance of financial power.
As part of my mediation process, I gather all the financial and tax information and provide my clients with easy-to-read reports allowing them to negotiate tough issues with confidence. We explore different settlement proposals, consider all viable options and review the short- and long-term financial impacts, so parties can see what will work and what won’t. Since both parties are seeing and reviewing the information with me at the same time, the imbalance of financial power is gone. The playing field is ‘leveled’ clearing the path towards resolution.
My financial analysis includes a complete accounting of all the marital assets and all sources of income. We address cash flow issues and support concerns, options for the marital home, dividing retirement including pensions, as well as more complex issues like stock options or ownership in a business or partnership. If there are children, we will discuss basic parenting plans relating to child support, college planning and tax considerations that provide more money for the family. We will also address non-financial issues like health insurance and life insurance.
All this allows you to maintain control over the process and your future. Research shows that when parties work together to come up with a fair, workable agreement, they are more likely to adhere to it after the divorce.
When both you and your spouse are informed and understand the financial and tax issues at hand, you can feel confident that you are making the right decisions for you and your family. Keeping the process amicable will save time and money, but more importantly, it will preserve your dignity and your ability to co-parent effectively.
For more information on the Divorce Mediation Process schedule an appointment with me.
