Why a CDFA should be your first stop in thinking about a divorce

Thinking about getting a divorce and you want to understand what the road is ahead, your first thought might be to contact an attorney. You might want to reconsider this and contact a CDFA instead.

First Step Financials

For many that are considering divorce the sticking point is the financials.  Although a CDFA cannot produce legal documents or give legal advice it is a easy first step in what at this stage appears to be an overwhelming process. A visit to an attorney may feel very final, this is really going to happen, whereas a CDFA is a financial planner that can help you assemble your financial information and give you guidance as to what a post settlement world will look like for you. Sometimes a visit to an attorney will also signal to your spouse this is really going to happen and you might not be there yet. Consulting a CDFA is also less threatening should your spouse find out you had this discussion. 

Ready to Go

You may have decided that you want to move forward with a divorce. Meeting with a CDFA is still a good first step. Not only can the CDFA assist with the financial statement preparation, they can educate you on the various pathways forward  You have options:

Mediation involves meeting with a neutral mediator to assist you in reaching a settlement. This option might be the least expensive, but you and your spouse must be on the same page with the division of assets. A CDFA can educate you and help you arrive at a equitable settlement.  

Collaborative Law, involves working with an advocate in a team setting to find family-based solutions that focus on your unique circumstances.  This approach which includes specially trained attorney’s and a coach is a friendlier and I think a more peaceful approach, I encourage people if they are too complicated or not a good fit for mediation to consider a collaborative divorce. A financial neutral will assist with the financial statement preparation and division.  

Attorney representation can be in settlement negotiation, in court representation, in limited assistance representation, or in a combination of these options. A CDFA’s advice even in attorney selection can also be very valuable. What are your needs? Is your case amicable but just a little too complicated for mediation? Is your spouse determined to give you as little as possible and you know your case will go to court? A CDFA has experience with many family law attorneys and can guide you to someone that will be a good fit.  The goal for a CDFA is to make you fully aware of your options, the fair and reasonable value of your assets, and how your decisions will impact your financial future. A great first stop for a someone considering or deciding to move forward with a divorce.