Divorce Planning
Elephant in the Room
Nobody plans to divorce. But when that time comes, a divorce plan is prudent. And, unfortunately, most people don’t want to talk about it. That’s where we can help.
"A big part of Financial Freedom is having your heart and mind free from worry about the what-ifs of life.” - Suze Orman
Don’t let the stress of a divorce or separation lead to poor planning and wrong decision-making.
How We Work
Asset Inventory
This may seem like a relatively “straightforward” task, but many find it one of the most challenging aspects of a divorce/separation – especially if you have been insulated from the day-to-day finances of the relationship.
Assess Impact of Joint Beneficiary/Survivorship
Oftentimes, after announcing a divorce or separation, the “normal” rules governing joint ownership assets may not apply. Understanding your rights as beneficiary/survivor, you can best protect/enforce those rights.
Disposing Assets
You need someone to ensure all of the assets under review are disposed for the most fair and equitable consideration.
Alimony, Child Support, or Other Assistance
Cases involving children, spousal support, child support, or other forms of financial assistance, can be very complicated. We will help you navigate the myriad of laws and statutes around such rights/responsibilities.
Pension Benefits, Health Plan Coverage, and Other Benefits
We make sense of benefits that may accrue to you, or are payable by you. Some of these might not be immediately apparent but could have long-term impact on your or your partner/spouse’s financial life.
Planning Cash Flow, Income, and Spending
If you’ve always played a minor role in managing finances during your relationship, it can be difficult doing so once divorced/separated. We’ll create a new financial roadmap for you.
Debt Settlement
Even though you might not have full say in the financial decisions during your association, you may be responsible for discharging the liabilities, such as debt, arising from them. We work on the best way to deal with your share of such debt.
Insurance Considerations
Even though couples might soon be divorced, there may be longer-term implications from existing insurance policies or plans that need to be considered.
Tax Implications
When calculating total net worth, all inherited impacts must be considered such as those as a result of sale/disposition and tax implications. Reviewing past tax returns, we will determine the most tax-efficient way to structure a settlement.
Independent Financial Identity
We offer advice on effectively and painlessly establishing your own financial profile, including new bank accounts, separate credit history, and more.
Connecting you to the best method
Divorce is a legal process, but many of the decisions you make will be primarily financial or family-based. Just as an attorney assists with your legal decisions, as a CDFA® and Certified Divorce Coach® Brenda helps guide you through your financial and family decisions during the divorce process.
Collaborative Divorce
Out-of-court team-based approach, supports a structured, private and cooperative resolution.
Mediation
Work through your own settlement with the guidance of a trained, neutral professional.
Divorce Litigation
Divorce dispute resolution through legal representatives and settled in Family Court.