Professionals across the country are sharing the view that divorce is a family crisis and some divorcing couples need more than just an attorney to guide them through the multi-dimensional aspects of the process. It is important to consider that families going through divorce may need help planning their financial future, creating a parenting plan and dealing with emotional issues in addition to resolving their legal matters. For this reason, a mental health professional and financial planner in addition to an attorney can be helpful in guiding clients through the divorce process. Each of these professionals brings his or her own unique expertise to the table, allowing couples to devise the best possible plan for living apart.
The mental health professional brings experience in helping individuals deal with the stages of grief that often accompany divorce. A seasoned mental health professional can help clients develop realistic expectations for the future, which can be critical during the post-dissolution adjustment phase. If children are involved, this professional’s knowledge regarding their developmental needs is valuable in devising appropriate visitation schedules and helping parents deal with their children during the divorce process.
The financial planner is useful in helping the parties develop a clear picture of their financial situation which, in turn, sets up parameters for discussion about maintenance and the future cash flow needs of the parties. Additionally, this expert can assist in calculating the tax consequences of the parties’ decisions and help ensure that the division of property and debt is equitable after paying any required taxes. Also, if there are retirement accounts that are being divided, the financial planner can help guide the parties through the reinvestment process.
To that end, we have assembled a team of highly respected professionals to assist clients with the emotional and financial dimensions of divorce, as well as to help them resolve their legal issues. Clients who feel they would benefit from a diverse range of expertise while going through a divorce will be connected with financial or mental health professionals.
|