When a marriage comes to an end, everything changes.  

Spouses start to view each other as adversaries and the divorce as the battleground. People experience a gamut of emotions; everything from guilt, fear, confusion, anger, and passionate obstinance dances through their mind. The weight can become overwhelming. While in the throws of a ligated divorce, hope can be in short supply. Costs skyrocket as it drags on from months to years.  

Divorce does not have to be this way! 

The Collaborative Process

Built as an uncoupling method that preserves the relationship and resources, the collaborative process puts family first. Unlike ligated divorce, the couple works together with the support of the divorce team to address each of the family’s unique needs. Rather than a judge handing down a verdict, collaboration creates win-win solutions based on what is best for the family. The couple retains more control of the separation and settlement process while keeping family matters private.

Collaboration is a more cost-effective method to separate than litigation. In traditional divorce, copious amounts of money are spent on navigating the legal system itself. In collaborative, resources are used to solve problems and keep the divorce moving forward. For example, if emotions threaten to derail negotiations the divorce coach steps in to alleviate tensions. Instead of arguing about money, the financial neutral provides documented financial facts so the couple knows what they are negotiating for.

Not only does collaboration preserve funds, it also builds stronger bridges to tomorrow.

Why Collaborative Divorce?

Collaboration offers families a modern method of separating. Couples improve their communication during the process leading to better resolutions. Instead of win-lose outcomes that ligated divorce creates, collaboration focuses on everyone’s interests and delivers win-win solutions. Couples in the collaborative process can set their own timetable. Cases can be completed within months instead of years like litigated divorce.

Collaborative is also concerned about what happens after the divorce. During litigated divorce there is endless professional support, but it all comes to an end when the papers are finalized. The collaborative method is designed to prepare clients for the future. The Divorce Consultant helps clients develop the self-reliant skills they need to be successful. The financial neutral works with the couple to ease the monetary transition and answers big financial questions like what to do with the marital home.

Because collaborative takes a holistic problem-solving approach, clients report higher levels of satisfaction with their divorce experience compared to litigation.

What is a Financial Neutral?

As an independent 3^rd party, the financial neutral works with both spouses to navigate the divorce’s financial impact. The financial neutral acts as the “quarterback” of the process. They gather, organize, analyze, and generate reports based on comprehensive analysis of the couple’s financial and lifestyle data.

The marriage’s financial facts are documented in the Divorce Impact Analysis Report. By clearly defining all the financial variables, transparency and trust in the process is maintained. The couple feels confident that the finances are honestly represented.

The financial neutral leads the division of property. As solutions are generated, the financial neutral mathematically demonstrates how each party will be impacted now and into the future. By determining how the proposed settlement will age, the financial neutral illustrates the real life outcome- the true cost of the divorce.

Benefits of Using a Financial Neutral

• Illuminates and educates everyone of the financial implications of the separation.
• Helps each person express their individual and shared financial goals.
• Provides clarity and advice to the couple so they can make financially informed decisions.
• Determines the family’s financial facts and presents them in an easy-to-read report.
• Manages debt division.
• Client emotions are assuaged, and expectations managed as financial documentation drives the negotiation process.
• Generates unique solutions that fit the couple’s interests and divorce goals.
• Gives guidance on the marital home.
• Turns financially complex situations into workable solutions.
• Uncovers long term implications of settlements.
• Balances the power between the financially savvy and the non-savvy spouses.
• Upon process competition, guides the client in the after-care process to ensure the (financial aspect of) divorce is fully carried out.

The Financial Neutral’s Qualifications

To be a financial neutral, one must:

• Have 3+ years of financial services experience.
• Have formal divorce finance training such as the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® program.
• Hold a certificate in mediation.
• Be trained in the collaborative method.

As a financial expert, the financial neutral brings real world financial knowledge to the divorce process. She does not give tax advice but considers how each settlement will be taxed and presents ideas that have the lowest-tax burden. The financial neutral creates a level playing field for the couple by ensuring each person has the background knowledge to make smart financial decisions. She replaces fear with facts.