With most separating spouses they stop communicating effectively, just at the time when they have the most to learn about each other. Many start assuming what the other wants from the separation.

In the Client Outcome Visioning discussion, I will sit with each of your one-on-one and learn from you. I want to learn what is your ideal outcome, what are your core objectives and your main concerns. The better I understand your vision for the future, the better I can help you get there.

With what I have learned I become your peacemaking intermediary.

If you find “financial disclosure” a mysterious concept. You not alone. However, this is an important and required foundational element to the divorce mediation process. In fact, it’s a fundamental requirement in any separation and divorce path you take. It’s the law! To help you breeze through the financial disclosure gathering. I have my very own financial disclosure Tutor an interactive online-learning tool. You will be up to speed in a snap.

A financial walkthrough in separation and divorce case is a comprehensive review and analysis of the couple’s financial situation. It is a crucial step in the divorce process, as it helps to ensure a fair and equitable division of assets and liabilities. Here’s a general description of what it might entail:

Identification of Assets and Liabilities: The first step in a financial walkthrough is identifying all assets and liabilities. This includes everything from real estate, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and business interests to mortgages, loans, and credit card debts. Both individual and joint assets and liabilities should be considered.

Valuation: Once all assets and liabilities have been identified, the next step is determining their value. Some assets, like bank accounts and investments, have a clear value. Others, like real estate or business interests, may require a professional appraisal.

Income Assessment: The financial walkthrough also involves an assessment of each spouse’s income. This includes wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, dividends, and other income sources. Again, this information is crucial for determining spousal and child support.

Expense Analysis: A thorough review of monthly expenses is also part of the financial walkthrough. This includes everything from mortgage or rent payments, utilities, groceries, and transportation costs to expenses related to children, such as school fees and extracurricular activities.

Financial Projections: The financial walkthrough may also involve creating financial projections. This can help each spouse understand the potential long-term impact of different settlement options.

Settlement Scenarios: Different settlement scenarios can be developed based on financial analysis. These scenarios can help each spouse understand how different divisions of assets and liabilities and different spousal and child support arrangements could affect their financial situation.

Financial Negotiation: The financial walkthrough provides the basis for financial negotiations. With a clear understanding of the couple’s financial situation, each spouse can advocate for a settlement that meets their needs and is fair and equitable.

Note that a financial walkthrough can be a complex process, and working with a financial professional, such as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), who specializes in separation and divorce cases, is often beneficial. They can provide valuable guidance and help ensure all financial parts of the divorce are considered.

Imagine a custom settlement structure designed to protect the wealth you have created while laying the foundation for independent futures and soft landings for you and your family. With a thorough and comprehensive understanding of your finances, I will facilitate your financial settlement. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is when I can show the separating couple how to look at their finances differently, in effect making the financial pie larger. That is how divorce mediation works for you. Soft landing design in action!

A Soft Landing is the result of Divorce Financial Planning. A point worth making is a Family Court Judge simply cannot be creative. And a straight up 50/50 split of assets does not always produce an equitable sharing of assets. Imagine transforming dysfunctional financial situations into a future-focused solution. Soft Landings are created when there is an allocation of family assets along the lines of who can best utilize the asset in the future. In effect making the financial pie larger.

Simple Soft Landings Examples

• A pension holder swaps their pension value for say their share of the matrimonial home.
• Monthly spousal support is converted into a one-time lump sum payment and put to use immediately.
• Deferred sale of the matrimonial home until the children go off to High School or University.

These are some very simple examples. There many solutions to every financial dilemma.

For those who have children, long after your finances are settled, you are connected to each other by your children. Your children will be your greatest legacy. Many longitudinal studies have proven a mediated separation and divorce settlement creates the most stable long-term co-parenting environments. If your mediation produces nothing more then a healthy co-parenting environment then it’s simply worth it.

The strategic error that most people make is to develop a separation agreement in a vacuum. What I mean is they create a separation agreement without input from the other party. Then they turn around and demand the other party sign the separation agreement. I call this separation at gun-point. This strong-arm approach mostly leads to higher conflicts and no signed separation agreement.

With Divorce the Smartway the creation of a separation agreement is an inclusive endeavour right from the start. A separation agreement developed in mediation with the input of both parties creates a sense of equity and ownership of the agreement. When there a feeling of ownership the agreement becomes more durable and long-lasting.

For an agreement of this nature, obtaining a “Certificate of Independent Legal Advice” is a must as it adds durability to your Separation Agreement. To this end, a lawyer will review your Separation Agreement and provide you with the “Certificate of Independent Legal Advice”.