Contributed by: Jacki Roessler, CDFA® 
I’ve been working with divorcing clients and their attorneys for well over 20 years now. Although every single case I’ve worked on has had its own unique issues and challenges, most initial appointments follow a similar trajectory. First and foremost, I always want to hear what the person in front of me is most concerned about. In fact, I want to hear ALL of their financial concerns and questions relative to the divorce.
Once their concerns are on the table (and in my notepad), I find that most clients need education on the basics. In fact, it’s been a rare first meeting that doesn’t end with me stepping up to a white board to present what I call “Divorce Finance 101”. If my client doesn’t understand the key issues that surround child support, alimony and property division, we can’t even begin to address concerns about handling a family-owned business, paying for college costs, substantiating the need for alimony or what may or may not be considered separate property.
The webinar that follows is a compilation of my favorite topics from “Divorce Finance 101”. A few words of warning. This information is fluid. It changes over time as State, Federal and tax law changes occur. There are always exceptions to all the “basic rules” too, of course. Most importantly, I am not a lawyer and therefore cannot provide legal advice. I can only give information based on my professional experience. My most important piece of advice to any client is how critical it is to hire a qualified, experienced family law attorney that practices often in your county court system.
As always, please feel free to contact me at jacki.roessler@centerfinplan.com for any questions that are specific to your case or if you have any future webinar topics you’d like to suggest.
Jacki Roessler, CDFA® is a Divorce Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc.®
Any opinions are those of Jacki Roessler and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.