Divorce Financial Planning

SUPPORTING YOU THROUGH FINANCIAL transitions

We offer services to fit your needs ranging from consulting, to comprehensive financial planning and asset management, to a collaborative partnership with you and your financial team.

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Can I afford a divorce? Will I need to sell the house?
Can I still retire?

These are common concerns, and we specialize in helping you find the answers. By thoroughly analyzing your assets, debts, income, and expenses, we provide a clear picture of the financial impact of divorce and explore various settlement options. We’ll walk you through how different choices may affect your long-term financial stability, including your ability to keep your home and retire comfortably. Our goal is to turn uncertainty into clarity, empowering you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions. You don’t have to face these challenges alone, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

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OUR FOUNDER, MELISSA IS A CFP®, A MEMBER OF THE FINANCIAL PLANNING ASSOCIATION, AND A CERTIFIED DIVORCE FINANCIAL ANALYST (CDFA®) PREPARING HER AS AN EXPERT ON THE FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF DIVORCE AND A PLEDGE TO ALWAYS ACT AS A FIDUCIARY IN YOUR BEST INTERESTS.

YOUR trusted ADVOCATE IN NAVIGATING divorce

What is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, CDFA® and what can they do for you?

A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® has been trained and certified to smooth out the complexities of divorce proceedings. They help clients navigate and understand the financial consequences of various settlement options and assist in financial planning during and after a divorce. They work alongside divorce attorneys, mediators, and other professionals as an advocate for the divorcee. A CDFA® is trained to help in various capacities, some of those that Melissa can help you with are described below.

Litigation Support

Going through a divorce is never easy, and we understand that the financial aspects can feel especially daunting. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain, particularly when the legal jargon and financial intricacies seem to cloud rather than clarify your situation. We’re here to offer a helping hand and a listening ear.

Every relationship is unique, and so is every divorce. Whether you’re dealing with shared investments, retirement plans, a family business, or property, we recognize the emotional and practical challenges you’re facing. You deserve to feel confident about your financial future, and we’re committed to helping you achieve that peace of mind.

Imagine being able to see, in clear terms, how different settlement options might shape your life going forward. Wouldn’t it be reassuring to know you’re making informed decisions about your financial well-being? That’s exactly what we aim to provide.

We’re not here to replace your attorney, but to work alongside them, offering our financial expertise to complement their legal knowledge. Together, we can help you navigate this difficult journey with greater confidence and clarity. Our goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to make decisions that will support your future happiness and stability.

Remember, you don’t have to face these complex financial decisions alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way, helping you build a strong foundation for your new chapter in life.
Mediation/Financial Neutral

As a divorce mediator and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, I understand that you’re going through one of life’s most challenging transitions. My role is to provide a compassionate, neutral space where you and your spouse can work through the complexities of your separation with dignity and mutual respect. I’m here to guide you both towards fair, workable solutions that consider everyone’s needs, especially those of your children if you have any.

My combined expertise in mediation and divorce finances allows me to help you navigate both the emotional and financial aspects of this process. I know that discussions about money can be particularly stressful during a divorce, but I’m here to demystify the financial implications of your decisions. Together, we’ll explore various settlement options, ensuring you both understand the short-term and long-term impacts on your financial well-being. My goal is to empower you with clear, unbiased information so you can make informed choices about your future. Remember, this process isn’t about winning or losing – it’s about finding a path forward that allows both of you to transition into your new lives with financial stability and peace of mind.
Financial Advocate

As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and mediator, I’m here to be your financial advocate during this challenging time. I understand that divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to untangling shared finances and planning for an independent future. My role is to stand by your side, offering clear, compassionate guidance through the complex financial landscape of divorce.

I know that each situation is unique, and your concerns are deeply personal. Whether you’re worried about maintaining your lifestyle, securing your retirement, or providing for your children, I’m here to listen and help. Together, we’ll dive into the details of your financial picture – from assets and debts to income and expenses – and explore various settlement scenarios. I’ll help you understand the long-term implications of different choices, empowering you to negotiate with confidence. My goal is to ensure you have a clear vision of your financial future, so you can make decisions that align with your needs and values. Remember, you don’t have to face these complex financial decisions alone. I’m here to advocate for your financial well-being, helping you build a strong foundation for the next chapter of your life.
Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative Divorce is a process designed to help couples separate with dignity and respect, focusing on problem-solving rather than confrontation. In this approach, you and your spouse each have your own collaborative attorney, and you agree to work together, outside of court, to reach a mutually beneficial settlement. The goal is to create solutions that work for both of you and your children, if you have any, rather than fighting against each other.

As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) in a Collaborative Divorce, my role is to work as a neutral financial specialist within your collaborative team. I’m here to help both of you understand your complete financial picture and explore various settlement options. I know that financial discussions during divorce can be particularly stressful, but my aim is to provide clear, unbiased information to help you both make informed decisions.

In our meetings, we’ll look at your assets, debts, income, and expenses. We’ll discuss your financial goals and concerns, and I’ll help you understand the short-term and long-term implications of different settlement scenarios. This might include analyzing things like:

– How to divide retirement accounts and pensions fairly

– The tax implications of different asset divisions

– Budgeting for separate households

– Planning for future financial needs, including children’s education if applicable

My goal is to help you both feel confident in your understanding of your financial situation and the choices available to you. I’ll work to ensure that any agreement you reach is financially sound and sustainable for both parties.
QDRO Drafting

As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, I understand that dealing with retirement accounts during a divorce can be one of the most complex and stressful aspects of the financial settlement process. This is where Qualified Domestic Relations Orders, or QDROs, come into play, and I’m here to guide you through this intricate area with clarity and care.

A QDRO is a legal document that allows for the division of certain types of retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s and pension plans, without triggering early withdrawal penalties or immediate taxes. I know that the prospect of dividing these accounts can feel daunting – after all, these are often among a couple’s most valuable assets, representing years of hard work and planning for the future. My role is to help you navigate this process smoothly, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you fully understand the implications of different division strategies.

When we work together on QDROs, we’ll start by carefully reviewing all of your retirement accounts to determine which ones require a QDRO for division. I’ll explain how different types of accounts are treated in divorce and help you understand the specific rules and requirements for each. We’ll then work on developing a division strategy that aligns with your overall financial goals and the terms of your divorce settlement.

I’ll assist in calculating the proper amounts to be transferred, taking into account factors such as contributions made during the marriage, investment gains or losses, and any specific provisions in your settlement agreement. We’ll also consider the tax implications of different division methods to help you make informed decisions about how to structure the transfer.

Throughout this process, I’ll work closely with your attorney to ensure that the QDRO language accurately reflects your intentions and meets all legal requirements. I can also liaise with plan administrators to verify that the proposed QDRO will be acceptable before it’s submitted to the court, potentially saving time and avoiding costly revisions later.

Remember, while QDROs can be complex, they’re also a powerful tool for ensuring a fair division of retirement assets. My goal is to demystify this process for you, providing you with the knowledge and support you need to feel confident about your financial future. Whether you’re the one receiving a portion of your ex-spouse’s retirement account or you’re the one transferring funds, I’m here to ensure that the process is handled correctly and in your best interest.
Life After Divorce
As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, I understand that finalizing your divorce doesn’t mean the end of financial adjustments and planning. The post-divorce period is a crucial time for establishing your new financial footing, and I’m here to support you through this transition with empathy and expertise.

After your divorce is settled, you may find yourself navigating unfamiliar financial territory. Perhaps you’re managing your own finances independently for the first time in years, or you’re adapting to a significant change in your income or expenses. This can feel overwhelming, but please know that you don’t have to figure it all out alone. My role is to help you build a strong financial foundation for your new chapter in life.

One of the first things we’ll do is review your divorce settlement to ensure that all agreed-upon transfers of assets have been completed correctly. This includes following up on the division of retirement accounts, the refinancing of jointly held debts, and the transfer of property titles. I’ll help you create a checklist and timeline to make sure nothing falls through the cracks during this critical period.

Next, we’ll work together to develop a comprehensive post-divorce financial plan. This typically involves:

Creating a new budget that reflects your current income and expenses

Reviewing and adjusting your investment strategy to align with your new goals

Updating your estate plan, including beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance policies

Developing a long-term financial strategy, including retirement planning and, if applicable, saving for children’s education

If you’re receiving or paying alimony or child support, we’ll factor these payments into your financial plan and discuss strategies for managing them effectively. I can also help you understand the tax implications of these payments and plan accordingly.

For many of my clients, post-divorce is also a time to reassess their career goals or consider returning to the workforce. If this applies to you, we can explore the financial aspects of career changes or additional education, helping you make informed decisions about your professional future.

Remember, adjusting to post-divorce life is a process, and it’s normal to have questions and concerns along the way. I’m here to provide ongoing support and guidance as you navigate this new phase. Whether you need help understanding a financial statement, want to discuss the pros and cons of a major purchase, or simply need reassurance that you’re on the right track, I’m just a phone call or email away.

My goal is to help you feel empowered and confident in your financial decisions as you move forward. Together, we’ll work to ensure that your post-divorce financial life is stable, secure, and aligned with your personal goals and values.

HONEST FEES & PRICING

CLARITY IN EVERY STEP

Transparency is the foundation of any strong relationship, and trust is the true currency of success. As financial consultants, we believe in open conversations about our fees and pricing, ensuring you always feel comfortable and informed. Our approach is simple and direct, fostering a practice where honesty and alignment with your financial goals are at the forefront of everything we do.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE
YOU CAN trust

CERTIFICATIONS

Through rigorous study and industry expertise, Melissa has earned certifications that enhance and support her knowledgeable advice and guidance.

Certified Financial Planner®

Accredited Behavioral Finance Professional

Member of Financial Planning Association

Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®

Long Island Collaborative Divorce Professionals

HONORABLE MENTIONS

In addition to providing insightful counsel directly to her clients, Melissa’s enlightening recommendations are often included in articles on prominent media outlets.

FINANCIAL PLANNING SOLUTIONS

In addition to our extensive industry expertise, Mindful Financial Partners leverages award-winning Fintech to create financial plans and manage plan assets.

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Mindful Financial Partners employees are NOT ATTORNEYs AND DO NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE. All information provided is financial in nature and should not be construed or relied upon as legal or tax advice. Individuals seeking legal or tax advice should solicit the counsel of competent legal or tax professionals knowledgeable about divorce laws in their own geographical areas. Divorce financial planning is a fee-only process that does not include investment advice or securities or insurance transactions.

SUPPORTING YOU THROUGH FINANCIAL transitions