Divorce has many components, including legal, emotional, and financial. Many people mistakenly retain a single professional, generally a lawyer, to handle all aspects of their divorce. This often proves to be a mistake. You need a team of professionals who can individually and collectively address all of the components of your divorce. Hiring professionals in each area will help you to approach divorce in a comprehensive manner.
The first step is to decide which professionals you need on your team to best effectuate your goals. Your team may include any or all of the following professional members:
o Therapist/counselor
o Life/transition coach
o Physician
o Accountant
o Asset valuator
o Financial planner
o Attorney
Once you have made an initial determination as to the team members you need, the next step is to understand the roles and responsibilities of each professional.
Therapist: assists you in working through the emotional aspects of divorce. A good therapist will also help you to understand and work through your emotions, perceptions and barriers.
Life/Transition Coach: guides you through the transition and helps you create your post divorce life. Be very cautious not to confuse life coaching with therapy. Unless your life coach is also a trained licensed mental health professional, therapy or psychological counseling should not be given.
Physician: diagnoses and treats your physical condition.
Accountant: advises as to personal state and federal tax implications and consequences. Accountants may also address sale or liquidation of the business for business owners.
Asset Valuator(s): ascertains the value of property including real estate, jewelry, art, antiques, businesses and pensions.
Financial Planner/Advisor: develops and implements a strategy to meet financial goals and needs.
Attorney: represents legal interest and resolves legal issues.
There are numerous methods of locating professionals. Some sources to consider are the internet, friends, and referral services. Often other professionals can be a great source for referrals to professionals with whom they have a working relationship.
With some professionals, particularly attorneys, it is a good idea to watch them in action. I have seen many people sit in the back of a court room and just observe. This is a great way to find out the actual working style as well as the rapport between the attorney and their colleagues and court staff, particularly the judge.
Once you have located prospective professionals, the next step is to choose the right professionals for you. The best way to find the best professional for you is to interview each prospect. Interview as many prospective professionals as necessary, until you believe you have found a good fit. Most reputable professionals offer consultations prior to engagement.
Use the three C's as a guidepost;
1. Competency - is the professional competent to handle your matter?
2. Comfort - are you comfortable with the professional?
3. Cost - is the cost of service affordable and doable?
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