A Novel Guide To The Process Of Divorce
b'With Stan Corey, CFP\\xae, CPWA\\xae, Certified Financial Planner, Author of The Divorce Dance: Protect Your Money, Manage Your Emotions & Understand the Legal Issues
After many years of working with divorcing couples, Certified Financial Planner Stan Corey has written a novel called The Divorce Dance, where his characters Jim and Natalie take the reader on a sort of fictional journey through the entire process of divorce. Conceding that women are genetically more amenable to the idea of a self-help book,\\xa0 Stan has Natalie be the teacher, the one who does the research and drives the story along.
Early on in the story, Natalie interviews several attorneys, and judging by their strengths and weaknesses (which are described in the book) decides which is best for her situation. The reader, in turn, can learn which would be in their favor, often depending upon whether or not children are involved, the presence or absence of animosity, financial needs, etc.
In addition, Natalie learns that often the best course of action involves more than simply the selection of a lawyer, but is greatly enhanced by incorporating litigation, mediation, and collaboration.
Stan emphasizes the importance of knowing the divorce laws in your state. Although child support is mandated by statute, alimony and marital settlements are not, so determining the assets and worth of each couple is where a financial planner comes into the dance.
In those states which are called equitable distribution states, Florida and Virginia are two examples, a detailed look at all assets and earnings precedes the allocation of finances, which is usually done on a percentage basis. The financial implications, particularly for the woman if she is the lower wage earner, are not always clear during the emotional period of the divorce process, so having that expert advice can be critical.'