When to contact me
You can contact me before, during, and after your divorce. You can get added value by working with a CDFA® professional at any step in the journey. Of course, the earlier I’m looped into the process, the better!
A popular misconception is that after the divorce is done, there is nothing left to do. That’s quite the opposite. The final stamped and signed divorce decree doesn’t transfer anything. It’s still the responsibility of both parties to make sure the stated instructions are followed. There is often confusion, inaction, or bad instructions given — obscuring the guidance provided by the divorce documentation.
There are many steps to make sure you’ve closed all the gaps. It can be very overwhelming. Let’s connect and learn how I can help give you confidence over your financial destiny. You deserve a clear vision of your post-divorce life.
Contact Leah
Why is this important?
Navigating the divorce process can be stressful, time-consuming, and complex. We’re here to help you develop your perspective. Learn how much money you need today (and in the future). We’ll help ensure your investments are managed properly. At Hightower Bethesda, we have the tools and knowledge to help ensure this is done right because there are no redo’s once the divorce is finalized.
Meet Leah
As both a Certified Financial Divorce Analyst (CDFA®) and a Certified Financial Planner, an advisor like Leah Jones has the know-how and experience to guide you through the divorce planning process. She has more than 15 years of experience in investment management and financial planning.
As the Director of Financial Planning here at Hightower Bethesda, Leah’s developed a background in understanding complexities related to financial planning, with specialties in providing divorce-related financial planning and perspective.
Who I work with and how we work together
I can work with parties individually, couples who are going through mediation/collaborate divorce process, or as a part of a divorce professional team. Let’s chat.
Individuals
My goal is to make sure you have a financial advocate. I can be someone who understands your particular financial situation. I can explain it to you. Then help you strategize and move forward.
Couples
I can work with couples to offer a third-party objective opinion. This guidance is critical when it comes to creating a financially viable and fair solution for both parties. My job is to remain neutral and present the financial details that help both parties come to a fair and equitable financial arrangement.
Family Law Attorneys
I can serve as a witness and objective financial resource for cases that require a financial planning specialist. Whether it’s to provide perspective on settlement options to the couple outside of the courtroom or to provide testimony before a judge, I can be a partner.
Mediators and Collaborative Practice
I work collaboratively with couples whose main objective is to settle without a judge and minimize legal costs through a voluntary dispute resolution process.
Life Coaches
I can work with clients by providing financial assistance and developing financial strategies to enable them to move forward.
What is a CDFA®?
A CDFA® can help you and/or your clients understand:
Developing a Budget
Personal vs. Marital Property
Complex Assets
Valuing & Dividing Property
Spousal & Child Support
Healthcare Implications
Integrate Tax Consequences
Review Stock Option Elections
Understanding Risk Tolerance
Analyze Pension, Deferred Compensation & Retirement Plans
Splitting the House, Investment Properties & Other Illiquid Assets
A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® has:
Graduated from the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts™
Received specialized training in the financial issues of divorce
Fulfilled and ongoing obligation to meet divorce-focused continuing education requirements
A CDFA® is trained to:
Help determine the short-term and long-term financial impact of a proposed divorce settlement
Offer valuable insight into the pros and cons of different settlement proposals
Help clients avoid the common financial pitfalls of divorce
Create personalized reports and graphs illustrating the financial status, cash flow, and net worth of both parties
Why work with a CDFA®?
Financial Analysis conducted early in the divorce process can save time.
The average length of the U.S. divorce process is 11 months, but many can carry on for years. We find 80% of the confusion and conflict stems from the identification and division of assets, as well as with the education of both parties on the full financial picture. In the beginning stages of the process, both parties would benefit from a clearer understanding of the financial aspects and addressing both parties’ financial concerns.
A CDFA® can help you save money during the divorce process.
While there is an upfront cost to work with a CDFA® professional, you will likely be saving money by making better, smarter, and more informed decisions. If these decisions are not given proper consideration upfront, it will most likely cost you more in the end.
A CDFA® helps clients avoid long-term financial pitfalls related to divorce agreements.
A CDFA® professional can forecast the long-term effects of the divorce settlement. Financial decisions must be made that take into consideration short, intermediate, and long-term needs.
A CDFA® can assist with developing household budgets to help avoid post-divorce financial struggles.
Parties going through a divorce might be used to a higher cost of living lifestyle. Or they may have never given any consideration to what they spend. It’s critical to develop a budget and living expenses as you begin to prepare for a financial life on your own. Every detail of your budget must be evaluated, measured, and given proper consideration before agreeing on a final financial settlement.
A CDFA® can reduce apprehension and misunderstanding about the divorce process.
Fear of not understanding the financial outcomes from a permanent separation can be paralyzing for couples. Let’s work together and you’ll be empowered to make good decisions. You’ll feel confident and mitigate the negative emotions that stem from having limited knowledge. There are also no do-overs, so the proper time and attention need to be given to all the financial considerations upfront. Then you can move forward confidently.
Learn More About Hightower Bethesda
7200 Wisconsin Ave
Suite 910
Bethesda, MD 20814
Office: (301) 202-3585
Toll Free: (888) 850-5584
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Hightower Advisors, LLC is a SEC registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Some investment professionals may also be registered with Hightower Securities, LLC and offer securities through Hightower Securities, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. You can check the background of our firm and investment professionals on brokercheck.finra.org. Unless otherwise indicated relative to a specific award or ranking, Hightower Advisors, LLC does not pay a fee to be considered for any ranking or recognition, but may have paid to publicize rankings obtained and disseminated prior to 11.4.2022. All awards / rankings / ratings obtained and distributed on or after 11.4.2022 will be accompanied by specific disclosure as applicable.
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