Question from Clients: 
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​What does a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist do?

Assists clients in understanding their financial situation and the process they are going through and facilitates goal setting for financial security. He/she provides clients with a reality check that could eliminate costly mistakes going forward. An CFDS provides information as to the implications of the choices being considered taking into account tax costs, inflation, growth and cash flow both today and for years ahead.

What type of clients use the services of an CFDS? ​

​Although there is no one type, statistically more women than men seem to use these services, perhaps due to a gap in salary or understanding of investment assets.  Certainly those with substantial assets seek out the assistance of an expert in financial divorce matters.

​How much does the average case cost?

Depending on the community the average case would generally cost from just under a thousand dollars to over $2,500 and could even be as low as the financial divorce professional’s hourly rate if the client only needs a little information to help their understanding.

​Why do I need an CFDS when I already have a lawyer?

​A family is always faced with dividing assets and money issues when going through a marital breakdown and having an objective third party specially trained in financial matters offers insight to avoid making uninformed costly choices.  Lawyers are trained in legal issues, not financial or tax areas and they often prefer not to deal with this area in great depth.  The team approach provides the best solutions possible for a stronger financial future.

Would it cost more by using a lawyer and CFDS?

​The faster you understand the financial status and the consequences of choices being considered, the less it will cost in legal bills.  Couples often get stuck on a particular issue or issues that are not really worth battling over

​What is the approximate cost?

​It depends on the situation for the amount of hours involved and complexity of the specific circumstances.  The range is as low as a few hundred dollars to several thousand if a complex case

​Will an CFDS do the complete divorce without a lawyer?

​No, the role of an CFDS is to deal with the financial areas of a separation or divorce as they are not trained as lawyers. It is recommended that you use a lawyer/ paralegal  to deal with the legal aspects of your case.

​Will using an CFDS mean getting a bigger settlement or more support?

​No, an CFDS provides information and specialized reports to give you the tools to make better choices from your options that could result in a more satisfactory settlement for everyone involved.

Question from Lawyers: 
 
How does using an CFDS bring any value to me, my clients or my work?

​An CFDS is able to show the projected consequences of various options giving the clients a reality check that will assist in bringing resolution to the stumbling blocks that holds back cases from closing. An CFDS also reduces a lawyer’s liability in that all financial facts are being analyzed by an objective third party with training specifically in this area

​What type of communication would occur between an CFDS and a lawyer if working together or a case?

​Written and verbal correspondence regarding the financial aspects of the client cases, including specialized reports with projections taking into account tax aspects, inflation, growth earnings, cash flow, etc. If required, an CFDS may be an expert witness.