Divorce attorneys often experience high burnout rates, particularly due to the emotionally draining nature of divorce cases. Many attorneys, especially those who litigate, eventually transition their careers into divorce coaching or trust and estate planning to protect their mental well-being from the continuous stress of handling cases involving distressed individuals.
As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, I aim to bridge the gap and establish a strong partnership with family lawyers by dispelling myths surrounding our role and clarifying our position in the divorce process. Here’s how I can assist family lawyers and why we should be seen as valuable teammates rather than competitors:
1. Reducing liabilities for family lawyers: Divorce attorneys excel in the legal aspects of divorce, while forensic accountants specialize in investigating potentially criminal transactions and analyzing past financial records. CDFA®s, on the other hand, focus on the future financial aspects of divorce. By collaborating, I can provide family lawyers with a comprehensive understanding of financial impacts, such as dividing assets, determining the present value of future cash flows, and assessing tax implications. This knowledge can prevent family lawyers from offering incomplete or inaccurate financial advice, which could become a liability in larger cases.
2. Generating more referrals for family lawyers: Family lawyers often struggle to receive referrals from clients due to the inherently dissatisfying nature of divorce. However, the financial aspect of divorce is significant, often serving as the initial trigger for the separation. By partnering with CDFA®s and offering clients a clear financial roadmap, we can alleviate anxiety surrounding their divorce. This comprehensive approach increases client satisfaction post-divorce, leading to more referrals for family lawyers.
3. Elevating family lawyers’ expertise: With a significant number of divorce attorneys practicing, it’s essential for lawyers to differentiate themselves. By working collaboratively, family lawyers can enhance their services and efficiency. While lawyers focus on the legal aspects of divorce, CDFA®s provide financial counseling and analysis. This synergy between professionals allows clients to access the expertise of both, resulting in a more streamlined and affordable divorce process.
As a CDFA®, I bring value to family lawyers by encouraging them to emphasize the importance of a strong support network for their clients. Divorce is an uncertain and challenging time, and having a solid support system, which can include divorce coaches, parenting coaches, relationship experts, and CDFA®s, is crucial for navigating the complexities of divorce successfully.
By forming a strong partnership with CDFA®s, family lawyers can enhance their services, reduce liabilities, increase client satisfaction, and differentiate themselves in a crowded field of divorce attorneys. Together, we can provide comprehensive support and guidance to clients, ensuring their financial well-being during and after divorce.