I was recently working with a divorcing client and after I had connected her to both a Realtor and a Lender in the state she was looking to move she exclaimed to me “Wow, divorce really does take a team!”

When you’re contemplating or going through a divorce, there is no question about it, you need support. This isn’t something to go through alone, regardless of how amicable (or not) your relationship is with your soon to be ex.  Divorce really does take a team. Here are the 5 people you need:

1. Legal: There are so many options when it comes to the legal process of divorce. Professionals to consider engaging with are an attorney or a mediator. It is possible to go it alone without formal legal representation, but I always recommend having a paid consultation with either an attorney or mediator to review your settlement. Another option is to use a Divorce Coach, a non legal representative that will help guide you through the process. It’s important to find the right fit for your situation and know that there are a lot of different legal options.
2. Financial: Wrapping your head around your financials during divorce can be extremely overwhelming. There a lot of people available to support you! Financial advisors and Certified Divorce Financial Analysts are highly skilled at navigating the financials of divorce situations, even the trickiest and most complicated ones.
3. Mental Health: The divorce transition is challenging. It can feel lonely and overwhelming. The anxiety about the unknown can feel heavy. Working with a therapist can provide relief and give you tools to navigate these challenges. Our children need support through this challenging time as well. Using a therapist to help kids open up about their struggles can give them so much relief. Your mental health professionals are a vital part of your team!
4. Real Estate Team: If you own a home, whether you plan on selling or not, it’s important to connect with your real estate team.  A lender familiar with divorce can tell you what your options are; if you can afford to stay in the home, or if you can refinance, and, working with the rest of your divorce team, can guide you to what makes the most sense. As a Certified Divorce Specialist Realtor, I have worked with many divorcing families. I can help you determine the current market value of your home, and guide you through your options of selling and purchasing a new home. And because I’ve been in your shoes, I know all the emotion tied into all of these decisions.
5. Your Go – To:  I am here to connect you and help you however I can. I work hard to ensure I am aligned with all the right professionals, from legal to financial advisors, therapists to stylists (kind of the same), and real estate to restaurant recs – you name it, I can connect you to the professionals you need.

I always advise my clients – consider a fresh start. You and your soon to be ex may have a financial advisor that you’ve used together, or a lender who helped you purchased or refinance your home, or a Realtor that you have worked with in the past. It’s worth thinking about whether or not you think this person is still the right choice for you. You’re starting a new life, one that aside from parenting if you have children, does not involve your ex. A fresh start with new professionals can be a great move, and can avoid confusion or any accidental sharing of information.

Regardless of who you chose to work with, they should feel like the right person for you, with your best interest at heart. It’s a challenging time and having the right people in place, supporting you in handling the confusing and overwhelming details, will allow you to focus on yourself, and your children, while you navigate the next chapter of your life. Whether you need referrals or just an ear, know that I have been there, done that, and I am just a phone call, email or text away.