You may have heard about the novel adapted into the movie, The People We Hate at the Wedding, but the world of divorce also has its own supporting cast. Now, it’s time to learn about The People We Love in Divorce. Below is a quick guide to the professionals you may meet in divorce.
- Your Attorney – Your attorney is your legal sounding board. They not only help understand your rights, but they advocate for your interests and guide you through litigation when the going gets tough.
- The Opposing Attorney – The opposing attorney is not your enemy, even if sometimes it feels that way. Usually, having an attorney on the other side makes your own attorney’s job a little bit easier. Remember, the opposing attorney is doing for your soon-to-be ex what your attorney is doing for you.
- The Judge – If your case requires litigation or a trial, the judge assigned to your case becomes the decision-maker. Their job is to apply the law and settle disputes when you and your ex can’t reach an agreement.
- The Mediator – Mediation offers an alternative path to resolution. A mediator – usually an experienced family lawyer or retired judge – tries to guide the parties towards a mutually agreeable resolution of the matter. The process is voluntary, and the mediator’s recommendations are not binding.
- The Arbitrator – Like a mediator, an arbitrator is usually an experienced family lawyer or retired judge. However, arbitration is a different form of alternative dispute resolution, which offers a more formal process where the arbitrator’s decisions are binding.
- The Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) – Before you reach a financial settlement, your attorney might suggest that you consult with a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. A CDFA can help you crunch numbers to plan your financial future following the divorce and ensuring your settlement supports the next chapter of your life.
- The Forensic Accountant – As much experience as your divorce attorney has, they are not usually qualified to perform complicated financial analyses. Forensic accountants dig into the details – from analyzing cash flow for alimony negotiations to valuing the family business for equitable distribution.
- The Mental Health Experts – Mental health experts are vital when custody and parenting time are in dispute. These professionals can conduct custody and parenting time evaluations (sometimes called best interest evaluations), risk assessments, or psychiatric evaluations to help the parties or the Court make informed decisions about your children’s best interests.
- The Parent Coordinator (PC) - Still arguing over soccer schedules or vacation parenting time? A Parent Coordinator helps high-conflict co-parents resolve day-to-day disputes and implement parenting time plans. Their recommendations are binding unless and until a Court orders otherwise.
- The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) - The GAL is appointed by the Court to represent your child’s best interests. They can interview, investigate, and report their findings to the Court.
- The Therapists - Whether it’s individual therapy, co-parenting therapy, or reunification therapy, therapists can provide confidential emotional support during and after divorce.
- The Divorce Coach –While someone clients might find divorce coaches helpful, they are not therapists nor are they attorneys, which means they should be approached with caution. Your conversations with a divorce coach are not protected in the same way your conversations with a therapist or an attorney would be.
If you’re ready to take the first step in hiring your attorney to build your divorce team, contact Cohn Lifland today.