An alternative conflict resolution approach being used increasingly in the United States and in the Northern Virginia area is Collaborative Practice - a team based approach utilizing attorneys, mental health professionals, and a financial neutral. Tim Murray is trained and practicing as a financial neutral using this model.

Collaborative law has the potential to resolve disputes respectfully - without going to court.

For more information give Tim a call and/or visit Collaborative Professionals of Northern Virginia and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals websites.

Due to the increasing financial complexity of many divorces, those divorcing, their attorneys, mediators, or arbitrators are turning to financial planners to sort through the often complicated financial issues involved. Without close scrutiny before settlement, serious mistakes are made, yet are only discovered long after the divorce is finalized.

Examples of Common Mistakes of Divorce Settlements:

• Incorrectly assuming that a 50/50 split is equitable. Tax and other consequences need to be considered.
• Retaining the marital home when it is unaffordable.
• Not considering the tax ramifications of keeping and then later selling the marital home.
• Incomplete knowledge of retirement plans, stock options, and other employee benefits.
• Inaccurate information and/or calculations of child support.
• Not considering long-term inflation and/or investment returns.
• Allowing strong emotions that are present during the divorce process to skew financial reason.