Even if you have little money and few resources, it is important to get support as you work through the divorce process. As your divorce progresses, you may need to call on a variety of specialists ranging from attorneys to real estate agents, credit counselors to appraisers. Because your future is at stake, don’t cheat yourself; get the best you can afford. Comparison shop and check references before signing contracts for outside services.

While you need to ask different, industry-specific questions of each professional you consult, the following four questions are useful to guide you with professionals in general:

1.  Is the person competent and suited to handle my specific case?

2.  How is this professional paid?

3.  What’s the best use of this professional’s services?

4.  Am I evaluating this professional objectively?

Besides providing quality service, a good professional should explain any potential risks in your situation and offer realistic appraisals of results and consequences. Keep that in mind as you review these descriptions of professionals who can help you during divorce:

• Lawyers: For assisting during a divorce, lawyers charge hourly rates. While their fees vary widely across Massachusetts, you should find one that fits your wallet. Financial negotiations and lines of authority remain clear when you’re represented by an attorney.
  
• Mediators: If you are able to take a less contentious route, consider mediation where you and your spouse work with an objective third-party mediator to reach agreement on some or all of the issues associated with your divorce. Attorney Irwin M. Pollack warns potential clients that some, but not all, mediators are lawyers themselves. If the mediator has family law experience, but isn’t a lawyer themselves, make sure any agreement is still reviewed by a lawyer. 
  
• Financial Planners:  A financial planner can help you prepare for your financial future as a single person. A planner may be able to help you identify potential risks in your settlement agreement and the tax consequences of decisions you are contemplating. When hiring a financial planner, look for someone who can analyze the financial impact of divorce on you – not someone whose primary focus is on selling you investments.
  
• Divorce Financial Analysts:  The new breed of advisor is the “certified divorce financial analyst.” Much like financial planners, these specialists help couples go through the process of dividing stock portfolios or valuing and dividing a business. 
  
  
• Stockbrokers and Money Managers:  Stockbrokers tend to focus on individual stock, bond, mutual fund and insurance transactions. Money managers look overall at the overall performance of investment portfolios and evaluate how they meet their client’s short-term and long-term needs for growth, income and safety.
  
• Accountants:  Accountants can provide a variety of services ranging from auditing a business to assessing employee benefits packages. Often times, accountants work as tax consultants, but don’t assume that all CPAs can provide personal tax services.  

If you have income tax concerns, you may want to start by consulting an enrolled agent, a tax specialist qualified to practice before the IRS. If you think your spouse is hiding assets or covering financial facts, hire a forensic accountant.

• Bankers:  Your banker can prove quite helpful in the different financial aspects of divorce such as opening credit lines or acquiring loans.

• Insurance Agents:  Insurance is one way to protect yourself from risk.  During divorce it’s important to review your coverage. Double-check your life, health, disability, property and business coverage.  

• Real Estate Agents:  When a real estate agent is involved in the sale of a home, that agent usually receives a commission from the money the seller receives for the house, even if the agent has been working with the buyer. An agent who appraises a house usually will do so for free, in hopes of getting your business later when you sell.  

• Therapists:  Divorce is stressful and a therapist can be a valuable resource for helping resolve personal issues. To find someone, ask friends for referrals or call Attorney Irwin M. Pollack personally; he’s networked with Massachusetts’ best – from child psychologists to divorce therapists, addiction experts and eating disorder specialists. 

• Credit Counselors:  Credit advisors can help you negotiate with your creditors and set-up systems to manage your finances. These agencies generally receive most of their funding from major creditors such as credit card companies and banks.  

• Business Appraisers:  To determine the financial value of any business – including a sole proprietorship or professional practice – a business appraiser conducts a detailed analysis. Call us and we’ll connect you with the area’s best!  

• Private Investigators:  If you’re looking to expose fraud or locate missing funds or other assets, private investigators are savvy in using computers to allow them to obtain information from probate records, motor vehicle registrations and other sources.

No matter what stage you are at in the divorce process, the lawyers at The Massachusetts Family Law Group have earned the reputation as zealous advocates for their clients’ legal matters.

Between our offices in Plymouth and on Cape Cod, we cover all the towns and cities in Plymouth, Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties and gladly offer no-obligation consultations to those seeking legal representation.  Contact us to set-up an appointment. 

We’ve reviewed, represented or even litigated family law matters in Hingham, Plymouth, Brockton, Scituate, Easton, New Bedford, Barnstable Hyannis, Falmouth, Orleans and even Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.  Call (800) 910-DIVORCE or contact us today.