Starting Off On the Right Foot Financially in Divorce with Heather Locus, CPA, CFP, CDFA on The Divorce and Beyond Podcast #331

Navigating the early stages of divorce or contemplating it can be daunting. Financial concerns often loom large, adding to the overwhelm and confusion. Financial Professional Heather Locus joins Divorce & Beyond to address these fears head-on this week. Susan and Heather share invaluable insights on protecting your money and starting your divorce on the right financial footing! Their conversation emphasizes the necessity of proactivity, organization, and knowledge, particularly concerning financial aspects, throughout the divorce process. Topics and Golden Nuggets: Why pausing and considering discernment counseling before contacting an attorney can lead to a faster and less costly divorce. Despite initial fear, learning about finances during divorce can be empowering and manageable. Heather offers a golden nugget by offering advice about setting up a separate email for divorce communication, exploring mortgage options early  Understanding changes in tax laws regarding alimony and other tax-saving strategies can optimize financial outcomes Checking credit reports can help you spot outstanding debts or any joint accounts opened without your knowledge. **************************************** About this week's special guest: Heather Locus, CPA, CFP, CDFA Heather founded the National Divorce Practice Group at Corient to help divorcing individuals consciously navigate their divorce’s emotional and business aspects. From hiring the right fit attorney through their SettleSmart™ analysis, then implementing the divorce decree and auditing it annually, Heather ensures you have the resources you need to start your next chapter on a firm footing. Heather founded our Women’s Service Team in 2006 to help female executives and business owners, widows, and women transitioning through divorce. After going through her own divorce in 2011, she realized how much more we could do to support divorcing women and men with a practice dedicated to serving their unique needs. Heather is driven by deep empathy to help divorcing individuals have clarity and confidence in finalizing their divorce. A Forbes “America’s Top Women Advisor,” Heather is a nine-time “Five Star Wealth Manager” according to Chicago magazine, was named an “Influential Women in Business” by The Business Ledger, a “Top 200 Wealth Advisor Mom” by Working Mother, and an InvestmentNews “Woman to Watch.” Heather is an author of two books on divorce and has contributed to leading publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Crain’s Chicago Business, Family Lawyer Magazine, and Divorce Magazine on multiple topics. She is a CPA, CFP® practitioner, and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) professional and has completed intensive executive coaching and divorce mediation training. Heather loves learning from her teenage son and daughter and working with organizations she is passionate about, including After School Matters, The Lilac Tree, Between Friends, and Make-A-Wish Foundation. Contact Heather:l [email protected].   Financial Issues in Divorce: A Client Handbook: Heather's latest book written for the American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys. Listen to Heather's prior episode of Divorce & Beyond:   5 Smart Strategies to Save Money in Your Divorce with Leading Divorce Financial Professional, Heather Locus  Negotiating Your Financial Future: Key Factors to Consider with Leading Divorce Financial Professional Heather Locus **************************************** Episodes and Resources mentioned in this episode: Listen to Divorce and Beyond’s Top 5 Most Downloaded Episodes of 2023! These episodes have been a beacon of support and guidance for many, and now, you can easily access them, too! Ready to be inspired? Just head over to https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/top-episodes to listen to these transformative episodes. Don't miss out on these empowering discussions!" **************************************** THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: THE MAKE MONEY MEDIATI