--- title: Our Blog - AMF Divorce | Court description: Court | From mortgage professionals to therapists to attorneys, the team at A.M. Financial works closely with these types of professionals. --- ## A.M. Financial - [Services](https://amf-divorce.com/divorce-transition-services) - [Service Plan](https://amf-divorce.com/service-plan) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://amf-divorce.com/frequently-asked-questions) - [Our Blog](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog) - [About Amy](https://amf-divorce.com/about-amy) - [Contact Us](https://amf-divorce.com/contact-us) - [Services](https://amf-divorce.com/divorce-transition-services) - [Services](https://amf-divorce.com/divorce-transition-services) - [Service Plan](https://amf-divorce.com/service-plan) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://amf-divorce.com/frequently-asked-questions) - [Our Blog](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog) - [About Amy](https://amf-divorce.com/about-amy) - [Contact Us](https://amf-divorce.com/contact-us) [Book a Meeting](https://calendly.com/amymahlenmelander/consultdivorcefinancialplanning) Posts about # Court ## [4 Benefits of Attorneys Partnering with CDFAs](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/4-benefits-of-attorneys-partnering-with-cdfas) September 03, 2024 When navigating the complexities of divorce, both attorneys and their clients benefit from the specialized expertise of a [Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/certified-financial-divorce-analyst-a-m-financial). By collaborating with a CDFA,... [CONTINUE READING](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/4-benefits-of-attorneys-partnering-with-cdfas) ## [3 Myths About Going to Court in a Divorce](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/3-myths-about-going-to-court-in-a-divorce) June 01, 2022 If you are going through a divorce, or know someone who is, often the greatest fear is the possibility of going to court. There is a perception that divorces that end up in court will have... [CONTINUE READING](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/3-myths-about-going-to-court-in-a-divorce) ## [Finding the Right Divorce Attorney: 6 Questions to Ask](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/finding-the-right-divorce-attorney-6-questions-to-ask) June 01, 2022 Choosing the right attorney in your divorce can make all the difference. From getting the outcomes you want, to reducing unwanted friction with your ex-spouse, there are important questions to ask... [CONTINUE READING](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/finding-the-right-divorce-attorney-6-questions-to-ask) ##### About Amy With compassion and patience, Amy focuses on her client’s unique priorities to build a financial road map that provides clarity to make informed decisions today regarding the future. ##### Links - [Home](https://amf-divorce.com) - [Services](https://amf-divorce.com/divorce-transition-services) - [Our Blog](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog) - [About Amy](https://amf-divorce.com/about-amy) - [Contact Us](https://amf-divorce.com/contact-us) - [Schedule a Meeting](https://calendly.com/amymahlenmelander) ©2026 Copyright. All rights reserved. A.M. Financial provides supporting financial information, evaluation and analysis to be utilized by the client and the client’s selected attorney if directed, during the process of their divorce. ervices provided in regards to this agreement are solely fee-only and do not involve investment or security advice or insurance transactions. All information is financial in nature and should not be construed or relied upon as legal or tax advice. A.M. Financial IS NOT AN ATTORNEY AND DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. Individuals are encouraged to seek competent legal and tax advice from professionals who specialize in divorce and tax laws in their respective state. Amy Melander (CRD #4692263) is an Investment Adviser Representative of OneDigital Investment Advisors, LLC (ODIA). ODIA and A.M. Financial are independent and unaffiliated entities. ODIA does not offer or provide divorce financial planning services and any statements and/or opinions expressed by A.M. Financial do not represent the views and/or opinions of ODIA.   This website is a publication of A.M. Financial. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Content should not be viewed as personalized investment advice or as an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned herein. A professional adviser should be consulted before implementing any of the strategies presented. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleBody" : "When navigating the complexities of divorce, both attorneys and their clients benefit from the specialized expertise of a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA). By collaborating with a CDFA, attorneys can enhance the quality of service they provide, leading to more confidence and clarity for clients and ultimately a healthier path moving forward. This post was inspired by my recent participation in a panel at the Colorado Family Law Institute event where I spoke alongside Andra Davidson and Diane Wozniak. The discussion focused on strategies to creatively utilize neutrals, such as coaches and CDFAs, to improve attorneys’ clients experience by increasing efficiencies, reducing conflicting, and keeping families out of court. In this post, we’ll discuss several key advantages of working with neutrals in the divorce process. 1. Flexibility One of the most significant advantages of working with a CDFA is the flexibility they bring to the table. Unlike traditional collaborative law settings that require structured and formalized processes, a CDFA can adapt to the needs of both the attorney and the client. Whether serving as an advocate for one party or as a neutral expert for both in a more collaborative dynamic, a CDFA offers tailored financial insights that align with the specific needs of the case. This flexibility helps the parties receive the support they need, in the format that best aligns with their situation. 2. Time Savings Preparing for divorce proceedings often takes longer than expected, and a CDFA can streamline various aspects of the process. A CDFA can be brought in at any stage to consult on financial matters, understand clients’ needs, and offer strategies tailored to those needs. Their ability to efficiently gather and analyze financial data can significantly reduce the time attorneys spend on financial discovery, allowing for faster resolution and reduced legal fees. Both client and attorney’s typically are provided with sworn financial statements and marital balance sheets to get acquainted with the data before initiating in formal negotiations. 3. Enhanced Client Support Divorce is not just a legal process—it's an emotional and financial one as well. A CDFA can provide support that complements an attorney's legal expertise, helping clients feel more confident and prepared as they navigate pending financial agreements and their real-world implementation. By preparing clients for mediation, offering financial guidance, and exploring financial strategies, CDFAs help clients feel financially equipped to handle their divorce. A CDFA can also build client confidence in the financial issues important to them, and empower clients to put foundational plans in place to help them reach long-term financial goals. This holistic approach often leads to more successful outcomes and greater client satisfaction. Specifically, CDFAs can help with: cash flow analysis valuing separate property/assets asset distribution strategies pension valuation/offsets retirement analysis executive compensation tax analysis & management support structures tax adjustments division analysis housing considerations/planning 4. Preparation Preparation is key to a successful divorce settlement, and a CDFA plays a critical role in navigating the divorce process. By assisting with drafts of sworn financial statements and creating marital balance sheets, CDFAs provide attorneys with the financial clarity they need to make decisions with confidence. They also identify potential issues early on, allowing for proactive resolution and reducing the likelihood of stressful surprises during negotiations. Post-decree issues are less likely to surface when clients receive comprehensive service during their divorce. The sooner a CDFA is involved, the sooner both the client and the attorney have access to the financial information necessary to drive the case forward. Including a trusted CDFA in the divorce process offers attorneys a valuable partner in navigating the financial complexities of their cases. From providing flexible collaboration options to enhancing client support and accelerating preparation, CDFAs contribute to more efficient and effective divorce proceedings. Attorneys who work with CDFAs are better equipped to serve their clients' needs, ultimately leading to more favorable outcomes for all involved. Learn more about our services and how we work with attorneys to improve client outcomes.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Amy Mahlen", "sameAs" : "", "url" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/author/amy-mahlen" }, "dateModified" : "03/09/2024", "datePublished" : "03/09/2024", "headline" : "4 Benefits of Attorneys Partnering with CDFAs", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 400, "url" : "https://39875594.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/39875594/Imported%20sitepage%20images/Profile-Pic.jpg", "width" : 750 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/4-benefits-of-attorneys-partnering-with-cdfas", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "" }, "name" : "A.M. Financial", "url" : "amf-divorce.com" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleBody" : "If you are going through a divorce, or know someone who is, often the greatest fear is the possibility of going to court. There is a perception that divorces that end up in court will have dramatic, unfair outcomes by a judge who doesn’t know what’s best for the divorcing parties, likely due to movies and media that portray it this way. The truth is that while most people want to stay far away from court, it’s sometimes to their own detriment. Even parties who may use court as a “threat” during settlement discussions often don’t want things to end that way. While only 5% of divorcing parties end up in court, there are myths about court being a negative and scary experience. In this post, we discuss three common myths about going to court and educate you on the reality of these situations. Myth 1: I must have an attorney to go to court Although navigating the details of court on your own may feel overwhelming, in 85% of cases, one party does not have an attorney. In fact, over 50% of overall divorce cases are settled without involving attorneys. Therefore, it’s not uncommon for judges to hear from parties who are representing themselves. If you plan to navigate court on your own, we highly recommend you prepare yourself by hiring a team of advisors to educate you on the various aspects of your separation agreement, from financial advisors to tax professionals to realtors to attorneys who can guide you on an unbundled basis (hourly) providing expertise when needed. Having professionals help you understand what is reasonable and possible will make your position to the judge stronger. If you do end up feeling like hiring an attorney to fully represent you is the right option at any point along your divorce journey, screen for a settlement-oriented attorney from the start. Hiring an attorney with the expectation that they can help you reach a settlement outside of court can help you feel like you have done everything possible to try and work out a separation agreement and parenting plan (if applicable) prior to moving into the court process. Remember, it’s okay to change your attorney during the process in order to align better with your values and desired outcomes. Myth 2: If I go to court, I no longer have control and my family’s fate will be left up to a judge Unless one party is highly contentious, it’s unlikely that either party wants to go to court to settle a divorce. However, one party might threaten this in order to expedite settlement by saying things like “fine, if you don’t agree with me, we’ll just go to court” or “I’m tired of trying to come to an agreement, let’s just let a judge decide”. These are often just empty statements in a desperate effort to try and reach an agreement. If you are hearing phrases like this from your ex, you might see this attitude changing as the divorce process drags on. Sometimes getting closer and closer to having a court date prompts more reasonable settlement between parties and/or their attorneys. While it might feel like you are leaving your fate up to a judge by going to court, sometimes, the only option is court because the other party is offering settlement options that are so bad and unreasonable. When these dynamics are present, your worst-case scenario of going to court is BETTER than settling for what is being offered. When all options on the table are worse than what would be granted by a judge, a trial can give you the chance to petition for more, such as a greater share of the assets or more time and decision-making authority with the children. If you and your lawyer feel you have a strong case, then you may decide it’s worth going to trial. Court might also feel like an expensive choice as you have to pay your attorney to both prepare your case and represent you in the courtroom. However, sometimes court can save you money if there is continuous back and forth and too much unresolved conflict that is eating away at your lawyer’s time as you try and work toward settlement. Myth 3: An attorney will create more problems in my divorce There is definitely a general myth in society that attorneys want all your money, cause more contention, and create more fights with your former spouse. Once again, this is likely portrayed in the movies and media and we are therefore programmed to believe this based on exposure to these stories. While it can be the case in some more rare situations, most attorneys should be an advocate for you, your goals, and the best interest of any children (when involved). They should greatly reduce the drama, communication, and fighting between you and your ex. While attorneys don’t usually create more problems, this myth is a good reminder to screen and hire a reasonable, settlement-oriented attorney. This type of attorney will prevent the threat of court from the start, if possible. In order to find a settlement-oriented attorney, ask for referrals from friends and family, read online reviews, check references from their past clients, and always interview attorneys before selecting. In the rare case you know you’ll end up at trial anyway based on the difficulty of negotiations, lack of success, and existing issues, it may make sense to plan toward that outcome and choose an attorney who has experience in court. This might be the case if you are working with an extremely uncompromising ex, abuse issue, a spouse who is hiding assets, or a former spouse who is seeking an extreme situation like full custody of the children. At A.M. Financial, we can help you alongside divorce planning and negotiating. We can advise on financial options to include in your separation agreement based on what is happening now and what you may encounter down the road. We can work alongside your attorney or directly with you to collectively create a tangible financial plan to support your present needs and future goals. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Amy Mahlen", "sameAs" : "", "url" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/author/amy-mahlen" }, "dateModified" : "01/06/2022", "datePublished" : "01/06/2022", "headline" : "3 Myths About Going to Court in a Divorce", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 400, "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/39875594/Imported_Blog_Media/qtq80-4nSyCL.jpeg", "width" : 750 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/3-myths-about-going-to-court-in-a-divorce", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "" }, "name" : "A.M. Financial", "url" : "amf-divorce.com" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleBody" : "Choosing the right attorney in your divorce can make all the difference. From getting the outcomes you want, to reducing unwanted friction with your ex-spouse, there are important questions to ask as you interview and select an attorney to represent your wants and needs during this important time. When choosing a divorce, it’s not uncommon to interview a half-dozen attorneys through a phone call or consultation. In that initial communication, note how you feel coming out of the conversation and whether you truly feel you could work well with this person to achieve the outcomes you desire. In this post, we outline the six most essential categories of questions you can use to find the right divorce attorney. 1. How long have you worked in family law? Working with an attorney who has experience with your specific challenges is essential. You might have friends recommend an attorney they know or have worked with, and while referrals are great, make sure any attorney recommended is well-versed and experienced with family law and divorce proceedings. In addition to specific experience, ask about the depth and breadth of that experience, including the number of years serving clients going through a divorce, and how much of that time is spent with people similar to you. Because laws can vary significantly by state, it’s also important to understand how much of their experience is in the state where you currently reside. Some additional questions you can ask related to your potential attorney’s experience include: Do you exclusively do family law work? How many years have you worked in family law and law overall? How much experience do you have in this state? 2. Who, specifically, is your typical client? As mentioned above, finding an attorney who is accustomed to working with people similar to you is important. Related experience means this attorney can typically anticipate issues before they even arise and advise you based on past experiences. Beyond just expertise in family law, look for an attorney who has worked with people just like you – whether you are a stay-at-home parent or working professional. Understanding more about their typical client gives you insights into how aligned this person’s experience is with your unique dynamics and needs. Not to mention, you’ll better understand how much this attorney will relate to your situation and desired resolution. 3. What’s your resolution style? Beyond finding an attorney who you can relate to and who understands your unique situation, inquire about their resolution style. This might be the most important question to ask in order to get the outcomes you want in your divorce. Some attorneys will excel at settlement, while others are exceptional at offering mediation support. Some attorneys might work more effectively with opposing parties who aren’t represented by an attorney if that is your current situation, possibly on an unbundled basis which is “help as needed” and not full representation. On the other hand, if you know you’ll have a contentious divorce, you may have to seek an attorney who is highly experienced in litigation, court proceedings, and high conflict situations. And, if you seek unusual or specific outcomes, such as winning full custody of your children or having a highly flexible parenting plan, you may have to interview attorneys for experience with that type of resolution. Clearly defining the outcomes you desire in your divorce will help you navigate this interview question more effectively. For example, you may want to ask the following questions to better understand whether your attorney excels at settlement: What percentage of cases do you settle out of court? What are the steps you take to ensure we have exhausted all options out of court? 4. Do you serve or support unique dynamics? As mentioned above, every divorce is unique. Some situations have more complex dynamics, including everything from abuse, to special needs children, to home school families. Other issues like mental health needs, joint business ownership, or even complex financial situations warrant attorneys that understand the specifics and can advise on these dynamics. In order to agree on a parenting plan, sometimes the parties request or judge orders the involvement of a Child Family Investigator (CFI) or Parental Responsibility Evaluator (PRE) to provide observations and recommendations concerning the allocation of parental responsibilities. An attorney with experience navigating these experts and coaching you through their involvement can also help you achieve the outcomes you desire. A simple question to ask an attorney in the interview process is inquiring about their experience and comfort level with any unique situation you have in your divorce. 5. What is your communication style? You’ll be spending a lot of time with your attorney during the divorce process. Therefore, it’s essential that you are aligned on the best ways to communicate during this time. For example, if you prefer phone calls so that you can ask questions in real-time, but your attorney typically communicates over text or email, you’ll likely end up feeling frustrated. Some questions you can ask attorneys that you interview to get a sense of their communication style include: Do you prefer phone calls to touch base or emails or even texts? How often do you keep me updated? Do you answer calls in the evenings since I work during the day (or vice versa)? Do you schedule meetings on weekends? Will we have ongoing, scheduled meetings or ad hoc calls? 6. How do you structure payments? What are your fees and costs? Lastly, an attorney can be an expensive component of your divorce and cost will likely be a factor in your attorney selection. If cost is a concern, you can hire an attorney in limited scope or partial representation where they only deal with a few agreed-upon issues. You can work with an attorney for consultation only, where they are available to review/prepare documents and provide advice when needed but they wouldn’t represent you in court. While there are ways to keep costs affordable by hiring an attorney for partial representation or as an advisor, most people will want to be fully represented by counsel to ensure they have the outcomes they desire in their divorce. Some questions you can ask to get a sense of payment structure and feeds include: What is your hourly fee? Do you work on a retainer model where I pay lump sums that you work against until they are depleted? Do you work on a sliding scale or pro bono basis based on income? Do you offer junior services alongside yours at a lower rate (for paperwork filing and scheduling, for instance)? Do you offer unbundled services for the specific support I need (representation in mediation/court, paperwork consultation, and more)? It is incredibly important to do your homework and select the right attorney to represent your wants and needs during your divorce. Without spending the time interviewing and asking the right questions, you run the risk of having to find a new attorney that is better aligned with your needs or, worse, end up with outcomes you don’t want. In fact, choosing the right team of professionals in your divorce is essential. That’s where we can help. A.M. Financial specializes in the financial planning you need to successfully navigate the finances of your divorce and beyond. Contact us for a free consultation today.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Amy Mahlen", "sameAs" : "", "url" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/author/amy-mahlen" }, "dateModified" : "01/06/2022", "datePublished" : "01/06/2022", "headline" : "Finding the Right Divorce Attorney: 6 Questions to Ask", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 400, "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/39875594/Imported_Blog_Media/qtq80-cydSDF.jpeg", "width" : 750 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/finding-the-right-divorce-attorney-6-questions-to-ask", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "" }, "name" : "A.M. Financial", "url" : "amf-divorce.com" } } ```