Working with a CDFA® is not a luxury. It is essential. Specially for women.

I see this time and time again. Women come to us after they have signed an agreed to and have made financial decisions without the right information. It is usually too late for us to help at that time and most women are left in a financial limbo and their fears becoming a reality.

There are many reasons why women choose to make financial decisions during their divorce process without hiring an expert to guide them through the process, to help them identify the best potential resolution based on their unique circumstances and taking into consideration their hopes for the future.

Women are sometimes influenced by their own fears and overwhelming feelings. Their guilt over the fact that “they should know about finances”. Or, they believe their soon to be ex-spouse “will do the right thing”.

Often, they rely on the well-intended advice of friends and family. They feel pressure to make decisions even when they are not sure if that is what they truly want or need.

Unfortunately, one of the most common reasons women decide not to work with a true Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® is trusting their divorce attorney. Even when their attorney dismisses their fears as unfounded, even when an attorney is an expert in the law but not on the finances of divorce. Working with a divorce attorney is of vital importance to protect your legal rights while going through a divorce. However, working with a Divorce Financial expert is imperative. A divorce financial expert understands the ins and outs of all financial issues particularly if you are a high-net-worth household.

The financial field is ever changing, and these changes have a direct impact on each financial decision a person makes during their divorce. I do understand, it may prove difficult to see how saving money today while going through a divorce will be inevitable most costly in the future. Trust me, it will.

As a Certified Financial Divorce Analyst® I have the specialized skills, experience and training that enable us to analyze the long- and short-term financial impact of divorce. Our role is vital in making sure a divorce doesn't end in a financial tragedy.

The financial implications of a divorce are critical, especially for women. This is about your future and your decisions will make a difference when it comes to your security and stability. I believe not having a true CDFA® by your side is one of the biggest mistakes you can make during this process, and it shouldn't be this way.

I am devoted to supporting women during this period of transition, so they have access to all the information, find their voices and gain the clarity to make the best decisions for themselves.

If you are feeling overwhelmed and do not know where to start, if you are working with an attorney but have questions, if you are going to mediation and not sure what is “right” reach out to me in confidence. I will work with you, providing you with the education and tools you need to feel empowered and truly confident with your decisions.

Gabriella E. Martinelli, Divorce Financial Strategist/Mediator.

Gabriella is the founder at Ever After Wealth® and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, Certified Divorce Specialist® as well as a Nationally Certified Mediation Professional®

To learn more about her firm, visit her website www.everafterwealth.com or reach out to her directly at gabriella@everafterwealth.com.

Disclaimer-- To avoid any conflict of interest, Gabriella does not manage assets nor provide investment advice. She does not sell financial products. She works strictly as a consultant.