Navigating Divorce with Amy Colton: Top 5 Essential Tips for a Smoother Journey

Dawna Jarvis
3 min readJul 20, 2023

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Photo by Zoriana Stakhniv on Unsplash

Navigating the process of divorce can be overwhelming and complex, involving a myriad of emotional, legal, and financial aspects. Understanding the intricacies of this life-altering journey is crucial, and expert guidance can be invaluable. To assist you in this challenging time, Amy Colton, a renowned Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) and the owner of ‘Your Divorce Made Simple,’ offers her expertise alongside these five crucial tips to help you manage and navigate through this life-changing experience more effectively

1. Always Start With a Guide

Understanding the intricate process of divorce isn’t something you should tackle alone. It’s recommended to seek guidance in three key areas: emotional, legal, and financial.

For emotional support, a therapist or support group can be beneficial. To help you navigate the complexities of the legal process, a lawyer’s expertise is invaluable. And, as for financial matters, you’ll need a professional who specializes in the financial and tax aspects of divorce.

Always remember the financial decisions you make during this time will affect your future. The wrong guide can cost you more in both time and money. A financial professional with an understanding of divorce could be your best bet.

2. Understand That No Two Divorces Are the Same

Every divorce journey is as unique as the individuals involved. ‘While well-meaning friends and family members may offer advice based on their experiences, it’s crucial to remember that your divorce is your own. The specific circumstances and intricacies will not mirror anyone else’s,’ says Amy Colton, Founder of Your Divorce Made Simple.

Professional guidance is invaluable during this challenging time. Especially a financial professional experienced in divorce. They can provide tailored advice to help you navigate the process and avoid common pitfalls, recognizing that each situation comes with its unique set of challenges and solutions.

3. Recognize That Divorce Is Primarily About the Financials

While the legal side of divorce often takes center stage, the financial aspects typically require the most attention. Divorce is about the division of marital assets and debt, child and spousal support, and the tax implications of your decisions. Understanding the full financial picture is essential to reaching a fair and sustainable settlement.

4. Consider Alternatives to Traditional Legal Proceedings

The traditional family law process can be time-consuming and costly. It’s worth considering alternatives like mediation, which can be less adversarial and often more cost-effective. In fact, opting for a mediated “Kitchen Table Divorce” process can be particularly beneficial. This involves multiple, manageable negotiation sessions, allowing for better decision-making and less stress.

5. Familiarize Yourself With Child and Spousal Support Guidelines

Understanding the laws around child and spousal support is crucial for ensuring a fair and reasonable outcome. Though these guidelines can vary state to state, it’s important to know the general principles.

Child support is usually shared by both parents in proportion to their income, but many other factors come into play, like custodial arrangements and who covers certain expenses. Spousal support considerations will depend on factors like the length of the marriage and whether one spouse stayed home during the marriage. An attorney can provide accurate, personalized guidance for these issues.

Final Thoughts:

Remember, navigating the often tumultuous seas of divorce isn’t something you have to do alone. By seeking the right help, understanding your unique journey, focusing on the financials, considering alternatives, and understanding support guidelines, you can make the process simpler and less stressful.

Visit www.yourdivorcemadesimple.com for further guidance and support. With the right tools, resources, and information, you can make your divorce journey smoother and easier to navigate.

You can also find Amy Colton, founder of Your Divorce Made Simple, featured in various publications such as AARP, YAHOO Finance, MSN, AOL, Go Banking Rates, and Nasdaq.

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Dawna Jarvis
Dawna Jarvis

Written by Dawna Jarvis

I’m a Business & Media Strategist. I take a different approach than most “experts” out there.

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