“I need a financial advisor for my divorce. How do I know who to pick?”

Interview more than one professional, evaluate their credentials, and choose the best combination of competencies and character. Be sure your choice is someone you really feel confident about and comfortable with.

Know that divorce finance is a specialty practice in the financial services arena. Only consider a professional who has been specially trained and holds at least one of the specialty certifications. They are: Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ (CDFA™), Certified Financial Divorce Practitioner® (CFDP), or Certified Financial Divorce Specialist (CFDS). To use a health care analogy, would you ask your primary care physician to do brain surgery on you? Would you ask your neurosurgeon to set your broken leg? Do not use a generalist when a specialist is needed. And use the right specialist for the job.

Additionally, consider the depth and breadth of a professional’s financial expertise. Professionals holding the above mentioned certifications come from a variety of backgrounds and varying degrees of overall financial strengths.

Finally, this is not the time to save a few dollars and hire the cheapest candidate. There is usually a reason why some experts charge more for their services, and others are willing to pay. Remember, your entire financial future may be at stake. If you have to rationalize a choice to yourself, then it is probably not your best choice.

Rosemary Frank, is a financial service professional. Rosemary is the founder of Dollars of Divorce. Where she does a professional analysis of the marital assets, the effects that a settlement will have on your financial future, as well as all other factors with an overall impact for you to maintain your standard of living. You can reach her at (615)595-6850 or [email protected].