Our Comprehensive Divorce Process

We aim to simplify the divorce process, providing clear guidance and efficient strategies to help you achieve a fair and balanced resolution. Below is our step-by-step process, designed to give you control and clarity while ensuring your best interests are protected.

Step 1: Initial Call and Consultation

Comprehensive free call – obligation – Our goal is to lead you down the right path whether with us or someone else.

Objective

Understand your unique situation and provide a clear overview of the process.

Details

Initial consultation to discuss your concerns, goals, and the details of your divorce.
Explanation of your available options, including mediation, collaborative law, or litigation.
Answer any questions you have about the divorce process, timelines, and costs.
Duration: 30-60 minutes.

Schedule a call to discuss your divorce goals and begin the process

Step 1.5: Decide on Divorce Process

Objective

Choose the best process that fits your needs.

Details: We only do

Collaborative Divorce: You and your spouse work together with your attorneys and other professionals to reach an agreement without going to court.
Mediation: A neutral mediator helps you and your spouse resolve issues and reach an agreement.
DIY Divorce: You and your spouse agree on terms and handle all paperwork independently.
Hybrid Approach: Combination of mediation and collaborative law.

Based on your needs and goals, decide which process works best for you and your spouse

Step 2: Sign Agreement

Objective

Formalize the commitment to proceed with your chosen divorce process.

Details

Sign a divorce agreement that outlines your understanding of the process and the terms of engagement.
Provide initial retainer or fee structure, depending on the chosen process.

Both parties review and sign agreements to officially move forward with the divorce process

Step 3: Complete Online Intake Form and Provide Data Collection Items

Objective

Gather comprehensive information about your assets, liabilities, and financial situation.

Details

Fill out the online intake form with personal, financial, and asset-related information.
Collect key documents such as tax returns, bank statements, retirement account details, and debt records.
Provide details about any existing agreements (e.g., prenuptial agreements) or property division preferences.

Complete the intake form and upload required documents for a comprehensive financial analysis

Step 4: First Meeting – Focus on the Balance Sheet

Objective

Create a full financial picture for both spouses.

Details

Review the balance sheet with all assets and liabilities.
Determine the value of real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and other assets.
Address any non-marital or separate property and clarify ownership status.
Discuss future needs and how property and liabilities should be divided.

Work with financial planners and/or attorneys to begin outlining fair and equitable property division

Step 5: Second Meeting – Focus on Cash Flow Analysis

Objective

Understand each spouse's financial needs moving forward and determine support obligations.

Details

Review monthly income, expenses, and liabilities for each spouse.
Assess potential spousal support (alimony) and child support needs based on income and budget.
Analyze whether either spouse has enough income to support their post-divorce needs or if additional support is required.
Discuss budgeting and how ongoing expenses will be managed.

Develop a sustainable cash flow strategy to meet both spouses' needs after the divorce

Step 6: Additional Meetings (as Needed) to Reach Resolution

Objective

Address any outstanding issues and finalize the terms.

Details

Additional meetings as necessary to discuss complex issues such as child custody, business valuation, or pension divisions.
Work through any disagreements or unresolved issues to ensure a complete settlement.

Continue discussions and negotiate final terms of the divorce

Step 7: Work Together to Develop a Strategy for Filing Divorce

Objective

Work Together to Develop a Strategy for Filing Divorce

Details

Decide if you will file for divorce together or separately.
Develop a filing strategy that is cost-effective and expedites the process.
Ensure all documentation is in place for the final divorce filing.

Finalize all necessary documentation and prepare for court submission or official filing

Step 8: File Divorce Yourself, with Limited Scope Attorneys, and Scribner Services

Objective

Officially submit the divorce paperwork and ensure all legal steps are completed.

Details

Submit the completed paperwork to the court or appropriate jurisdiction.
If needed, both spouses hire limited-scope attorneys for final review, or legal guidance.
Engage scrivener services to ensure accurate, complete documentation for final submission.

File paperwork with the court and ensure the divorce process is progressing smoothly.

Step 9: Ongoing Support and Case Management

Objective

Ensure smooth implementation and post-divorce adjustments.

Details

Continue managing financial matters, including ensuring the division of assets and liabilities is complete.
Use our case management system to facilitate communication with professionals, ensuring that the transition to post-divorce life is as smooth as possible.
Ensure that any post-divorce modifications or issues (e.g., property adjustments, child support changes) are handled swiftly.

Stay in touch with our team for post-divorce guidance and support

Step 10: Final Divorce Completion

Objective

Finalize your divorce with all necessary steps completed.

Details

Ensure all financial divisions are properly executed, including QDROs for retirement accounts, property transfers, and any settlements.
Ensure all child support and spousal support are set up.
Implement post-divorce adjustments such as name changes, insurance updates, and estate plan revisions.

Complete the divorce process and ensure that all court requirements and post-divorce tasks are finalized