The 6-Step Program

STEP 1:   INFORMATION GATHERING
Complete and honest disclosure from both parties is necessary to create the best options for both new households.  The required information includes: work history, income and expenses, assets and debt, investments, college tuition, insurance policies, children, past parental responsibilities and your personal wish list.  Each couple is assigned a professional team consisting of a Facilitating Counselor, a Certified Public Accountant, a Financial Planner, a Mediator and a Paralegal/Legal Document Assistant.

STEP 2: GROUND RULES & PARENTING PLAN
The Facilitating Counselor lays the ground rules of behavior during the divorce settlement process.  If there are children the counselor creates a binding Parenting Plan Agreement that addresses the needs of the children first and foremost. This agreement cannot be changed during the 6-step, 60-day process. This prevents either party from using the children for their own personal gain during the financial settlement process. 

STEP 3:  FINANCIAL PLANNING
The Financial Planner creates household budgets, comprehensive financial profile, and investments plans.  All investments are reviewed to ensure these are fairly divided according to their growth potential, liquidity and true market value. 

STEP 4:  PROPERTY & SUPPORT
The CPA uses the Financial Planner’s budgets, comprehensive financial profile and investment plan to create property settlement options and family support options. Tax planning is necessary to minimize the tax liabilities associated with each option. 

STEP 5:  MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
The Mediator reviews all options and mediates until an agreement is reached.  The agreement is thoroughly explained so that each understands all of its parts and the future impact for each family member.  A Marital Settlement Agreement is prepared and signed.

STEP 6:  COURT DOCUMENTS
Court documents are prepared for filing. Our attorneys perform a final review of all work done by your professionals. You do not go to court because DKYM2 is the liaison between you and the court.  We file and track all court documents during the six month waiting period.