Starting Off On the Right Foot Financially in Divorce with Heather Locus, CPA, CFP, CDFA on The Divorce and Beyond Podcast #331

The Divorce and Beyond® Podcast with Susan Guthrie, Esq.

Navigating the early stages of divorce or contemplating it can be daunting. Financial concerns often loom large, adding to the overwhelm and confusion.

Financial Professional Heather Locus joins Divorce & Beyond to address these fears head-on this week. Susan and Heather share invaluable insights on protecting your money and starting your divorce on the right financial footing!

Their conversation emphasizes the necessity of proactivity, organization, and knowledge, particularly concerning financial aspects, throughout the divorce process.

Topics and Golden Nuggets:

• Why pausing and considering discernment counseling before contacting an attorney can lead to a faster and less costly divorce.
• Despite initial fear, learning about finances during divorce can be empowering and manageable.
• Heather offers a golden nugget by offering advice about setting up a separate email for divorce communication, exploring mortgage options early
• Understanding changes in tax laws regarding alimony and other tax-saving strategies can optimize financial outcomes
• Checking credit reports can help you spot outstanding debts or any joint accounts opened without your knowledge.

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About this week's special guest: Heather Locus, CPA, CFP, CDFA

Heather founded the National Divorce Practice Group at Corient to help divorcing individuals consciously navigate their divorce’s emotional and business aspects. From hiring the right fit attorney through their SettleSmart™ analysis, then implementing the divorce decree and auditing it annually, Heather ensures you have the resources you need to start your next chapter on a firm footing.

Heather founded our Women’s Service Team in 2006 to help female executives and business owners, widows, and women transitioning through divorce. After going through her own divorce in 2011, she realized how much more we could do to support divorcing women and men with a practice dedicated to serving their unique needs. Heather is driven by deep empathy to help divorcing individuals have clarity and confidence in finalizing their divorce.

A Forbes “America’s Top Women Advisor,” Heather is a nine-time “Five Star Wealth Manager” according to Chicago magazine, was named an “Influential Women in Business” by The Business Ledger, a “Top 200 Wealth Advisor Mom” by Working Mother, and an InvestmentNews “Woman to Watch.” Heather is an author of two books on divorce and has contributed to leading publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Crain’s Chicago Business, Family Lawyer Magazine, and Divorce Magazine on multiple topics. She is a CPA, CFP® practitioner, and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) professional and has completed intensive executive coaching and divorce mediation training.

Heather loves learning from her teenage son and daughter and working with organizations she is passionate about, including After School Matters, The Lilac Tree, Between Friends, and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Contact Heather:l [e-mail].

Financial Issues in Divorce: A Client Handbook: Heather's latest book written for the American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys.

Listen to Heather's prior episode of Divorce & Beyond:

5 Smart Strategies to Save Money in Your Divorce with Leading Divorce Financial Professional, Heather Locus

Negotiating Your Financial Future: Key Factors to Consider with Leading Divorce Financial Professional Heather Locus

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Episodes and Resources mentioned in this episode:

Listen to Divorce and Beyond’s Top 5 Most Downloaded Episodes of 2023! These episodes have been a beacon of support and guidance for many, and now, you can easily access them, too!

Ready to be inspired? Just head over to https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/top-episodes to listen to these transformative episodes. Don't miss out on these empowering discussions!"

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:

THE MAKE MONEY MEDIATING PODCAST

As we navigate the complexities of divorce and beyond together, I've noticed how many are not just seeking personal growth but are also passionate entrepreneurs and business-minded individuals. That's why I want to introduce you to my other podcast – 'The Make Money Mediating Podcast.'

On 'The Make Money Mediating Podcast,' we dive deep into business and entrepreneurship. I share insights and strategies on how to thrive in your professional life, especially if you're interested in mediation. Each episode is packed with tips, stories, and some wisdom to help you grow your business and make an impact.

If you love 'Divorce and Beyond' and want to expand your business acumen or explore the mediation world, 'The Make Money Mediating Podcast' is your next must-listen.

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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE! https://divorcebeyond.com/Sponsorship-Info

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MEET OUR CREATOR AND HOST:

SUSAN GUTHRIE®, ESQ., the creator and host of The Divorce and Beyond® Podcast, is nationally recognized as one of the top family law and divorce mediation attorneys in the country. Susan is the Vice Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution and is a sought-after keynote speaker, business and practice consultant, coach and trainer. You can find out more about Susan and her services here: https://neon.page/susanguthrie

Internationally renowned as one of the leading experts in online mediation, Susan created her Learn to Mediate Online® program and has trained more than 25,000 professionals in how to transition their practice online. Susan recently partnered with legal and mediation legend, Forrest "Woody" Mosten to create the Mosten Guthrie Academy which provides gold-standard, fully online training for mediation and collaborative professionals at all stages of their careers.

Follow Susan Guthrie and THE DIVORCE AND BEYOND PODCAST on social media for updates and inside tips and information:

Susan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie/

Susan on Instagram @susanguthrieesq

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You can get in touch with Susan at [e-mail].

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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM.