Melanie Johnson created Divorce Financial Solutions because of her personal experience with the divorce process. I was a Kindergarten teacher for 12 years with 3 young children when I divorced the first time. I always tell attendees in the divorce workshop that I never thought I would be divorced once, little on twice. However, it is these experiences that allow me to give back to others so they do not have to “walk the same path” and make the mistakes I did. While going through my divorce, I thought I understood the financial issues that would affect me and my family. Wanting the first divorce to stay amicable, I took a larger portion of the proceeds from the home instead of dividing the pension assets of my ex-husband. Did I anticipate a slump in the housing market or the commissions and taxes that would lower the amount I would receive? Nor was I advised on these financial issues. I noticed that attorneys were excellent at working through legal procedures, understanding legal rights, and resolving conflict, however, they did not address any of the financial matters which would affect me after my divorce. What I found was they really did not have the level of knowledge regarding financial, tax and valuation issues that most people require. Furthermore, they did not project the impact of settlements into the future. My second divorce involved three businesses, five real estate properties and an additional child. I knew much more by this time, but still was wise enough to outsource to professionals to help me. You see, when you are involved emotionally in your own decisions, it is difficult to make the best decisions…..many times you can’t even “see” what needs to happen until after the “dust has settled”. Following my own divorce, I became certified through the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts – www.instituedfa.com as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst(CDFA) specializing in financial divorce issues. I am also a member of the Collaborative Law Institute of Texas – www.collablawtexas.com and the Financial Divorce Association –www.fdadivorce.com. Although I work with both men and women, most of my clients are women. And because women are expected to live nearly 90% longer in retirement than men, it is essential that they take control of their financial future. I am also a financial advisor and operate on a Fee-Only basis, meaning I never sell financial products or collect commissions for any type of planning or assistance provided. Financial concerns represent the bulk of the issues that make up most divorce settlements. Divorce Financial Solutions is devoted to helping individuals avoid the financial minefields that are inherent in every divorce case. As our clients’ financial stewards, we bring an experienced team to the table to support your efforts in constructing an equitable settlement. Christina believes in helping others make confident financial decisions during the course of their divorce. She decided to become a CDFA in 2011 after going through her own divorce. She knows through her own experience how overwhelming, emotional, and tedious the divorce process can be and understands the anxiety that surrounds making decisions about one’s future. By understanding the tax effect, financial valuation of each asset, and future financial needs, a CDFA can help clients make decisions with a clear understanding of the short and long-term effects, therefore decreasing anxiety. Christina McCranie majored in accounting and was a CPA prior to raising her four children. She knows firsthand that even though a person may have an understanding of their finances, making financial decisions during an emotional and challenging time is difficult. She wants to help people see a clear picture of their current financial situation, so they can make informed decisions for their future.
