Melanie Johnson

Divorce Financial Solutions was created because of my personal experience with the divorce process. While going through my divorce, I thought I understood the financial issues that would affect me and my family.

Wanting the divorce to stay amicable, I took a more significant portion of the proceeds from the home instead of dividing my ex-husband’s pension assets. Did I anticipate a slump in the housing market or the commissions and taxes that would lower the amount I would receive? No.

I wasn’t told about 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 financial matters that would affect me after my divorce.

While divorce lawyers consider taxes, finances, and asset values, their main job is to hammer out legal agreements and guide you through your legal choices and rights. If you and your partner have built up a significant amount of wealth, it’s wise to have someone in your corner who’s focused solely on sorting out the financial aspects of your life, separate from your legal team.

I found that many divorce lawyers don’t have the specific knowledge regarding financial, tax, and valuation skills that many successful couples require. While they can draft agreements and legal documents, they often don’t project the impact of the settlement from a long-term perspective.

I also observed that the attorneys or paralegals needed more time to educate their clients regarding pertinent financial matters.

I would make the case that this is someone else’s job.
But, in almost all marriages, there is a financial information imbalance – where one party has far more knowledge about financial and tax issues than the other. I want to make sure you are educated on these issues.

I continually look for new ways to give you my personal best in attention, intelligence, and care. I get to know you, understanding your aspirations, goals, philosophies, hopes, fears, and dreams through a “discovery” process.

Based on the data provided, I proactively work with other advisors and specialists to identify and address problems and needs.

Following my divorce, I became certified through the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts – www.instituedfa.com, which specializes 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.

I am also a financial advisor and operate fee-only, meaning I never sell financial products or collect commissions for any planning or assistance provided.