The Collaborative Practice of Law in Family Cases Adam T. Magill, MBA, AVA, CBA

agenda 1. what is a financial neutral? 2. what is the role of a financial neutral? 3. getting financial records 4. working with the parties 5. presenting your findings at the meetings

Neutral expert with knowledge of the financial aspects particular to divorce. This professional acts as a neutral party who assists both spouses in gathering all the financial information about the couple or family in a supportive and nurturing environment. - International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP)

Financial experts Financial planners CPAs

Information gathering Mandatory disclosure Financial affidavits Income analysis Budgets / standard of living Alimony / tax calculations Child support calculations Meeting note taking Expert / strategy Provide additional expert services Coordinate or be liaison for outside financial services Real estate appraisals Business valuations Forensic analysis Private investigations Strategic analyses

Individual meetings Mandatory disclosure / case specific information Release to get additional information Outside services

Releases from/for… CPAs Financial advisors Insurance agents Brokers Credit reports Tax returns (direct from IRS) Social security reports Outside services… Real estate appraisals Business valuations Forensic analysis Personal property appraisers Brokers Financial planners Private investigators

Individual meetings v couple meetings Information gathering factual information / disclosure Strategic meetings separately with each party & their attorney

Educating v Presenting Developing v Dictating Options v Opinions