Non-Attorney Divorce Professionals

Attorneys are only one part of the professional team that can support you through this complex transition. Other professionals each bring specialized skills to help you navigate emotional challenges, financial complexities, parenting disputes, or communication breakdowns.

Mediator: Facilitator of Fair Conversations

• Unlike a judge, a mediator doesn’t make decisions for you.
• They guide the conversation, helping both parties express their needs and brainstorm solutions.
• Useful when couples want to avoid court, minimize costs, and preserve a sense of agency over the outcome.
• Both parties are willing to participate in good faith, even if they don’t agree on everything.

Arbitrator: A Private Decision-Maker

• An arbitrator is a neutral third party, usually an experienced lawyer or former judge, who hears evidence and arguments from both sides and then makes a decision.
• The arbitrator’s decision can be binding (like a court order) or non-binding (serving as a strong recommendation).
• More formal than mediation but often faster and more private than court.

Divorce Coach

• A trained professional—often certified in coaching or therapy—who helps clients prepare emotionally and logistically for each step of the divorce.
• Concentrates on immediate needs and forward momentum.
• Unique benefits that can make the divorce process more manageable, both emotionally and practically.
• Personalized, one-on-one support to help you navigate the overwhelm, confusion, and stress that often accompany major decisions and interactions with your spouse or legal team.
• Action-oriented, helping you stay focused, organized, and confident throughout the process.

Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA)

• A financial professional who specializes in the specific issues that arise during divorce.
• Can project the impact of dividing retirement assets, evaluate tax consequences of spousal support, and help ensure that both parties understand the full financial implications of their choices.
• May include reviewing complex financial disclosures, preparing financial affidavits, and supporting attorneys in negotiations or trial.

Forensic Accountant

• Professionals trained to dig deep into financial records, trace assets, and identify discrepancies that could affect the division of property or determination of support.
• Might analyze tax returns, bank statements, business records, or credit card transactions to determine whether a spouse is underreporting income or concealing funds.

Therapist or Counselor

Divorce-Focused Real Estate or Mortgage Specialist

• A divorce real estate specialist is a licensed agent with experience handling transactions during divorce.
• Can do more than just list and sell a home—they can also help spouses explore creative solutions that align with both parties’ financial needs and emotional goals.
• A divorce mortgage professional can play a key role in helping spouses find practical and creative solutions when dealing with an existing mortgage.

Vocational Evaluator

• Can help determine that person's realistic earning potential.
• Looks at factors like education, work history, local job markets, and physical or mental health limitations.

Each of these professionals plays a distinct and valuable role. And in most cases, they work best when integrated thoughtfully—so that your emotional, financial, and logistical needs are met in a coordinated, efficient way.