(Therapist vs. Financial Advisor vs. Lawyer vs. Mediator vs. Divorce Coach vs. Financial Neutral)
Divorce can feel like you’re trying to assemble a team without knowing the rules of the game. Each professional has a distinct role. Knowing who does what can save you time, money, and emotional energy.
Therapist: Emotions, patterns, and healing
Supports your mental and emotional wellbeing so you can process grief, fear, anger, and change.
They may help you understand triggers and relational patterns, but does not manage legal decisions or negotiation strategy.
My tip: Keep a Therapist for emotional health throughout the process.
Financial Advisor: Personal financial guidance for a strong future foundation
Helps you with investment planning, retirement strategy, and long-term financial stability.
They may assist with dividing assets, but not ongoing support or legal decisions.
My tip: Keep a Financial Advisor when you need long-term investment strategy and financial stability after the divorce is finalized.
The Lawyer (Collaborative or Traditional): Legal rights + protection
Explains your options, negotiates on your behalf, and ensures agreements are legally sound.
In Collaborative Divorce, lawyers commit to problem-solving without court.
In litigation, they advocate before a judge.
My tip: Engage Collaborative Lawyers when trust is low or issues are complex (business interests, special needs, safety planning).
The Mediator: A neutral facilitator for both spouses
Guides productive dialogue, ensures transparency, and drafts agreements you design together.
They help reality-test options and keep the agenda focused on resolution.
My tip: Choose a Mediator when both are willing to disclose and negotiate in good faith.
Divorce Coach: Future-focused, strategy + skills
Helps you show up as your best self in an organized, confident, and clear way.
They prepare you for conversations, sessions, and decisions. But are not therapy or legal advice.
My tip: Use a Divorce Coach when you need communication scripts, accountability, and clarity between sessions.
A Financial Neutral: Facts + future planning for both spouses
Organizes the full financial picture (assets, debts, budgets, projections) so decisions are transparent and informed.
They usually work with both spouses, not one and they are not pushing outcomes. Nor they will be taking sides.
My tip: Use a Financial Neutral when you need clear numbers, budgeting guidance, and options for dividing assets and supporting two homes.
Easy Math:
Right Role + Right Time = Less Chaos and better Outcomes
Each professional supports a different part of your journey. When they work together AND you bring in the right help at the right moment, I promise everything gets clearer.
If you’d like help identifying which step comes next for you, I’m here to guide you. Use our contact form and we’ll get back to you within 48 hours.