A surgical team is defined as “A unit providing the continuum of care beginning with preoperative care, and extending through perioperative (during the surgery) procedures, and postoperative recovery. Each specialist on the team, whether surgeon, anesthesiologist or nurse, has advanced training for his or her role before, during, and after surgery.”

Obviously, having a team of highly trained specialists to assist before/during/after an operation increases the chances of having a successful surgery.

Divorcing couples ought to consider the example set by the surgical team; having a team of highly trained specialists, working together, to help before/during/after the divorce should increase their chances of having a “successful divorce”.

Meeting with a divorce coach before engaging attorneys can help establish rules for effective, respectful communication; in addition, projecting post-divorce cash flow scenarios with a financial specialist can prepare the couple to formulate reasonable monetary expectations.

Should there be a glitch during the divorce process, resolution-oriented attorneys appreciate having mental health and financial professionals available to resolve specific issues. Addressing a potential impasse from different perspectives increases the chances of finding a unique solution that benefits all parties.

While your relationship with your attorney may be over, you may still find yourself struggling with issues related to the demise of your marriage, which can be emotional and in many cases overwhelming. Who better to give you the tools needed to address such issues than your therapist? Addressing such sensitive issues in a timely and thorough manner helps one to “move forward” and heal from past wounds.

Your financial advisor is also someone who will continue to guide you; not only to assist to assist you as you manage your investments, but to help you monitor cash flow projections and calculate any life insurance needs.

In closing, using a team approach to address all issues that arise during the divorce process should give couples the best chance at having a “successful divorce”.

Rochelle Forster and Craig A. Hyldahl, CDFA offer securities through AXA Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC, offer investment advisory products and services through AXA Advisors, LLC, an investment advisor registered with the SEC, and offer annuity and insurance products through AXA Network, LLC. AXA Advisors and its affiliates and associates do not provide tax, accounting or legal advice or services. You should consult with your own tax and legal advisors regarding your particular circumstances. Individuals may transact business and/or respond to inquiries only in state(s) in which they are properly registered and/or licensed. R.I.C.H. Planning Group, LLC is not owned or operated by AXA Advisors or AXA Network. CFP and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. PPG-101056(02/15)(exp.02/17)