Episode 18 | Avoiding Common Financial Mistakes During Divorce with Jamie Lima

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Episode Notes

Are you unknowingly making financial missteps in divorce that could cost you for years to come? In this episode of Buried in Work, host Adam Zuckerman welcomes Jamie Lima, founder of Woodson Wealth Management and Allegiant Divorce Solutions. Jamie shares his journey through a financially and emotionally complex divorce that inspired him to help others avoid common financial pitfalls during divorce. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), Jamie explains the critical role of financial analysis in divorce settlements, emphasizing the importance of sound asset division, understanding tax implications, and the value of early financial planning. Jamie provides practical advice on protecting assets, planning for future financial needs, and making empowered decisions in divorce proceedings.

As you listen, you will gain valuable insights into the role of a CDFA, the common financial mistakes in divorces, the impact of financial abuse, and key steps to establish a stable post-divorce financial foundation. This episode offers essential advice for anyone facing divorce or looking to understand its long-term financial implications.

Key Takeaways:

• CDFA vs. CFP: Jamie explains the distinct roles of Certified Divorce Financial Analysts and Certified Financial Planners in managing life-long financial stability and addressing immediate divorce-related needs.
• Financial Abuse Awareness: Jamie discusses common signs of financial control in relationships and how divorce can reveal financial inequities.
• Asset Division and Tax Strategy: Avoiding costly mistakes in asset division, such as overlooking the after-tax value of 401(k)s vs. home equity, is essential for a fair settlement.
• Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: Jamie emphasizes the importance of prenuptial agreements as “marriage insurance” to secure assets and prevent lengthy legal disputes.
• Post-Divorce Estate Planning: Updating beneficiaries, creating a new will, and preparing essential estate documents are vital steps to ensure financial legacy protection. Having a buy-sell agreement is essential for business owners to ensure a smooth transition and avoid potential conflicts.
• Planning for the future and having a succession plan in place provides peace of mind for business owners and their key players.

Show Links:

• Connect with Jamie Lima: Visit Allegiant Divorce Solutions to explore how Jamie’s team can support you during divorce proceedings at https://allegiantds.com/ or head over to Woodson Wealth Management for broader wealth management and financial planning services at https://woodsonwm.com/

About Jamie Lima

Jamie Lima, MBA, CFP®, CDFA®, and Certified Mediator, grew up in a family that faced persistent financial challenges, particularly after his parents divorced when he was very young. Despite his parents’ efforts, Jamie recognized the financial strain they were under, even as a child. This early experience instilled in him a deep desire to learn how to support himself and his future family, ultimately leading him to a career in finance.

After enduring a difficult divorce of his own, Jamie decided to become a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® and founded Allegiant Divorce Solutions. His mission was clear: to help others better prepare for, navigate, and recover financially from divorce. With a commitment to ensuring his clients never experience the same financial struggles he faced growing up and during his own divorce, Jamie has built a practice centered on empathy, expertise, and financial empowerment.

With nearly 20 years of experience, Jamie is passionate about helping clients make informed financial decisions and bringing together the puzzle pieces of their financial lives to create stability and confidence for their futures.

Outside of his professional life, Jamie and his wife, Dawn, enjoy off-roading in their Jeep, working on their farm—which includes sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, ducks, and rabbits—and keeping up with their five children.

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