FAQs

Who should consider working with Financial Divorce Solutions?

“Increasingly, financial advisors, particularity those qualified as financial divorce specialists are becoming involved in helping people through divorce.”

— Investment Executive Money Planner Magazine

Individuals who want to reduce the time in negotiation with their ex-spouse.
Couples who want a settlement that provides the best possible outcome given their personal situation.
Lawyer and mediators who work with Financial Divorce Solutions receive assistance in the evaluation of the division of assets related to the individual’s future income through lifestyle projections.

What is the difference between separation and divorce?

Once a person decides the relationships is over and starts to live separate and apart from each other with no intention of reconciling, they can begin to “undo the marriage”.

A separation agreement spells out the practical details between the couple. Usually couples work on a separation agreement and then proceed to file for a divorce after one year. If you plan to remarry a certificate of divorce must be issued by the courts under the Canadian Divorce Act.

Can I just stay separated? Do I have to file for a divorce?

If you simply separate without getting a divorce, you can’t legally remarry and you can’t assume a new partner’s name. Separation agreements and court orders can resolve some family matters but they do not legally end your marriage. The only way to legally end your marriage is to get a divorce. Generally, you need to be separated for a one-year period to get a divorce.

How can a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist help divorcing individuals?

The role of a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist is to assist you to better understand how the financial decisions made today will impact your financial future. We help you understand tax, retirement and pension issues, if you can afford to keep the house, and which settlement offer provides the best outcome. Working with a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist increases your chances of reaching a settlement that will fully address you long-term lifestyle needs.

When does a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist enter the divorce action process?

A chartered financial divorce specialist can enter the process at one of many points. The specialist can be brought in at the beginning of the process to help prepare the financial statements that accompany the divorce application or reply to the application.

When the client requests a speedy settlement, the chartered financial divorce specialist can be called in before an offer of settlement is made to prepare detailed charts showing financial outcomes.

The chartered financial divorce specialist can also be brought into the process to provide an objective evaluation when a settlement offer is received.

How is the Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist Paid?

A chartered financial divorce specialist charges an hourly fee, usually paid by retainer. Some services may be provided by flat fee prices.

Will money coaching help us develop a marriage contract or deal with conflict in our relationship around money?

Yes! Conversions regarding money, and money related matters, are often taboo subjects. Money Coaching is a perfect way to bring those conversations out into the open where they can be explored in a safe and compassionate way.

Where are coaching sessions held?

Today’s technology allows us to host virtual session via Skype or Zoom as well as live in-person sessions. For virtual sessions computers with audio and video are required as well as good internet connections.

What do I do if my partner is not interested in money coaching?

Individual sessions can benefit a couple’s relationship. Often once one person signs up and starts to show positive changes then the other person is more open to finding out more. In order for Money Coaching to be effective you must be open to looking at yourself and your past behaviours and patterns and be willing to explore change.

How do I know if money coaching is right for me?

If you answer yes to any of these questions or if you experience feeling of fear, anxiety or stress when you have to deal with money related life events, then Money Coaching may be the service you need to become unstuck to free yourself to create the life you desire and deserve.

Have you ever wondered why you are living paycheck to paycheck or relying on your line of credit to cover your bills?
Do you argue about money with your partner or family?
Are you ready to look deeper into your individual relationship with money or the money relationship you have as a couple?

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Testimonials

Gail was chosen by my wife and I to address the financial solutions of our separation in a compatible way. This being a very emotional stressful undertaking I found myself concerned with the feelings that, being female, Gail may naturally side with my wife. During all of our sessions I soon realized nothing could be

Doug S

Gail, Thank you again for the information and advice you've imparted and the warmth with which you do. It is much appreciated! You truly are one of a kind.

Karen

Very early on in our separation, it was recommended to me by a few people that we should perhaps consider securing the services of a mediator to assist in the process of arriving at a final separation agreement. We did just that, and we have worked through this potentially stressful exercise with Gail Belchior. I

Patrick

The emotional toll of divorce is hard enough and to add the stress of dealing with the financial implications is overwhelming. Gail provides an invaluable service and provided options on how to deal with separating your financials and allowing you to move on with your own life. Without Gail's assistance the process of separating would

John

It was an absolute pleasure to work with Gail on one of my first collaborative family files! She is the epitome of professional excellence and having her as a member of the collaborative team to provide guidance and expertise in terms of the financial issues was the key to our success.

Vicky M. Ringuette Lawyer, Notary Public & Mediator

I can't believe it's really all done, Gail! And I can't imagine having done it without you. Thank you SO MUCH for your guidance through it all. And your referrals to Erik and Sandra. They too were so integral to the outcome.

Dave

We finally got our separation agreement signed off by our lawyers in early March 2015 with very minor changes, so we want to send you a huge, overdue thank you for the work you did for us in creating the financial statement and parenting plan and Family Mediation document. We are happily separated now and

Christina

Client writes regarding Future Lifestyle Projections……Just catching up on emails after another week away. This has been great and given me a great planning and assessment tool. I'm a little concerned for work consistency right now, but all I can do is continue on my same path and continue to network in Toronto. I'm comfortable

Greg

Being able to work with Gail makes the future financial picture clearer so it's easier to make decisions today.

Barbara Ende President, Sycamore Marketing Group Inc.

I've known Gail for many years and find her to be a dedicated and caring person who works closely with her clients to provide options for the best possible financial outcome.

George Martyniuk Financial Advisor, Manulife Securities

I want to thank you for all your help and support - you were instrumental in helping me weave through this difficult process. I am now officially separated - the judge signed on Monday. I am officially a home owner - as of last Friday. The pension is in the process of being transferred to

SL

Thanks once again for your work on our behalf. It is always such a pleasure dealing with you even though we have to discuss such and sort out our sensitive financial and family support matters with you. Also I appreciate your views on the bigger picture of the support and care for our young adults.

Past Client

Going through changes in life are difficult. Gail Belchior was, and continues to be, an empowering person. I was able to navigate through the necessary paper work with confidence and had a genuine understanding of what needed to be done. The process was clear, organized, focused and very timely. Having had Gail work with me

Mary Ann A Very Grateful Client

My brother referred me to you. I really want to thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me today. You gave me some very good advice and recommendations. It was very helpful and you have a useful website too. I joined your mailing list. I appreciate your consult and clarity in

Gayle Toronto

Gail was always there for me whenever l needed her, since l am an older client it was hard for me to understand the workings of the court, Gail always walked me through the process, without tiring of me repeating my questions, until l got it. Gail is an amazing, qualified, kind person, and l

Donna

My thanks to Gail for all her help during such an emotional time. She explained what to expect from the courts and worked on an offer that was best for both of us. We would not have been able to mediate a settlement without her. We first met Gail in late 2014 but didn't start

Rose

I have enjoyed working with Gail on numerous files. She brings neutrality and financial expertise which provides great value for spouses going through a separation. Gail's mediation training is especially useful in managing/diffusing what is often a very emotional and difficult time for many people.

Erik Grinbergs Family Law Lawyer

Gail is very friendly and knowledgeable. And that the work is thorough and you are guaranteed to know way more about separation/divorce than when you started which makes you feel a lot BETTER.

Just wanted to thank you once again for being part of our meeting yesterday with my lawyer. You will never know how much I appreciate having you there to help me with the decision. I slept so much more soundly last night. Even with the storm going on. It was a pleasure meeting you both

Laura

Gail, your comments and assistance are appreciated and certainly were instrumental to bringing this file to a resolution. This would have been a greater challenge without your help! Thanks so much. We will be sure to share the Separation Agreement with you once complete and of course reach out during or after the next meeting

Elizabeth Urban Barrister and Solicitor, Collaborative Practitioner

Gail's experience and insight helped me through a troubling period, saving both time and money over normal legal fees! I would recommend her and her services.

Bruce

I wanted to say, Thank you again for chatting with me a couple weeks back; I found it extremely informative. You definitely have introduced a great service to those going through difficult times!

Todd