Darlene Shaffer, a CPA and forensic and valuation expert with Bedard, Kurowicki & Co., CPA’s located in Flemington, New Jersey, participated in an all-day CLE Training Marathon on Election Day sponsored by the Hunterdon County Bar Association.  Other panelists included Mary Ann Bauer, Esq., Rosalyn A. Metzger, Esq., Susan Friedman, LCSW, DVS, BCD and Robert J. Shanahan, Esq. – Shanahan & Voight, LLC.  Darlene’s focus was on the role of the financial professional in the collaborative process. She is trained in Interdisciplinary Collaborative Law and is also a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP).

Collaborative Law is an alternative to a litigated divorce where both parties agree to be guided through the process with a team of experts including their attorneys and other impartial professionals when needed.  Darlene participates in the process by providing business valuation, financial education and tax advisory services to arrive at the best possible settlement for both parties. Through this non-adversarial process, the divorcing couple determines the process and outcome.  A private settlement is reached in less time at a lower cost.

New Jersey Collaborative Law Group is one of the eight practice groups operating in New Jersey and services New Jersey’s Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren Counties.  More information on Collaborative Law can be found at their website: www.newjerseycollaborativelawgroup.com.

The IACP is an interdisciplinary organization whose members include lawyers, mental health professionals and financial specialists.  The organization has assumed responsibility for the training and accreditation of more than 5,000 collaborative professionals and more than 325 practice groups worldwide.

Bedard Kurowicki & Co., a full service certified public accounting firm in Flemington, New Jersey, helps privately-held companies and their owners reach their goals through pairing its strong financial knowledge with a deep understanding of its clients’ businesses.  The firm offers accounting, tax and value-added business advisory services over a wide range of industries.  For more information on the firm, or how Darlene can help in a divorce situation, contact us at info@bkc-cpa.com or call (908) 782-7900.