Darlene Shaffer, a CPA, forensic and valuation expert with Bedard, Kurowicki & Co., CPA’s, PC participated in an evening presentation sponsored by a local unit of the National Association of Social Workers – NJ Chaper (NASW-NJ). Other panelists included Mary Ann Bauer, Esq., Rosalyn A. Metzger, Esq. and Susan Friedman, LCSW, DVS, BCD. Darlene’s focus was on the role of the financial professional in the collaborative process. She is trained in Interdisciplinary Collaborative Law and is a member of the New Jersey Collaborative Law Group and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP).
The presentation focused on Untying the Knot: The Collaborative Process. While there is no such thing as a good divorce, couples can seek a better divorce by managing the process compassionately in a way that can assuage the trauma that parents and children experience. Collaborative Divorce provides this pathway through a process where two people work together, work amongst a team consisting of attorneys, mental health and financial professionals to realize shared goals and build a consensus. This process can be utilized in a variety of other situations. Collaborative Divorce is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process.
The NASW is a diverse membership organization that promotes, develops and strengthens the professional practice of social work and social workers. Through advocacy and public police, NASW affects progressive social change and social justice for individuals, families and communities.
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., CPA’s, PC is 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. The firm offers accounting, tax and value-added services to individuals and businesses over a wide range of industries. For more information on the firm or how we can help in a divorce situation, contact us.
