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​Financial Analysis

David Louis’ skill as a financial analyst will help you make sound financial agreements.

Finances figure large in any divorce

Separation creates significant economic challenges for you and your spouse as you transition out of a marital economic partnership. A pending divorce means you will be facing the reality of maintaining two households, as well as other increased expenses while not necessarily having additional resources to meet those expenses. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst with decades of experience in accounting and finance, David strives to assist both spouses to achieve a common understanding of their financial circumstances. By establishing this framework, there is greater opportunity for you to negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement on financial terms.

“In mediation we can overcome uncertainty” — David

“Financial uncertainty creates significant stress as couples face a divorce. Divorce mediation is a process through which uncertainty can be overcome in a safe and supportive space. This process assists both spouses to define their own future realities.”

Financial analysis

There are two key components of financial analysis:
  • The assets (what is owned) and debts (what is owed) of the marriage
  • The expenses of each household (including those of the children) and the resources (income) available to pay for these expenses
As mediation is a transparent process, it requires the full disclosure of all financial information. You will be provided with a specific list of financial documents to gather and worksheets to estimate future expenses. David will assist you in understanding these components of your marital economic partnership that are to be separated in the divorce mediation process.

Exploring options for dividing assets and debts

​Ultimately, your mediated divorce settlement should address the need to establish and maintain two sustainable households. David will help you navigate the division and distribution of assets—real estate, investments, bank accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, vehicles, personal property and other assets—as well as debts, including mortgages, car loans, credit card debt, student loan debt, etc. David will help you explore options so you can make financial decisions that are acceptable to both of you. Using his experience and expertise, David considers the implications, whether they be logistical or financial, that may be associated with specific options. The goal is that you see the decisions as workable and you are confident you can implement and comply with them.

Financial needs of children and spouses

For families with children, any discussion of household needs will focus on those of your children, making agreements about how those needs will be most effectively met. 
 
In a court-based litigation process, there is significant focus on the statutory requirements (including mathematical formulas) for financial support of children (child support) and/or financial support to be paid from a higher-earning spouse to a lesser-earning spouse (maintenance). 
 
Within mediation, instead of exclusively focusing couples on rigid legal formulas, David facilitates a discussion of financial needs and resources, using estimates of future expenses and income. This focus often allows for a more robust conversation leading to mutual agreement on a plan to meet the entire family’s financial needs. The result is a plan created and endorsed by you, rather than terms and conditions imposed by the courts.

Background Related to Finance

(Find a more expanded resume on the Approach & Background page.)
 
Professional Experience 
2001- 2010  Director of Finance--New York State Assembly, Albany, NY  
Chief Financial Officer, training and supervising a staff of 28 with a $100 million annual budget 
2002-2009  Town Supervisor—New Baltimore, NY Five-times elected town official overseeing a $1.5 million annual budget as chief financial and administrative officer
1989-2001  Budget Director, New York State Assembly, Albany, NY
1985-1989  Deputy Director for Telecommunications, New York State Assembly, Albany, NY
1981-1985  Deputy Director, Office of Management and Budget, New York State Assembly, Albany, NY
 
Higher Education
1979 Master of Public Administration, State University of New York at Albany, Graduate School of Public Affairs 
1977 BS in Accounting (magna cum laude), State University of New York at Albany, School of Business Administration
 
Achievement
2013 Certified Divorce Financial Analyst certified by Institute of Divorce Financial Analysts
 
Membership
Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts

Clients appreciate David Louis’ services​

“David is exactly the person you need when trying to sort out your finances in a divorce. He is knowledgeable in financial matters and experienced in asset division. He tells it like it is, but is also a good listener and a genuinely kind person. David shed light on issues I had been grappling with for months, and helped me form a complete picture of my assets. I am happy I chose to work with him.”