Although it is a topic that most people don't want to talk about or even consider, divorce has a tremendous impact on real estate and financial holdings. Real Estate may represent the largest asset that is being considered within the divorce proceeding, therefore it is something that should be considered when a separation or divorce are on the horizon. There are over 1.4 million divorces in the US every year. Here are some points, strategies and tips on how to maintain your lifestyle after a divorce and how to evaluate various real estate and financial settlement options prior to a divorce:

You should understand and evaluate the options related to disbursement of your real estate properties, including homes, condos, vacation properties, investment properties, timeshares, etc. prior to the divorce settlement. This could include an evaluation of whether you consider:

o Sell your property or refinance your home or other properties in order to cash out the other party

o Pay or accept spousal support, child support or a higher cash payment versus a lump sum distribution involving the real estate holdings. You should evaluate the cash flow and home equity protection implications of various financial decisions before, during and after a divorce. This enables you to:

o Maintain your lifestyle

o Keep your kids in the same school system as a single parent

o Still live in a home that does not break your budget

o Stay on track to achieve financial freedom and become debt-free

You should look to enhance your liquidity and provide protection for your the real estate holdings from potential liabilities prior to going through a divorce by working together with your CPA, Financial Planner, attorney. Real Estate Team and other advisors.

Don't settle for an less than desirable financial short-term fix or strategy if you failed to plan properly during a divorce situation. You can minimize the impact by implementing a step-by-step plan for how to re-establish your financial ways after going through a divorce. This may involve:

o A staged approach to financing - a refinancing or debt restructuring plan that takes place over time

o Sale/Leaseback or Rent-to-Own strategy - a way to keep or buy a home, townhouse, or condo for sale or when you can't qualify for traditional financing options.

o Seek out Affordable Single Family Homes for Sale or Bank Owned / Foreclosure Homes for Sale

You worked hard to develop the assets and real estate holdings involved. You should consider all of your options to create an environment that works to protect those assets.