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Manulife Securities
Advisors
Kelly Bannister BA (Econ), Certified Financial Planner, Financial Divorce Specialist
Manulife Securities Investment Services Inc.
Manulife Securities Insurance Inc.
Kelly began her career in the Financial Services industry in 1993, and joined McFaull Consulting / Manulife Securities, in 2003.
Kelly obtained her degree from the University of Saskatchewan, is married and has two young sons. Away from work she enjoys spending time with her family at their cabin, and is an avid swimmer, runner and cyclist.
What is a Financial Divorce Specialist?
A Financial Divorce Specialist (FDS) is an accredited financial professional who has received specialized training through the Academy of Financial Divorce Specialists in matters related to separation and divorce in order to provide an objective assessment of potential financial settlement scenarios.
A Financial Divorce Specialist does not offer legal opinion or advice. An FDS follows a strict code of Ethics as monitored by both the Academy of Financial Divorce Specialists and other relevant licensing authorities.
The Role of the Financial Divorce Specialist
To assist lawyers and/or mediators in designing a settlement proposal that will maximize clients' satisfaction considering the available financial options.
Provide financial analysis of the couples assets, liabilities, incomes, child and spousal support payments taking into consideration inflation and changing tax consequences.
Provide insight with respect to pension plans and other investment and insurance options including ongoing protection.
Show options for financial scenarios with future projections.
Educate clients about the tax and other financial consequences of retaining or giving up certain assets.
Counsel clients on budget management during a difficult period of transitioning.
How and when does an FDS enter the divorce process?
An FDS can be recruited directly by one or both parties and/or one or both lawyers or mediator. A Letter of Engagement outlining the scope of the services and cost is signed by the clients at the outset. An FDS can work with the litigation, mediation or collaborative process. A retainer is secured based on the estimated amount of time to be devoted to the case including analysis and projection for various settlement options.
An FDS can be engaged at anytime in the process of separation an divorce: At the beginning to help collect financial data required, during deliberations to help analyze financial proposals and close to the end to evaluate scenarios and prepare future based projections to aid in the decision making process.