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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. Consider that there are over 1.4 million divorces in the US ever year . Here are some points to consider on how to maintain your lifestyle after a divorce and how to evaluate various real estate and financial settlement options prior to a separation & divorce:

You should research 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 work out an agreement to:

o Put your home up for sale or refinance your your primary house or other real estate assets in order to buy-out an ex-spouse

o Pay or accept spousal support, child support or a higher cash payment versus a lump sum distribution involving any real estate assets. You should evaluate the cash flow and home equity protection implications of various financial decisions involved with the divorce proceedings and the eventually agreement. 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

You should look to enhance your liquidity and protect your any real estate assets 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 financial short-term fix or strategy if you failed to plan properly during a divorce situation. You can lessen the impact by implementing a step-by-step plan for how to re-establish your financial footing 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

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.