Welcome to DTP: South Bay, CA
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A VIRTUAL MEETING
Welcome to the Divorce Transition Professionals (DTP)
DTP was founded in 2017. Our primary Mission Statement that still holds true today is:
Making Divorce Just a Little Bit Easier™
We believe that this can be accomplished by bringing together amazing professionals all of whom have expertise in the divorce landscape and all of whom understand what it means to collaborate.
At each chapter meeting we bring you a top-notch speaker or program, providing on-going education, and an opportunity to network and collaborate with some of the best divorce professionals in your community. Our meetings are typically an hour. We respect that you are a busy professional and are sure to provide a compelling, productive meeting, the ultimate results of which will meet our goal of supporting folks as they go through divorce and in growing your business, concurrently.
This event is completely free to all FIRST-TIME attendees. It is an opportunity to learn more about the Divorce Transition Professionals. If you are a professional with divorce expertise, please check us out.
There is nothing like DTP!
This Month's Program - Case Study Discussion
Let's have a collaborative conversation on the following (Jean or Steve can send the full formatted version):
Mini-Story (concise)
David (48, senior software engineer, ~$180k/yr) and Laura (45, freelance graphic designer, ~$55k/yr) live in Hermosa Beach with two kids (14 and 10). They own a primary residence (est. value $1.8M, balance $650k, payment $4,200/mo) and a Palm Springs condo (est. value $550k, owned free and clear). Savings: $120k joint; $15k checking. Retirement: $420k (his 401k), $90k (her IRA). Equity comp: 2,000 vested RSUs, ˜$300k current value. Joint credit cards $18k; auto loans $22k (Tesla) and $12k (Subaru). David wants to keep the Hermosa home with 50/50 custody; Laura would prefer to sell the home, keep the Palm Springs condo, and is concerned about post-divorce stability; she prefers 60/40 custody. Both want low conflict and clarity, not a fight.
Facts & Timeline
• Key dates: Married 2013 • Separated July 2025.
• Primary residence (Hermosa Beach): est. value $1.8M; loan balance $650k; payment $4,200/mo; refi required to remove the non-borrowing spouse.
• Palm Springs condo: est. value $550k; no mortgage.
• Income snapshot: David W-2 ~$180k; Laura 1099/variable ~$55k.
• Liquid/retirement: $120k joint savings; $15k checking; $420k 401(k); $90k IRA.
• Equity comp: 2,000 vested RSUs ˜$300k (grant/vest dates and characterization TBD).
• Debts: $18k joint credit cards; $22k and $12k auto loans.
• Insurance: Home + umbrella active; confirm listing/vacancy riders at sale or retitling.
• Tax posture: Basis records on improvements are incomplete; likely §121 eligibility if sold within a reasonable window.
Credit & Liabilities
• Mid-scores: Spouse A 705; Spouse B 780.
• Revolving utilization: (fill if known). Recent lates (24mo): (fill). Disputes/freeze: (fill).
• Joint debts to address to avoid contingent liabilities post-decree (e.g., auto loans, cards, HELOC if applicable).
Known Unknowns (intentional gaps to spark questions)
• Exact credit utilization and any recent lates.
• Precise DTI if one spouse keeps the home (with projected support).
• Title/trust language that could affect sale, refi, or retitle steps.
• HOA/assessment timing and amounts (if any).
DTP South Bay Chapter Leader
Jean Ruimy
Financial Advisor | Certified Divorce Financial Analyst
Tel: (310} 379-6850 x3
eMail: jean.m.ruimy@ampf.com
Money issues can be a huge source of stress and conflict in marriage—and even more so in divorce. Individuals and couples increasingly are looking for healthier ways to navigate the process.
As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), I help clients and attorneys address the unique financial issues that accompany divorce. I assist clients in thinking through the short- and long-term real cost of divorce and develop a realistic idea of what their financial situation may look like in the next chapter of their lives. I help clients understand personal vs. marital property, how to value and allocate property, the options for dividing retirement plans and pensions, and how to navigate spousal and child support. I also can serve as a financial neutral for couples who are cooperative. I most enjoy educating and empowering clients throughout the divorce process—providing the knowledge and tools to help them make difficult financial decisions with confidence.
DTP President & Founder
Neil Palache
The Wealth Creator Company For Women
Tel: (818) 606-7327
eMail: neil@thewealthcreatorcompany.com
Neil Palache is dedicated to empowering women as is shown by his involvement in many community and business organizations such as the National Association of Women Business Owners Ventura County, Women’s Economic Ventures and the International Women’s Festivals Santa Barbara. He has also started several groups such as the Money Mastermind for Women™ and the Divorce Transition Professionals™. Neil has been married to Stacie since 1987, has three beautiful children and lives and works in Westlake Village, California.