BACKGROUND
I have been a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) by the California Board of Accountancy since 1987 and worked as a CPA for an international public accounting firm (1984 - 1989) before taking a position as a Chief Financial Officer of a hospital (1989 - 1991). In 1991 my first son was born, and I stayed home to raise him along with a second son born in 1993. In 1995 I and my then husband started a new business venture by purchasing a 30 acre vineyard in Sonoma County, California. Before we divorced, we owned and operated about 100 acres of vineyard properties.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING
I graduated from California State University, Stanislaus in 1984 with a Degree in Business Administration with a Minor in Accounting. I received my CPA license in 1987. In 2005 I became certified as a Divorce Financial Analyst and in 2007 was trained as a neutral financial professional in Collaborative Practice. I constantly take classes in divorce topics such as taxation, community property issues, mental health concerns, and mediation techniques.

EXPERIENCE AND PHILOSOPHY
MY preference is to act as a neutral divorce financial analyst to both parties as I feel that the court model for divorce (litigation) is too divisive and destructive to each of the individuals, to any children, and even to their extended families. Having gone through a divorce myself, I can appreciate the emotions and difficulty associated with trying to sort out the finances. I have had many cases working with divorcing couples and domestic partners, either with one party or both, ever since. My clients are extremely grateful for the added clarity around finances.

ASSOCIATIONS
Currently, I am President, past Treasurer, and Board Member of the Collaborative Council of the Redwood Empire, Board Member of Collaborative Practice Marin, Past Treasurer of the California Divorce Planners Network, Past Delegate to  Collaborative Practice California, and a member of the following organizations:  California Society of CPAs, Association of Divorce Financial Planners, Institute of Divorce Financial Analysts, the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and Integrative Mediation Marin.

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DISCLAIMER:The information you obtain at this website is not, nor is it intended to be, financial or legal advice. Jude Sterling recommends you consult with a financial or legal expert for individual advice regarding your own situation.