We’re looking forward to introducing you to Laurie Itkin. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Laurie, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Improv comedy.
My husband and I take a two-hour class every Wednesday evening and perform once a month at Mockingbird Improv.
I love improv because I get to create and become all sorts of characters that are completely different from who I am with my clients which is direct, empathetic and realistic.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
There are two reasons my company is called, “The Options Lady.”
1) Prospective clients contact me because they want to know what their options are in moving forward with divorce. I model different financial options for clients and explain the short and long term pros and cons for each scenario.
2) I also specialize in dividing equity compensation in divorce, which includes restricted stock units and stock options. Some of the compensation is divided as property and some of it stays with the spouse who earns it but can also be considered when calculating child and spousal support.
I’m a divorce financial planner with the certified divorce financial analyst credential. During a California divorce, decisions must be made regarding how assets and debts will be divided and how child and spousal support will be determined.
One of the reasons clients hire me is that I help them trace their separate property and distinguish it from community property. Unlike community property, separate property doesn’t have to be divided in divorce.
Most of my clients use a mediator to divorce but sometimes I need to testify in court, if the matter becomes litigated.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
The first time I felt completely empowered was when I was 31 and had made the last and final payment towards my undergraduate student loan. I no longer had debt and had the power to make choices about how I would earn income and spend my money to build a path to financial independence. When I married at 39, it was I who insisted on a prenuptial agreement.
Some men and women going through divorce are financially dependent on their spouses. I help them determine which assets to keep in the settlement process and encourage them to increase their earning capacity over time, since child support soon goes away and spousal support is rarely paid forever.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
There were a few occasions during my 17-year marriage that I thought about divorce. One thing that changed my mindset was attending with my husband Trish Stanley’s Art & Science of Love Couples Workshop which is based on the Gottman Method. Trish is a licensed marriage and family therapist and hosts this weekend workshop in La Jolla several times a year.
During the times that communication between me and my husband deteriorates, we both commit to couples counseling and working on the marriage. We have found that Emotionally-Focused Therapy works well.
Many of my clients have tried couples counseling before making the decision to divorce.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Integrity
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
My quirky sense of humor. (The improv comedy may have something to do with that!)
When I am meeting with clients, they are usually stressed about their finances and saddened by how their relationship with their soon-to-be-ex has degenerated. If I can get them to smile or laugh just once during our session, it improves their experience with me. Instead of dreading our meetings, they often look forward to them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TheOptionsLady.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurieitkin/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurieItkin
