Collaborative Practice
Collaborative Law Association of the Rochester Area, Inc.
Professionals - Financial Professionals
The financial specialist can assist with all monetary issues, including budgets, assets, debt, liquidity, child and spousal support, retirement planning, residence decisions, reconciliation of expenses, tax implications, etc. This person can make complex financial issues easier to understand and offer creative financial solutions based on the family’s unique circumstances.
Kristen is a skilled financial executive with demonstrated abilities in asset valuations; identifying, executing and financing successful growth strategies; evaluation of prospective business and investment opportunities; and in sourcing, negotiating and integrating mergers and acquisitions. She has twenty-five years’ experience in consulting for small and medium-sized businesses as well as in financial management and strategy in the consumer products, manufacturing, telecommunications and financial services sectors. She brings disciplined business judgment, financial leadership and a high level of integrity to the realization of clients’ business objectives.
Before forming Lumina Partners, LLC, Kristen served in a variety of senior financial, strategy and mergers/acquisitions roles for multinational beverage manufacturer Constellation Brands. Her background also includes capital markets expertise and corporate finance roles at Frontier Corp. and Citibank.
Kristen earned her MBA in Finance from the College of William and Mary, where she was elected to Beta Gamma Sigma, and her BA in Psychology from Bucknell University, where she was elected to Psi Chi. She is a CFA charter holder, a member of the CFA Institute and a past Director of the CFA Society of Rochester. Kristen is a member of the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation and the Rochester Association of Family Mediators. She is a member of the Advisory Board of Directors and former Chair of the Audit Committee of the Greater Rochester Chapter of the American Red Cross.
My expertise is in the financial issues of separation and divorce. I concentrate my entire practice on this issue. As a result, I have worked on hundreds of collaborative cases. I bring more than 40 years of experience in the financial industry to you, the client, to help educate you about your choices and prevent many of the surprises that could result from making financial decisions during such an emotional time. I recognize that clients come from all walks of life and have different needs for information and help. I tailor my work and my skills to you and your needs. My goal is that you will be educated, involved, and ultimately empowered to make solid financial decisions that will work well for you and your family, now and for many years to come. Rochester is very lucky to have collaborative law as a choice for separating couples. The group of professionals involved are all very committed to the process and working with one another to bring the best possible outcome to individuals and their families. I am proud to be a part of this group.
Kathryn R. Castro is a financial advisor with Cadence Wealth Management Solutions, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. She has been serving clients in this capacity for over 15 years. Katie is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNING™ practitioner and a CERTIFIED DIVORCE FINANCIAL ANALYST. Her educational background, which includes a Bachelors in Social Work and a Masters in Counseling, gives her a unique perspective to help clients and their families develop financial plans and reach their financial goals. Prior to working in the financial industry, Katie was employed in the public school setting as a school counselor where she worked with young children and teens to navigate the challenges they faced, often including families struggling with divorce and transition. Katie currently supports her divorcing clients through individualized discussion, analysis and planning for each stage of the divorce process. Katie is an active member of the Collaborative Law Association of the Rochester Area and certified as an allied professional.
I am a practicing CPA with over 40 years of experience. I provide tax and financial advice as well as assistance in tax compliance. My background has allowed me to assist couples in dealing with the financial issues of divorce in a calm, rational way.