BE INFORMED, BE EMPOWERED, TAKE BACK YOUR CONTROL
Divorce Financial Analysis, Mediation, QDRO Preparation
Divorce Mediation
Many couples are looking for an amicable way to go through the divorce process. Mediation provides just that – an amicable, fair and transparent way to resolve both the financial and non-financial issues outside of the court system. It is a process that keeps you and your spouse in control of your futures by allowing you to make informed decisions that are best for you and your family. Using my expertise as a CDFA and my skills as a certified mediator, I work to ensure that my clients are financially educated and empowered to make these life-changing decisions.
Divorce Financial Analysis
Divorce can be scary and overwhelming. It is also one of the biggest financial transactions you will make in life. Working with a CDFA, like myself, from the beginning of the divorce process is paramount to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family. Whether you are contemplating divorce or already in the process, being empowered with the comprehensive and sophisticated financial analysis a CDFA can provide, will put you in a much better position of receiving a settlement that addresses your needs and concerns while steering clear of financial mistakes that can have a negative impact for years to come.
QDRO Preparation & Pension Valuation
As a Certified QDRO Specialist, I am uniquely qualified to prepare the legal document necessary for dividing an Employer-sponsored retirement accounts, like a 401(k) or for dividing a state, federal or military pension. Sometimes, instead of dividing a pension, the parties may agree to offset the pension with another asset based the Pension Valuation. Whatever your needs, I’ve got you covered from beginning to end.
Helping everyone stay safe
In 2023, I was awarded the honor of being the recipient of the 2023 IDFA Lifetime Achievement Award for my outstanding work as a CDFA. “Using the financial planning discipline in helping clients during divorce. Representing the very best of CDFA® professionals.”
You Have Questions? I Have Answers!
- Can I afford to stay in the home or will we have to sell?
- Will I have enough income after the divorce to pay all my bills?
- Am I going to be okay in retirement?
- Maybe your spouse has always managed the money and you don’t want to be taken advantage of
- Maybe you are the breadwinner and are afraid that you will be left with nothing.
Whether you are in litigation, the collaborative process or working with me as your mediator, my services will provide you with the information necessary to craft a settlement that meets your financial needs, goals and interests and that of your family. You will have answers, long-term projections, clarity and peace-of-mind.
Knowledge is power. Be informed, be empowered, take control of your financial future.
Why Hire a CDFA?
Divorce can be scary and overwhelming. It is also one of the biggest financial transactions you will make in life. Having a financial expert on your side is paramount to achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family
People hire all sorts of experts and advisors to help them make important life decisions…divorce is no different.
Schedule your appointment now and learn why my clients say they couldn’t get through their divorce without me on their team.
Recommended Reading & Blogs
Why You Need a CDFA® During Divorce
Divorce is more than a legal process—it’s a major financial transition. Decisions made during divorce can impact your financial well-being for years, even decades, after the papers are signed. Yet many people go into divorce negotiations without a clear understanding of their financial options, risks, or rights.
That’s where a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) becomes a game-changer.
A CDFA brings financial clarity, strategic thinking, and long-term perspective to the divorce process. Whether you’re the financially “in the dark” spouse or the one trying to protect a lifetime of earnings, working with a CDFA empowers you to make smart, informed decisions—and avoid costly mistakes you may not even realize you’re making.
What Is a CDFA® and Why Does It Matter in Divorce?
If marriage is about love, then divorce is about the money. And when you’re making decisions that will impact the rest of your life, you need more than just legal guidance. You need a clear understanding of the financial implications of every choice you make.
That’s where a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) comes in.
A CDFA is a trained financial professional who specializes in the financial and tax aspects of divorce. We bring clarity, strategy, and long-term thinking to a process mired in emotions and filled with unknowns. Whether you’re the primary earner, a stay-at-home parent, or somewhere in between, working with a CDFA can be one of the smartest decisions you make during your divorce.
Understanding State Pension Division in Divorce: What is the Annuity Savings Account?
Dividing a state pension in divorce can be tricky. Not many divorce professionals fully understand what should be considered when dividing a state pension and major mistakes can be made that will affect both parties. In MA, state employees have an annuity savings account which is the account where the employee’s mandatory contributions go. This account is used to help fund their future pension benefit in retirement and cannot be accessed or divided while the employee is still employed by the state. Unfortunately, many mistakes are made with regards to this account when accounting for and dividing retirement assets in divorce. These mistakes can have devastating financial implications for the owner of the pension.
Also by Diane C Pappas:
The Divorce Course is for women who are contemplating or going through a divorce. By empowering you with specific knowledge, the Divorce Course will save you money and emotional stress.
