About Me

Diane C Pappas, CDFA®, CQS™, Trained Mediator

Why I do this Work

I do this work because I have been where many of my clients are.

At the time of my own divorce, I did not have the same level of financial knowledge as my spouse. I did not know whether the settlement proposals being presented would work for me—either in the short term or long term. I was being asked to make life-changing decisions without having the information I needed to fully understand them.

That experience shaped everything I do today.

I knew there had to be a better way for people to navigate the financial side of divorce—one grounded in clarity, transparency, and informed decision-making.

From Personal Experience to Professional Expertise

After my divorce, I made the decision to take control of my financial future by becoming a financial planner. It was there that I discovered my true focus—helping individuals understand and navigate the financial complexities of divorce.

I went on to become a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) and later a Certified QDRO Specialist™ (CQS™), allowing me to provide in-depth financial analysis and specialized expertise in the division of retirement assets.

Today, I work with clients, attorneys, and mediators to ensure that all financial aspects of a divorce are clearly understood and properly addressed.

To read more of My Story, click here : https://solutionsfordivorce.com/honored-to-have-received-the-idfa-2023-lifetime-achievement-award/

How I Help Clients Make Better Decisions

Financial Clarity in Divorce Starts Here Divorce is one of the most significant financial events in a person’s life. The decisions you make during this process will impact your financial future for years to come. My work is focused on ensuring you have the financial clarity and insight needed to make informed decisions—so you can move forward with confidence.

My role is to bring clarity to the financial side of divorce so you are not left guessing or relying on incomplete information.

I work with clients to:

  • Gather and analyze financial and tax documentation
  • Identify all marital assets and sources of income
  • Evaluate settlement proposals and their long-term impact
  • Address complex issues such as pensions, retirement accounts, and executive compensation
  • Provide financial projections to determine whether a settlement will support your future

When the financial facts are clear, decisions become more straightforward—and outcomes become more sustainable.

Professional Experience & Leadership

I am the Owner and Founder of Solutions For Divorce LLC, a fee-only, boutique divorce financial planning firm serving the Greater Boston area, and all of Massachusetts.

In addition to my financial work, I am a trained mediator under Massachusetts court guidelines and serve as a divorce mediator for clients seeking an amicable, informed approach to resolving their case. I also work as a Financial Neutral in Collaborative Divorce, supporting both parties in understanding and resolving financial issues.

I have held several leadership roles within the profession, including:

  • Chair of the Board of Advisors for the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts (IDFA)
  • Chair of the IDFA Public Awareness Task Force
  • Past President of The Divorce Center Inc. (Newton, MA)

 

I also developed the widely attended Divorce Matters Next Step Workshop and have presented to both the public and legal professionals, including through Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) and local bar associations.

In 2023, I was honored to receive the IDFA Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing my contributions to the field and commitment to helping clients through informed financial analysis.

To read more of My Story, click here : https://solutionsfordivorce.com/honored-to-have-received-the-idfa-2023-lifetime-achievement-award/

A More Informed Approach to Divorce

Divorce does not have to be a process filled with uncertainty around financial decisions.

When you understand your financial situation, your options, and the long-term impact of your decisions, you are in a much stronger position to advocate for yourself and reach a settlement that truly supports your future.

That is the work I do every day.