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.
Here’s what a CDFA actually does—and why it matters.
1. We Help You Understand the Full Financial Picture
You can’t negotiate in mediation or propose financial settlements in litigation when you don’t know what you are negotiating for. Many of my clients tell me that they have no idea what their spouse has in retirement or what their joint incomes and expenses are. One must understand everything that comprises the marital estate to achieve a settlement that addresses your needs now and in the future. A CDFA helps to:
- Level the playing field when there is an imbalance of power or knowledge
- Educate and empower you with the necessary information to make decisions based on fact, not emotions
- Understand the different types of assets and why trading the house for a pension may not be a smart move.
In short, we help you analyze assets not just as numbers, but in terms of real-life consequences: stability, security, and sustainability.
2. We Create Financial Projections That Support Informed Decisions
A divorce settlement might look fair on paper—but what happens 5, 10, or 20 years down the road?
A CDFA uses specialized software and expertise to project your post-divorce financial future based on different settlement options. That includes:
- Cash Flow considerations and the impact of child support or alimony
- Retirement readiness
- Future expenses like a new home or college tuition
This level of insight allows you to make informed, empowered decisions instead of emotional or rushed ones.
3. We Bring a Neutral, Strategic Perspective
Even in high-conflict situations, a CDFA focuses on facts, not feelings. We offer a neutral, professional perspective that keeps the process grounded in reality—especially helpful in mediation or collaborative divorce settings.
We’re not here to take sides. We’re here to protect your financial future with data-driven advice and thoughtful guidance.
4. We Bridge the Gap Between Legal Advice and Financial Planning
Your attorney is an expert in the law. A CDFA is an expert in the finances. You may be asking why your financial advisor can’t help you – well, because they focus on managing your assets and helping you reach your goals before or after a divorce. They may not have the necessary expertise or knowledge of divorce laws and guidelines to properly guide you during a divorce. Only a CDFA can fill the gap between those two roles—providing specialized expertise where legal and financial issues overlap.
We collaborate with your divorce team to ensure your legal strategy aligns with your financial goals. That might mean:
- Providing analysis and reports to support your case in court
- Assisting with the proper way to divide retirement plans
- Evaluating support proposals
- Ensuring the division of property is equitable and sustainable
In short, we help you divorce smarter.
There is a good life after divorce and a CDFA can help you get there faster and with better outcomes.
Our goal isn’t just to get you through the divorce—it’s to help you land on your feet and thrive.
Want to learn more about working with a CDFA? Let’s chat!
