Certified Divorce Financial Analysts: Understanding Divorce Finances

So, What Is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst?

The Institute for  Divorce Financial Analysts defines a CDFA® professional as a financial professional skilled at analyzing data and providing expertise on the financial issues of divorce.  In easier terms, think of a CDFA as like a friend who is good at puzzles only this time, solving the puzzle can affect your financial security for years ahead. CDFAs are finance experts in relation to divorce.

They undergo intense training and certification in order to attain this status which makes them professionals in their field.

What Does a CDFA Do?

As a member of the divorce team, a CDFA advises client and lawyer on how financial decisions made today will impact the client’s financial future. These professionals dive deep into your fiscal life including revenue, liabilities and assets among others and use that information to come up with an overall plan for your situation.

This plan could involve dividing assets and debts fairly or structuring a child support agreement that keeps everyone happy.

The aim is always to ensure you end up on top financially without sacrificing too much quality of life or future security.

On top of that, they will translate complex jargon into plain English so you never have to guess what something means again.

CDFA vs. CFP

If the idea of a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst sounds like something most any other finance person would offer, know there’s actually more than meets the eye when it comes to these professionals — namely CDFAs versus Certified Financial Planners (CFP).

Both persons will assist you in putting all your money down on paper before making those big decisions about it but they have different areas where they expertise:

– Certified Financial Planners : Provide general advice on various aspects concerning your monetary matters such as retiring planning or investments, or insurance.

– Certified Divorce Financial Analysts : Specialize in the details of divorce as it relates to money. It could be analyzing divorce settlements, tax effects and planning for separation.

Do I Need a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst?

The short answer is maybe. But if any of the following situations sound familiar, you might benefit from having a CDFA on your team:

– Complex Assets : If your marriage came with all sorts of properties, investments, retirement accounts or business interests, there’s no shame in asking for help. A CDFA can untangle this web and ensure everything is divided fairly.

– Income Discrepancies : When one spouse makes significantly more than the other (or doesn’t work at all), calculating alimony and child support becomes infinitely more complicated. CDFAs have seen their fair share of unique divorces, so working through these discrepancies is no problem for them.

– Long-Term Planning : Besides a love break up it also means breaking up your assets; You have to plan how best to spend it in future. So that when it’s all said and done you won’t be worrying about being broke a CDFA helps you project what you’ll spend on and make money from.

– Peace of Mind : Thinking about becoming independent after being reliant for so long can be stressful as there may not be money or access to it. This is a time when you are under pressure, and it can really help to know that someone who knows the profession has your best financial interest in mind.

Wrapping It Up

Divorces are never fun but we can make this easier. A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst will act as your money advocate during this process and ensure that you come out with your finances intact and a bright future ahead. They don’t just know how to add numbers, they understanding what is involved in divorce both emotionally and monetarily. Whether you have complex assets or simply want the peace of mind that comes with having a financial professional on your team, these new beginnings are worth paying for themselves over time again.