What is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® and How Can They Help You
By: Robyn Hill, CFP® CDFA®
Why Working with a CDFA® practitioner (or Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®) Can Change the Outcome of Your Divorce
Divorce is not just an emotional process—it’s a major financial event that can impact your future stability and long-term goals. And it can be hard to make smart financial decisions when we are struggling with emotional turmoil. While attorneys handle the legal aspects of divorce, and therapists help with emotional healing, many people overlook the financial complexities that come with dividing assets, managing taxes and planning for a new financial reality. That’s where a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® can make all the difference.
What Is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®?
A CDFA® is a financial professional trained specifically to help individuals and couples understand the financial impact of divorce decisions. Certified by the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts (IDFA), a CDFA® draws on expertise in key financial areas, with a focus on how each may be impacted by divorce:
- Tax law
- Asset division and distribution
- Retirement planning
- Insurance
- Long-term financial projections assistance
- Other financial topics
Think of a CDFA® as your financial navigator through the storm—someone who helps you see the long-term effects of your choices, not just the immediate outcomes.
How a CDFA Can Help During Divorce
1. Clarifying the Full Financial Picture
A CDFA® helps you organize and analyze all marital assets—from real estate and investments to pensions and business interests. They will also work with you to develop budgets to help you better understand your financial needs and income resources. This ensures nothing is overlooked and that you fully understand what’s at stake before negotiating a settlement.
2. Avoid Costly Mistakes
Different settlement proposals can have dramatically different long-term outcomes. Without proper financial guidance, it’s easy to overlook tax implications, underestimate living expenses or agree to settlements that seem fair but aren’t sustainable. A CDFA® can run projections to show how each option affects your cash flow, taxes and retirement plans over time. This insight helps you negotiate from a position of clarity, not confusion.
3. Support During Mediation, Collaborative Process or Litigation
CDFA® professionals often work alongside attorneys or mediators to help clients make informed, strategic financial choices during and after divorce, and ensure that settlements are financially equitable and sustainable. In mediation or a collaborative process, they can act as a neutral financial expert, helping both parties reach a fair agreement. Alternatively, each party may have a separate CDFA® to provide individual support and analysis. In litigation, a CDFA® can provide expert testimony or reports that support your case.
4. Creating a Post-Divorce Financial Plan
Once the settlement is final, your CDFA® can help you build a financial plan for your next chapter. From budgeting and rebuilding credit to adjusting investment and retirement strategies, they provide a roadmap toward long-term financial stability.
5. Peace of Mind
Divorce is stressful enough. Knowing that a financial expert is looking out for your long-term interests can provide peace of mind and confidence during a difficult time.
Who Should Consider Working with a CDFA®?
You don’t need to have millions in assets to benefit from financial analysis during divorce. A CDFA® can be invaluable for:
- Individuals with significant assets or complex financial situations
- Business owners or those with self-employment income
- Couples with retirement accounts, pensions or investment portfolios
- Anyone concerned about their financial future post-divorce
Financial Clarity and Confidence for Your Next Chapter
Divorce can be one of the most financially impactful events in a person’s life. Working with a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® ensures that you’re not just making decisions for today—but planning wisely for tomorrow. Whether you’re just starting the divorce process or finalizing an agreement, a CDFA® can help you approach this transition. Contact Hess Financial today to find clarity and a new way forward.
