What is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)?

A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) is a financial professional who has successfully completed a rigorous training program and examination to achieve certification from the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts. A CDFA is recognized as a financial analyst who can help people navigate financial issues that arise during a divorce. The CDFA works with the client and his or her attorney to explain how financial decisions that are made during a divorce will impact the client’s financial future. By taking on many roles in the divorce process a CDFA can help

manage a client’s expectations of his or her financial future by presenting different scenarios and evaluating the client’s budget and expenses.
explain the short-term and long-term effects of dividing property.
analyze pensions and retirement plans.
determine if the client can afford the marital home, and if not, what he or she can afford.
recognize the tax consequences of different settlement proposals.

How do I do this on my own?

You don’t. Getting through a divorce is best achieved by getting help. Reach out to neighbors, friends, and family if you need help with your children or if you need emotional support. Meet with a couple of attorneys to pick one you feel will best represent you. Call us, speak with Carol Khouri who has worked as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) for 15 years. Carol can perform a financial analysis and work in tandem with your attorney to help you each an equitable financial settlement in your divorce. Also, seek the help of a counselor if you or your child(ren) need therapy to get through this trying time.

Do I need to go back to work?

While going back to work can be daunting to some and rewarding to others, the best divorce advice we can give you is to assess your goals, and what is truly meaningful to you. With over 25 years’ experience helping people optimize and manage their resources, we will evaluate your goals and your ability to achieve them.

Can I keep the family home?

Sometimes keeping the home is not always the best option. A full assessment of your cash flow is necessary to determine if you can afford to keep the home. We want to give you the confidence you need to know you are making the right decision.

Do gather all financial statements and information ASAP.
Do have a plan.
Do seek financial assistance from a CDFA who will help you find an attorney.
Do try to communicate with your soon to be ex.

Do's

Do take some time out for yourself.
Do be honest.
Do put the children first.
Do get some sleep – this might be the hardest thing to do!

of first marriages end in divorce.

of women, on average, experience a drop in their standard of living the year following a divorce, while the average man’s standard of living rises 16%.

of second marriages end in divorce.

of children with divorced parents live with their mother.

Don’t argue or criticize your spouse in front of the children.
Don’t use your children as messengers.
Don’t withhold visitation from your spouse.

Don'ts

Don’t go it alone.
Don’t burden your children with your troubles.
Don’t make rash decisions.

Comprehensive Financial Help – Advice and Implementation

List of Services

Preparing a Division of Asset Statement
Generating a Financial Statement
Determining pension worth and deferred compensation
Projecting future living expenses
Analyzing current and future cash flow
Evaluating tax implications for asset division
Evaluating alimony

Dividing retirement plans
Recommending realistic assumptions for projected inflation and rates of return
Determining household costs and monthly budgets
Assisting with debt control and credit issues
Analyzing implications of custody and child spousal support
Setting up budget and financial management strategies using our proprietary on-line program

Interested in having us help you?

Click here to start today!

Andrea’s Triumph

Problem

Andrea and Bill were married for 14 years. Andrea gave up a lucrative job to stay home with their only son Jacob. The marriage was strained. Andrea wanted a divorce, but she was concerned she could not maintain the current lifestyle she and Jacob grew accustomed to - a major issue for most women considering a divorce. It took courage for her to reach out for help.

Action

We worked with Andrea to generate a financial analysis and a proposed division of assets. We projected her future cash flow allowing her to feel more secure. We offered her tools to help her remain in control of her situation. As Andrea became more refreshed and confident, we worked together to develop a road map for her new journey; life after divorce.

Result

Today, Andrea has full custody of Jacob and received a fair settlement in her divorce. Her new home is peaceful and loving. Jacob has friends over frequently and is doing very well in school. Andrea is back at work. She took less pay to re-enter the workforce. Within 6 months, she received a raise and shortly after that; a generous bonus!

Parting Thoughts...

"When faced with adversity or hardship, reflect on what you have to help you see the big picture and avoid being overwhelmed by current setbacks." ~ Dr. Robert Emmons

“A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water.”
~ Eleanor Roosevelt

"The most common way women give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." ~ Alice Walker