Why You Need a CDFA During Divorce
Divorce isn’t just an emotional process—it’s a financial one. Untangling two lives often means untangling two bank accounts, two retirement plans, two visions for the future. And while attorneys and mediators are essential, there’s one professional who can make or break your financial outcome during divorce: a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®).
What is a CDFA®?
A CDFA® is a financial expert specially trained to understand the unique financial complexities of divorce. They don’t replace your lawyer—they work alongside your legal team. Their role is to analyze your full financial picture, model different settlement scenarios, and help you understand the long-term impact of every financial decision you’re considering. This isn’t just about dividing assets today; it’s about knowing how those decisions will affect your future 5, 10, or 20 years down the line.
What Do They Do?
Think of a CDFA® as the translator between the numbers and your real life. They’ll help you understand the tax consequences of keeping the house versus selling it, what happens if you split retirement accounts, how spousal and child support will impact your budget, and whether that “equal” settlement offer is truly fair—or just looks good on paper. A CDFA® can also create financial projections so you can see, in black and white, what life will look like post-divorce under different scenarios.
How a CDFA® Saves You Money
While hiring another professional may sound like an added expense, the truth is a CDFA® can save you thousands—sometimes tens of thousands—of dollars. By catching tax pitfalls, preventing uneven settlements, and avoiding costly mistakes, they help ensure you’re not leaving money on the table. Even more importantly, they save you from the financial anxiety of the unknown. Knowing exactly where you stand gives you the clarity and confidence to negotiate from a place of strength.
Fresh Starts + Vetted CDFAs
At Fresh Starts Registry, we know how overwhelming it is to figure out who to trust during divorce. That’s why we’ve done the hard work of vetting CDFAs for you. Every CDFA in our Expert Guide has been personally reviewed by our team—not just for professional credentials, but for compassion, integrity, and values alignment. You don’t have to wade through Google or hope for a referral from a friend; you can step into this process knowing you’re supported by professionals who truly understand what you’re going through.
Because at Fresh Starts, we believe that divorce isn’t just about dividing—it’s about rebuilding. And having a CDFA® on your team ensures that you’re building your fresh start on solid financial ground.
