Who Does What in a Divorce? Why a CDFA May Be the Expert You’re Missing
Divorce is emotional. It’s stressful. And when money is involved—especially a lot of it—it can feel completely overwhelming.
You might already know you’ll need a lawyer. Maybe a friend has suggested using a mediator. Perhaps you’ve leaned on your accountant in the past and wonder if they should be part of the process too. All of these professionals can help you through your divorce.
But there’s another professional who often flies under the radar, yet can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your financial future: a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA).
Let’s walk through who does what—and where a CDFA fits in.
So… What Is a CDFA?
A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) is a financial expert who specializes in the money side of divorce. Think of us as translators of numbers into real-life impact. We help you answer big questions like:
• Can I afford to keep the house?
• What will my financial life look like in 5 or 10 years?
• How do we divide retirement accounts fairly?
• If I accept this settlement, will I still be okay?
The CDFA’s role is to illuminate the financial landscape so you can see exactly what your choices mean—not just today, but years down the road. Whether you hire a CDFA as a neutral for you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse or as an advocate, the initial analysis and financial landscape is the same. This analysis is the starting point for all proposals between the parties. The CDFA can then run different scenarios based on the proposals made by the parties.
How Is a CDFA Different From My Lawyer?
Your lawyer is there to protect your rights and make sure the process follows the law. That process includes filing your paperwork in a timely manner and drafting your final agreement. Your lawyer should take the time to educate you on the consequences of your legal decisions throughout the divorce. But most divorce attorneys aren’t trained in long-term financial forecasting.
A CDFA works alongside your attorney to:
- Break down complicated financial details so that you have full disclosure and understanding of your financial picture
- Run cash-flow and retirement projections
- Show you—in plain English—what your life might look like after divorce
Example: Your lawyer might say, “You can take the house or the 401(k).” Your CDFA will ask, “But can you afford the house five years from now? What if the 401(k) gives you more flexibility and steady income instead? What are the tax implications?”
What About a Mediator?
A mediator’s role is to keep the process constructive and fair by guiding conversations between spouses. They’re focused on reaching agreements, not analyzing financial sustainability.
A CDFA fills in the gaps in mediation by providing:
- Side-by-side comparisons of settlement options
- A neutral perspective on what “fair” means financially
- Insights that help you avoid choices you may regret later
Note: In mediation, the CDFA always remains neutral. He/she cannot favor one party or the other and cannot advise on best options, a CDFA in mediation can only present your options.
What Role Does My Accountant Play?
CPAs and accountants are fantastic at what they do—taxes, audits, and reviewing your financial past. But divorce isn’t just about the past; it’s about setting yourself up for the future.
A CDFA looks forward.
We can:
• Model what different settlement outcomes might look like
• Show the impact of asset division on your future lifestyle
• Clarify the after-tax value of assets, so you don’t get blindsided later
Real-Life Scenario: “The House vs. The Retirement Account”
Imagine this offer:
- Spouse #1 keeps the $1.5M home
- Spouse #2 keeps $1.5M in investments
At first glance, this looks equal. But here’s what a CDFA might show you:
- The house costs $50K a year to maintain
- You may need to sell in a few years anyway which may trigger a taxable event
- Investments could continue to grow, while a home may not or vice versa
- After taxes, the “equal” split isn’t actually equal
This is the CDFA’s job—to make sure you don’t just see numbers on paper, but understand how those numbers will shape your future.
Who Should Consider a CDFA?
You’ll especially want to involve a CDFA if:
• You or your spouse own a business
• Stock options, pensions, or complex investments are in the mix
• You’re worried about your financial stability after divorce
• You want peace of mind knowing you’ve made fully informed choices
Think of a CDFA as Your Financial Guide
Your attorney and mediator guide you through the legal and emotional process.
Your CDFA guides you through the financial transition into your next chapter.
CDFAs give you clarity. Confidence. And, most importantly, a plan.
What You Can Do Next
If you’re considering or going through a divorce:
- Write down your top financial worries or unknowns.
- Schedule a consultation with a CDFA—you deserve real answers.
It’s never too early to get a clear view of your financial future.
Final Thoughts
Your divorce settlement isn’t just about dividing assets—it’s about building your next life. A CDFA helps you step into that life with knowledge, foresight, and confidence.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. With the right support, you can move forward with clarity and peace of mind. If you want to talk further about your situation, please feel free to contact me at tanya@tanyaaure.com or make an appointment here.