What Is a CDFA?
A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) helps clients understand the short-term and long-term financial impact of divorce. A CDFA can help analyze settlement options, review assets and debts, consider tax consequences, think through support scenarios, and evaluate how today’s decisions may affect future financial stability.
We work with individuals who need help:
Who We Help
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understanding their financial picture
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preparing for mediation or settlement discussions
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reviewing support and budget needs
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thinking through long-term financial goals
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avoiding costly financial mistakes during divorce
We work with couples as a financial neutral to help:
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evaluate division options fairly
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understand tax and fee implications
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compare settlement scenarios
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create options aligned with both parties’ goals
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support more informed mediation discussions
What We Can Help
You Analyze?
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asset and debt division options
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retirement accounts and tax implications
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real estate equity and buyout options
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business interests
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post-divorce budget planning
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spousal maintenance scenarios
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child-related financial considerations
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cash flow and affordability
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long-term financial planning after divorce
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financial disclosures
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hidden costs, fees, and settlement tradeoffs
Why Financial Guidance Matters in Divorce
Divorce agreements are not only about dividing numbers on paper. Decisions about property, support, taxes, retirement accounts, and cash flow can affect your financial future for years to come. Financial coaching and CDFA support help clients better understand those implications before final agreements are made.
Taxability
All of your assets are not taxed the same, so why value them the same?
You must understand the taxability of each asset before it is divided or traded for another asset.
Big Picture
While it is helpful to look at each portion of your assets and debts individually, ultimately your individual agreements must fit together to make a complete picture.
If you focus on only the individual agreements, you risk creating an overarching agreement that will not work long-term.
Rushing the Process
Understandably, you may want to complete your divorce process as quickly as possible.
But you mustn't be moving so quickly that you don't understand the implication of your agreements. Once final, most divorce agreements cannot be changed.
Future Goals
While you may be focused on getting through the next week, month, or year, your financial agreements at the time of divorce will affect you long into the future.
It is important to understand your long-term financial goals to better create agreements today that will help you reach those goals in the future.
Improper Valuation
Each of your assets has a "value," which will determine how it is divided.
Each asset must be valued properly to provide for an accurate division of all assets and debts.
Financial Disclosure
All financial disclosures should be complete prior to making agreements about the division of your assets and debts.
It is important to know what assets and debts you have, so you can make knowledgeable agreements accordingly.
Financial Coach vs.
Financial Neutral
Divorce Financial Coach: works with one person to help them understand their options, prepare for negotiations, and build confidence in financial decisions.
Financial Neutral: works with both spouses in a neutral capacity to help them understand financial options, compare settlement scenarios, and support fair, informed decision-making during mediation or settlement discussions.
Couples Solutions Center provides divorce financial coaching, CDFA services, and financial neutral support in Arizona for individuals, spouses, and mediation clients. Based in Phoenix, the practice helps clients understand the financial impact of divorce, evaluate settlement options, avoid tax and valuation pitfalls, and create agreements that support their long-term goals.