Broker Check

Your Divorce Team

What They Do & When You Meet with Them

<strong>CDFA&#174;</strong>

CDFA®

A Certified Divorce Financial Analysts (CDFA) will provide a thorough review of assets, tax implications, legal ramifications, lifestyle changes and financial planning strategies associated with divorce.

<strong>Divorce Mediator</strong>

Divorce Mediator

A divorce mediator is a neutral, third-party voice that aims to create an amicable atmosphere between former partners, thus reducing stress and strain on all parties. A mediator can be used in place of or in conjunction with a divorce attorney, depending on the situation.

<strong>Divorce Attorney</strong>

Divorce Attorney

A divorce attorney helps clients specialize in divorce law and can provide legal advice such as child support/custody, divorce settlements, assets/property division, alimony etc.

<strong>Financial Planner</strong>

Financial Planner

A financial planner can help you develop a plan for how you will manage your money after divorce — savings, investments, and debt — as well as how to deal with alimony, child support, and other income so you start off with a good foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should hire a CDFA®?

A CDFA® is for anyone who wants a clear understanding of the financial aspects and implications of their divorce, especially if you have valuable assets, debts or investments that need to be divided. They can help you navigate the complexities of your financial situation,  help ensure a fair settlement, and even provide guidance for post-divorce financial planning. Gone are the days of tackling this tough financial terrain on your own - having a CDFA® by your side can alleviate some of the emotional and financial burdens of your divorce, so you can come out of it feeling confident about your future.

Does a CDFA® replace hiring a lawyer?

Certified Divorce Financial Analysts (CDFA®) and divorce attorneys make a dynamic duo in the realm of divorce proceedings. Working hand-in-hand, they ensure that their clients not only navigate the legal complexities of a divorce but also the financial hurdles that come along with it. 

Divorce attorneys focus their expertise on the legal side of things, including custody, child support, and alimony negotiations. They serve to protect their clients' rights and interests under the law.

CDFA®s excel in carefully analyzing financial assets, creating post-divorce budgets, and crafting strategies to distribute those assets equitably between the separating couple. They consider tax implications, retirement plans, real estate, and investments - basically any financial facet you can think of. It's important to keep in mind that working with a CDFA® can also save you money in the long run, possibly saving you hours in the legal fees an attorney might charge to summarize your finances.

Does a CDFA® work with my lawyer?

Yes! By taking a team-based approach and combining their unique expertise, your lawyer and certified divorce financial analyst can help ease the burden of the legal process while advocating for the best possible financial outcome for you.

Is hiring a CDFA® expensive?

Going through a divorce can be an emotionally draining and financially overwhelming experience. It's easy to question whether hiring a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) is just another expense to add to the list. While it's true that these professionals can come with a price tag, it's important to remember that their expertise can save you money in the long run. Working with a CDFA® can provide a comprehensive understanding of your financial situation and uncover potential issues you might not have thought about otherwise. Ultimately, the investment you make in hiring a CDFA® has the potential to provide you with valuable financial insights and help you avoid costly mistakes. 

Does a CDFA® help in the settlement process?

CDFA®s  are specially trained to help untangle the intricate web of assets, earnings, and debts during the divorce settlement process. By providing clear insights into the short and long-term financial implications of the divorce, they can help create fair and sustainable agreements for both parties. A CDFA® not only assists in understanding each party's financial standing but also offers recommendations to ensure that no one walks away feeling short-changed.

Can a CDFA® help me get more money out of my divorce?

A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) could be a valuable ally, helping you potentially secure a more favorable financial outcome. These professionals are specifically trained to analyze the financial implications of splitting marital assets, offering expert guidance to ensure that you make well-informed decisions when negotiating the terms of your divorce. CDFA®s can be especially useful if your marital assets are complex or if you're unfamiliar with the intricacies of tax implications, retirement accounts, and property division. So if you're looking to get the most out of your divorce settlement, it could be wise to engage the services of a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst to help you navigate this challenging terrain.

How is a CDFA® different from a financial planner?

While a financial planner focuses on your long-term financial well-being through strategic wealth management, investments, and financial goal-setting, a CDFA® specializes in the financial intricacies of a divorce. In short, a CDFA® serves as your financial advocate during your divorce journey, while a financial planner is your guide to secure long-term financial stability.

How long is the process working with a CDFA®?

The time it takes to work with a CDFA® can vary, depending on factors like the complexity of the couple's assets and the level of cooperation between both parties. As a casually put example, if you're dealing with a simple, amicable split, your time working with a CDFA® might only take a few weeks. On the other hand, if you're dealing with a high net worth divorce scenario that involves complex investments and property holdings, it may take several months or even a year to ensure all financial matters are resolved in the best possible way. Patience is essential, and having a skilled CDFA® by your side can make the journey smoother and more manageable.

Can a CDFA® help me with my finances after my divorce?

A CDFA® is a powerful resource for you as you work through your divorce and a financial planner is who you'll want to connect with after your settlement has been reached. Fortunately, Linda Bruininga with Bruco Investment Group is a both a CDFA® and a financial planner, which makes the transition from the divorce process into actively planning a financial future that makes sense for your new life as seamless as possible!