What Is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) and Do You Need One?
- Lisa McNally
- Jul 17
- 4 min read
Divorce is one of the most emotionally challenging and financially complex experiences you’ll ever face. And while most people think to hire an attorney, very few realize they may also need a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) to protect their long-term financial future.
At Optimal Divorce Solutions, I serve as a CDFA for individuals and couples across the country—helping them make smarter financial decisions before, during, and after divorce. In this post, I’ll break down what a CDFA does, why it matters, and whether you should have one on your divorce team.
What Is a CDFA?
A Financial Professional Who Specializes in Divorce
A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) is a financial expert with specialized training in divorce-related financial planning. CDFAs help clients:
Understand the short- and long-term impact of proposed divorce settlements
Analyze asset division and debt allocation
Evaluate alimony and child support scenarios
Model retirement, housing, and lifestyle outcomes post-divorce
While attorneys focus on legal rights and obligations, a CDFA focuses on financial clarity, risk management, and realistic planning.
Learn More About CDFA Services HERE
What It Takes to Become a CDFA
CDFAs are certified by the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts (IDFA) and must:
Have a professional background in finance or law
Complete specialized coursework and exams
Maintain ongoing continuing education
I became a CDFA to help my clients navigate divorce from a position of strength—not fear or confusion.
Why You Need a CDFA During Divorce
1. Divorce Is a Financial Transaction Disguised as a Legal One
It’s easy to get caught up in emotional details—who keeps the house, who pays support, how the kids will transition—but every decision in divorce has a financial ripple effect.
A CDFA helps you:
Evaluate the long-term consequences of your settlement
Avoid tax pitfalls and hidden costs
Ensure your lifestyle and goals are financially sustainable post-divorce
2. Attorneys Aren’t Financial Planners
Even the best divorce attorneys aren’t trained to:
Analyze investment portfolios or retirement plans
Model future income and expenses
Optimize real estate decisions based on market timing
That’s where I come in—as both a CDFA and Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE), I bring financial clarity to decisions attorneys don’t always cover.
3. Emotions Cloud Judgment—Numbers Don’t
Divorce is emotionally exhausting. Without professional financial guidance, many people:
Make reactive, fear-based decisions
Agree to settlements they can’t sustain
Overlook key financial details that impact the future
My role is to replace fear with facts and give you the data to make informed decisions.
Explore Divorce Financial Coaching Options - Schedule a private consultation with me HERE
What Does a CDFA Actually Do?
Analyze Asset Division
I break down complex marital estates and help clients:
Identify separate vs. marital property
Value pensions, retirement accounts, and investments
Model different ways to divide assets fairly
Evaluate Housing and Real Estate Options
As a Licensed Real Estate Broker and CDRE, I provide:
Home valuations and equity analysis
Refinance and buyout planning
Cost-benefit analysis of keeping vs. selling the marital home
Assess Cash Flow and Support Needs
Whether you’re paying or receiving alimony or child support, I:
Analyze what’s fair and sustainable
Model future income scenarios
Align support with budgets and lifestyle needs
Plan for Life After Divorce
I don’t just look at today—I help you:
Build a post-divorce budget
Project retirement timelines
Understand how tax changes and inflation will affect your plan
When You Should Hire a CDFA
A CDFA is especially helpful if:
You’ve been married 10+ years and have significant assets
You or your spouse own a business
There are pensions, 401(k)s, or deferred compensation involved
One spouse handled all the finances
You want to keep the house and need to know if you can afford it
You’re self-employed or retiring soon
Many of my clients are going through gray divorce, high-net-worth divorce, or post-career transitions—when mistakes are costlier and harder to recover from.
How a CDFA Works With Your Team
A CDFA complements—not replaces—your other professionals. I often:
Work alongside attorneys to analyze financial data
Collaborate with mediators to develop equitable proposals
Coach clients through negotiations with clarity and confidence
At Optimal Divorce Solutions, I also offer mediation, divorce coaching, and real estate consulting, creating a seamless, well-rounded divorce strategy.
Click HERE to schedule a private consultation with me.
Key Takeaways:
A CDFA is a trained financial expert who specializes in divorce finances
They provide clarity on asset division, budgeting, support, and housing
Most attorneys are not equipped to run financial forecasts or risk models
Hiring a CDFA can help you avoid long-term financial regret
You especially need a CDFA if your divorce involves real estate, retirement, or complex assets
The decisions you make during divorce will shape your financial future for years to come. Don’t leave that future up to guesswork.
Schedule your free 30-minute consultation today and find out how a CDFA can protect your finances—and your peace of mind.
Lisa McNally
Certified Divorce Coach | Certified Divorce Mediator
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) | Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE)
Licensed Real Estate Broker (NH & ME)
Founder, Optimal Divorce Solutions
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