Frequently Asked Questions

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The role of the CDFA® (Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®) professional is to assist the client and his/her lawyer to understand how the financial decisions he/she makes today will impact the client’s financial future.

Divorce is a life-altering experience that can drain your resources. Legal fees can accumulate rapidly, emotional resilience can be stretched thin, and precious time required for family, work, and daily life can be squandered in protracted proceedings. A CDFA possesses comprehensive knowledge of various assets, investments, tax codes, and property valuation techniques. Pattie's divorce planning software will compile your financial data and formulate a clear plan for your short-term and long-term financial well-being. There is no fee to speak with Pattie and obtain her guidance. 

The divorce process often unveils the depth of expertise and understanding that a CDFA brings to the table. Their financial skills will prove invaluable throughout life's journey. In divorce preparation and proceedings, you can rest assured that a CDFA has the knowledge you need readily available, ensuring your personal situation is handled confidently and empathetically. 

A divorce attorney is responsible for dissolving a marriage, which is essentially a legal contract entailing assets, income, and tax obligations. Managing your assets, income, and tax liabilities has likely been a time-consuming task requiring research and advice. A CDFA is certified in financial planning and well-equipped to safeguard your wealth and property during divorce. They possess answers to your financial questions during and after the divorce process.  

A CDFA acts as an advocate, not only for your family's financial interests but also for you personally. Their primary focus is preserving and safeguarding assets. Whether mediating assets neutrally, ensuring assets are preserved and maximized for all parties involved, or advocating for you individually, a CDFA fundamentally functions as a financial advisor. They stay updated on current investment strategies and tax laws to devise the best possible planning and investment strategies tailored to your unique situation. 

A CDFA saves you both time and money by ensuring the process proceeds constructively. Prolonged disputes and misunderstandings regarding divorce details can waste time, and legal fees can accumulate hourly. When stepping into the process of dividing a couple's assets, a CDFA like Pattie does not charge you hourly or anything up-front for her services. 

Moreover, they provide financial clarity and peace of mind. CDFA possesses extensive knowledge and experience, allowing them to consider various options before tailoring a financial strategy to your unique circumstances. They assist you in preparing for the divorce process well in advance of legal dissolution. Women anticipating divorce can consult with a CDFA to make changes that may yield financial savings down the road. These professionals understand the tax implications of available financial strategies and can help both parties devise an organized investment plan for their future, including retirement and other future needs. 

Furthermore, CDFA's expertise extends to managing household expenses. During the divorce process, couples often separate, incurring additional monthly expenses. A CDFA's comprehensive certification process equips them to handle all financial intricacies associated with divorce, ensuring no unexpected expenses catch you off guard. 

Lastly, a CDFA assists you in planning for the future. Beyond being exceptional financial planners, they possess detailed knowledge of managing finances during the legal separation of assets that is "divorce." Leveraging their expertise and your assets, a CDFA can help you invest in your future and your family's, offering a pathway to financial security.