1) Financial analysis conducted early in the divorce process can save time.
The average length of the U.S. divorce process is one year. In the beginning
stages of the process, both parties spend a great deal of time trying to get a clear understanding of the financial aspects and terminology of the separation. A Certified Divorce Financial AnalystTM (CDFA) can explain all financial aspects of the pending decisions and help to empower their client to make educated decisions throughout the proceedings.
2) A CDFATM can help their client save money during the divorce process.
By using a CDFATM, you can have a clearer view of your financial future. Only
then can you approach a legal settlement that fully addresses your financial needs and capabilities. A legal settlement that floats back and forth between attorneys, without the client having a clear understanding of all financial ramifications, can be detrimental, time consuming and expensive. CDFAs can educate their clients by providing a thorough knowledge and understanding of the often-complicated
financial decisions.
3) A CDFA can help their clients to avoid long-term financial pitfalls related to divorce agreements.
Working with a client and their attorney, a CDFA can forecast the long-term
effects of the divorce settlement. This includes details of all tax liabilities and
benefits. Developing a long-term forecast for their financial situation is far better than a short-term snapshot. Financial decisions must be made that not only take care of immediate family needs, but retirement needs as well.
4) CDFATMs can assist their clients with developing detailed household budgets to help avoid post-divorce financial struggles.
A CDFATM can help clients think through what the divorce will really cost in the
long run and develop a realistic monthly budget during the financial analysis
process. Expenses such as life insurance, health insurance and cost of living
increases must be taken into consideration when agreeing on a final financial
settlement.
5) Using a CDFA can reduce the amount of apprehension and
misunderstanding about the divorce process.
Misinformation and misconceptions about the divorce process can be detrimental.
Many have false expectations that they will be able to secure a divorce settlement allowing them to continue with their accustomed style of living. Financial divorce analysis helps to ensure a good, stable economic future and prevent long-term regret with financial decisions made during the divorce process.
