Citrin-Cooperman--Leaders in Professional Services & Industry Insights. Learn More.
Current Issue Divorce Family Law Law

Beyond the Numbers

Echelon-Professional-Beyond The Numbers-Scott-Levin-Esq-CDFA
Written by Scott Levin, Esq.

How having a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst can positively impact mediated divorces

Divorce mediation can be an extremely stressful process. Most couples seek to gain balance and equity in results. Especially when money and assets get split.

The whole process and results of divorce mediation can be greatly improved using a particular professional with financial expertise. The Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) is a key player in this field. In my capacity as a family law attorney and CDFA who only handles mediations in divorce cases, my clients and I sometimes include an impartial CDFA specialist in our partnership to aid in the bargaining process. An unbiased CDFA, in my opinion, is essential to the mediation process because they can help divorced couples communicate financially, give them more leverage, and encourage a more peaceful resolution.

Understanding the Role of a CDFA

Couples can gain from the financial specialist’s insight and analysis when they participate in divorce mediation with a neutral CDFA. Although each party in a mediation may hire a different CDFA to provide advice to them directly, the CDFA is brought in as a neutral third party on behalf of the group mediation in order to support the goals of the team. 

A CDFA can offer insight into the implications of the financial splits for the foreseeable future as well as for the near term. The CDFA can assist the mediator and the parties in crafting a deliberate settlement that is founded on informed decision-making by establishing a route that enables the couple to make smart, well-informed judgments.

As a bit of an oracle for divorcing couples, a CDFA offers professional insight into the short- and long-term ramifications of proposed settlements. This entails estimating how financial decisions will affect long-term stability and living after divorce. Couples are empowered to actively discuss and negotiate financial issues of divorce through the CDFA, which customizes financial plans to each couple’s specific circumstances.

Financial Assessment and Planning

The Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) conducts a comprehensive financial examination during the mediation process. The procedure entails a thorough examination of multiple financial components, such as assets, obligations, income, and expenses. Once these components are analyzed by the CDFA, divorcing couples are given a clear knowledge of their existing financial condition.

The foundation of cooperative financial planning during divorce discussions is built on the knowledge obtained from this financial assessment. When couples have a clear grasp of their financial situation, the process of dividing assets and liabilities can be less complicated. This proactive strategy guarantees that the final financial agreements fit the particular goals and conditions of all parties involved, while also streamlining the negotiation process. In the end, the financial assessment and planning provided by the CDFA enable divorcing spouses to make wise choices that will lead to a more secure and long-lasting financial future after the divorce.

Providing Neutral Ground for Financial Discussions

The choice to include a CDFA in financial negotiations as an impartial party creates a revolutionary dynamic in the divorce mediation process. The CDFA offers equal access as a colleague throughout the mediation process and speaks to and communicates with both parties jointly by taking on the role of a neutral. This strategy ensures objectivity and balance.

Unlike typical negotiations, which may be acrimonious, the engagement of the CDFA promotes equity and openness. Since the CDFA is primarily concerned with promoting a cooperative and less combative negotiation process, each side is free to voice their concerns, preferences, and financial objectives. Because of its impartiality, the CDFA helps to facilitate better communication and cooperation between the divorcing parties, which leads to a more peaceful conclusion. This balanced approach improves mediation, allowing couples to negotiate money talks more amicably and fairly.

Couples are empowered to actively discuss and negotiate financial issues of divorce through the CDFA.

Long-Term Implications and Financial Literacy

Including a CDFA in the mediation process is essential because it emphasizes financial literacy and long-term consequences. The CDFA makes sure divorcing couples fully comprehend the consequences of their financial decisions by raising their level of financial literacy. As a result, by being aware of the long-term effects of different choices, spouses can make decisions that are in line with their post-divorce objectives.

The CDFA helps divorcing couples reach settlements that are beneficial to their financial futures as well as equitable in the here and now. Couples can confidently and strategically handle the intricacies of divorce by focusing on long-term repercussions and financial literacy.

How a CDFA Integrates Seamlessly with Mediation

Divorcing spouses are guided by the CDFA toward arrangements that are beneficial to their financial futures as well as equitable in the here and now. Couples can handle the challenges of divorce with confidence and foresight by focusing on long-term effects and financial literacy.

The CDFA creates a comprehensive approach to divorce mediation by collaborating with mental health and legal experts. The CDFA advances a comprehensive understanding of divorce by working in conjunction with experts from a range of disciplines. Taking into account financial factors in addition to legal and emotional ones enhances the mediation process. The heart of the CDFA’s smooth integration with divorce mediation is giving couples a thorough and cooperative setting for negotiating the challenges of divorce.

In divorce mediation, having a neutral CDFA present can make all the difference in the world. We demystify the contributions of CDFAs by shedding light on their diverse roles, and we urge divorcing spouses to think about the benefits of involving a neutral CDFA in their mediation process. The foundation for a more comprehensive, knowledgeable, and amicable divorce resolution is laid by the cooperative synergy of legal, financial, and mental health experts. 

About the author

Scott Levin, Esq.

Scott Levin is a San Diego Divorce Mediation Lawyer known as the Chief PeaceKeeper™ and is well known for his success in helping couples resolve family law disputes outside of court. As a family law attorney specializing helping couples resolve disputes through divorce mediation in California, Scott Levin helps divorcing spouses navigate divorce by filing and completing all court forms to start the divorce, mediate issues to arrive at agreements, and prepare a Marital Settlement Agreement to finalize the divorce.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.