The Intentional Divorce Library

Divorce comes with more financial questions than anyone expects. This is where you'll find real answers on asset division, budgeting, retirement, and the mistakes that quietly cost women the most, written by a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst who has helped clients navigate exactly what you're facing now.

No fluff, no fear tactics. Just the information you need to make clear-eyed decisions and protect the life you're building next.

Not sure where to start?

Every article here is written for a particular moment. Start with the stage that matches where you are, and you will find the handful of pieces that actually apply to you.

Browsing by topic instead? Every category is listed in the sidebar, from QDROs and the family home to co-parenting and life after divorce.

Do Women Pay Alimony? Debunking Myths and Unveiling the Reality alimony/spousal support certified divorce financial analyst going through divorce mediation

When it comes to divorce and spousal support, there’s a prevalent misconception that only men are obligated to pay spousal support. However, in today’s ever-evolving landscape of gender roles, both professionally and domestically, the truth is that women can also be ordered to pay alimony. This lega...

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What Is an Intentional Divorce? A Practical Definition asset division certified divorce financial analyst collaborative divorce going through divorce mediation

An intentional divorce is one where you decide in advance how you want to move through the process, rather than reacting to whatever happens next. In practice it means choosing your process before conflict chooses it for you, gathering the financial facts before you negotiate, deciding which outcome...

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Choosing the Right Path: Comparing Collaborative Divorce and Mediation certified divorce financial analyst collaborative divorce going through divorce mediation

The core difference is who is in the room. In collaborative divorce, each spouse has their own attorney and a team of professionals works together toward a settlement, with everyone signing an agreement not to litigate. In mediation, one neutral mediator facilitates and attorneys are optional. Colla...

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Finding Peace in the Midst of Divorce: How to Heal After a Breakup divorce coach divorce support groups life after divorce mediation

It's the New Year! Now what?

Post by Liesel Darby, Divorce Coach & Mediator

The New Year is all about starting fresh, starting over, moving forward. Unless you happen to have a giant shiny red REFRESH button to hit on January 1, some intentional pondering must happen before any changes are made. I...

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Smart Financial Planning for Divorce: Navigating Your Finances with Confidence certified divorce financial analyst financial planning

Are you wondering how to stay financially afloat while navigating a divorce? Look no further. In this guide to financial planning for divorce, we provide you with a roadmap that covers forming a support team, dividing assets fairly, and resetting your finances for a stable future. Discover actionabl...

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Navigating Life Changes: Divorce Podcasts & Other Inspiring Resources certified divorce financial analyst co-parenting dividing assets in a divorce divorce coach house in a divorce life after divorce mediation property division in divorce

Experiencing a divorce is undeniably one of life's most difficult challenges, often leaving individuals feeling isolated and bewildered. However, imagine having a steadfast companion who could accompany you on this journey, offering expert guidance, emotional solace, and a remarkable sense of commun...

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What a CDFA Actually Does During Divorce Mediation certified divorce financial analyst dividing assets in a divorce going through divorce mediation property division in divorce

During mediation, a CDFA builds the complete financial picture and stress-tests every proposal against it. That means analysing assets and debts, working out how retirement accounts and pensions can actually be divided, identifying the tax consequences of options that look equivalent on paper, model...

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10 Effective Strategies to Make Your Divorce Settlement Last asset division budgeting financial planning life after divorce

Divorce is undeniably a tumultuous period in anyone's life, characterized by emotional upheaval and significant financial changes. The impact of a divorce on one's financial future can be destabilizing if not handled with care. However, by engaging in careful planning and making thoughtful decisions...

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Post-Divorce Financial Planning: Why Revisiting Your Investments Matters certified divorce financial analyst financial planning life after divorce retirement accounts in divorce

Navigating the divorce process can often feel like a turbulent, confusing, and uncertain storm. Amid the whirlwind of emotions, it's easy to overlook a critical lifeline that can guide you towards calmer waters - financial stability. Financial stability, specifically taking control of your investmen...

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Strategic Approaches to Protecting Inherited Money in Divorce certified divorce financial analyst dividing assets in a divorce going through divorce inheritance in a divorce property division in divorce separate property

One of the most complex aspects of divorce is the division of assets, particularly when it comes to protecting your inherited money in divorce. Inheritance, often steeped in sentimental value and of significant financial worth, is a treasure worth guarding. The way forward is paved with knowledge, s...

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Mastering the Art of a Successful Divorce Settlement: Your Path to Financial Empowerment alimony/spousal support certified divorce financial analyst child support dividing assets in a divorce going through divorce

Embarking on the path of divorce requires strategic financial planning to achieve a successful settlement. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), I have witnessed the transformative impact that well-informed financial decisions can have during this process.

In this blog post, we will navig...

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Financial Abuse in Marriage: Signs, Examples, and What to Do if You’re Preparing for Divorce considering divorce divorce financial planning financial abuse hidden assets divorce

One of the things that breaks my heart is how often I hear women apologize before they tell me what has been happening with the money.

They say things like:

  • “Maybe I’m overreacting.”
  • “He’s always handled the finances.”
  • “I’m just not good with money.”
  • “I don’t even know what questions to ask.”
  • ...
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