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?

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The Most Common Financial Mistakes in Divorce (And How to Avoid Them) certified divorce financial analyst debt dividing assets in a divorce financial planning house in a divorce preparing for divorce property division in divorce retirement accounts in divorce taxes

After more than 20 years of working with divorcing clients as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, I have seen a lot. I have sat across the table from women who were sharp, capable, and completely blindsided by the financial consequences of decisions they made during their divorce. Not because the...

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The Complete Guide to Divorce Financial Planning in Ohio alimony/spousal support asset division certified divorce financial analyst dividing assets in a divorce property division in divorce separate property

If you are going through a divorce in Ohio, or even just starting to think about it, I want you to know something right away: your financial future is not over. It is not ruined. And it is certainly not out of your control. What it is, honestly, is at a crossroads. And the decisions you make right n...

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Divorce Strategy Guide: Steps to a Smarter Divorce [2026] certified divorce financial analyst co-parenting collaborative divorce dividing assets in a divorce financial planning mediation preparing for divorce

I need to tell you something that might sound counterintuitive when you're in the thick of divorce:

This isn't a battle to win. It's a puzzle to solve.

I know that feels wrong when emotions are running high. When you feel betrayed. When your attorney is talking about "leverage" and "positioning." ...

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What’s the Difference Between a CDFA and a Traditional Financial Advisor? alimony/spousal support certified divorce financial analyst dividing assets in a divorce financial planning house in a divorce life after divorce preparing for divorce qdro retirement accounts in divorce taxes

Divorce is one of the most financially significant events of your life. Every decision from how you divide retirement accounts to whether you keep the house can shape your financial security for decades. One of the most common questions I hear from women going through this transition is: “Do I need ...

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Financial Divorce Advisor: Understanding the Role of a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) in Navigating Your Divorce Journey certified divorce financial analyst dividing assets in a divorce divorce financial planning ohio divorce property division in divorce separate property

Going through a divorce is not just emotionally taxing, but it also brings a host of financial complexities that can have a profound impact on your future. Many individuals, while recognizing the need for legal advice during divorce, often overlook the critical role of a Certified Divorce Financial ...

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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 mediation property division in divorce

Divorce is more than an emotional and legal process. It is also a complex financial one, and mediation moves quickly enough that having a clear financial picture matters from the very first session. This guide walks through exactly what a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) reviews once media...

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Strategic Approaches to Protecting Inherited Money in Divorce certified divorce financial analyst dividing assets in a 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

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 navi...

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Evaluating Your Divorce Settlement: The One Question That Matters Most alimony/spousal support budgeting certified divorce financial analyst child support dividing assets in a divorce house in a divorce

After reviewing hundreds of divorce settlement agreements as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, I always come back to one critical question: Can you actually uphold this agreement?

It sounds simple, but you'd be surprised how many people sign divorce settlements they can't realistically maintai...

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Considerations When Trying to Keep Your Pension in a Divorce dividing assets in a divorce pension in divorce property division in divorce qdro retirement accounts in divorce

It may or may not come as a surprise to you that a pension is frequently the largest asset negotiated in a divorce. With that said, it's not a foregone conclusion that you'll have to give up a portion of your pension as part of your divorce settlement. I'm surprised by the number of cases I see in w...

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Keep the House in Divorce: 7 Steps to a Smart Decision certified divorce financial analyst debt dividing assets in a divorce financial planning house in a divorce

I stayed in my house when I got divorced. At the time, the housing market had declined so much that we had negative equity in our home. Selling our house would have put us in a worse financial situation than keeping it and we had three young children. Keeping them in the house gave them some stabi...

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