What is the biggest difference between a CDFA and a financial advisor?

A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) specializes exclusively in the financial complexities of divorce—including settlement analysis, tax implications, and long-term cash flow planning. A traditional financial advisor focuses more broadly on investments and long-term wealth building, but typically lacks specific training in divorce-related financial issues like QDROs, asset division, and spousal support planning.

Do I need both a CDFA and a financial advisor during divorce?

Often, yes—but many clients work with a CDFA who also serves as their ongoing financial advisor after the divorce is finalized. During divorce, a CDFA helps you evaluate settlement options and avoid costly mistakes. After divorce, they can transition into long-term wealth management, giving you continuity without needing to start over with someone new.

Is working with a CDFA only for high-net-worth clients?

No. Divorce has financial implications at every income level. A CDFA helps you make informed decisions whether you're dividing a modest retirement account or a complex portfolio. The goal is to protect your financial future regardless of the size of your assets.

How do I find a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst in Ohio?

You can search the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts (IDFA) directory at institutedfa.com. If you're in Cleveland, Ohio or the surrounding area, Intentional Divorce Solutions offers CDFA services in person and virtually throughout Ohio. Schedule a complimentary consultation at greatlakesdfs.com.

When should I hire a CDFA during the divorce process?

The earlier the better. Ideally, you engage a CDFA before finalizing any settlement terms. Early involvement allows the CDFA to run long-term projections, identify tax implications, and help you negotiate from a position of clarity—rather than trying to undo decisions after the fact.

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?

Jump to the stage that matches where you are:

Ohio Teacher Divorce: 4 STRS Pension Tips You Need to Know divorce financial planning ohio divorce pension in divorce qdro retirement accounts in divorce

If you are a teacher going through a divorce in Ohio, this one is for you.

Teachers hold a special place in my heart. Early in my career, I was a teacher. I earned my Master's in Education and have made quite a few teacher friends over the years. My children have been blessed with wonderful teac...

Who Gets the House in a Divorce? Key Factors to Know. certified divorce financial analyst collaborative divorce dividing assets in a divorce house in a divorce mediation ohio divorce preparing for divorce property division in divorce separate property

"Who gets the house?" is one of the first questions that comes up when couples start talking about divorce. In my more than 20 years as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, I have heard it thousands of times, and the honest answer is always the same: it depends.

The family home is not like other ...

Social Security Benefits for Divorced Spouses: What You Need to Know divorce after 50 divorce financial planning financial planning gray divorce life after divorce ohio divorce preparing for divorce retirement accounts in divorce

This is one of the questions I get most often. Every single day, someone reaches out asking some version of: what happens with Social Security after my divorce?

If you were married for at least ten years, you may be entitled to collect Social Security benefits based on your ex-spouse's work record....

What is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst? certified divorce financial analyst dividing assets in a divorce ohio divorce preparing for divorce property division in divorce retirement accounts in divorce

Dealing with a divorce is stressful enough. Add complicated financial decisions to the mix and it can feel completely overwhelming.

That is where a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst comes in.

If you have been wondering what a CDFA actually does, whether you need one, and how they are different f...

How to Divide a 401k in an Ohio Divorce: A Complete Guide asset division certified divorce financial analyst ohio divorce qdro retirement accounts in divorce

Divorce is one of the most difficult transitions a person can go through — and in the middle of the emotional weight of it all, you are also being asked to make financial decisions that will follow you for decades. That is an enormous amount to carry at once.

If your marriage involved a 401k (wheth...

1 2

The Intentional Divorce Library

Not sure where to start?

Take The First Step - Join our Newsletter today!