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.

Certified Divorce Coach in Ohio

Navigate Your Divorce with Clarity, Confidence, and Control

Divorce isn’t a game to win—it’s a puzzle to solve. Work with a certified divorce coach in Cleveland to protect your peace of mind, manage the emotional overwhelm, and make intentional decisions for your next chapter.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation

Trusted Guidance for One of Life’s Hardest Transitions

Your coach, Liesel Darby, brings both professional training and lived experience to your corner:

Alternative Dispute Resolution Divorce Coach (ADRDC) — Divorce Coaches Academy
Certified Life Coach — Coach Training Alliance
Mediation Training — Ohio Supreme Court
Background in Mental Health Counseling — M.Ed. in Counseling

“Liesel Darby is an incredible divorce coach—I’d give her 10 stars if I could! Her support and guidance have helped me feel more confident and in control during a very difficult time. She’s empathetic, professional, and always reliable. I especially recommend her to parents navigating co-parenting with a challenging ex.”

— Kathryn

“I found my recent divorce coaching sessions with Liesel Darby to be very helpful. Her method of setting a goal for every session was quite effective. Liesel’s thoughtful and encouraging manner was also much appreciated.”

— Tanya

Why Work With a Certified Divorce Coach?

Reduce Overwhelm & Anxiety

Divorce is emotional, but your decisions need to be strategic. Liesel helps you separate the emotional noise from the practical realities, so you show up to negotiations, mediation, and attorney meetings calm, prepared, and focused on your long-term goals.

Move Forward with Clarity

Every session ends with clear, actionable next steps—not just a vague sense of feeling better. You’ll leave with concrete things you can do to keep moving forward, whether you’re contemplating divorce, mid-negotiation, or rebuilding afterward.

Save Time and Legal Fees

Using your attorney as an emotional sounding board is expensive. Coaching helps you organize your thoughts and documents beforehand, so your legal hours stay focused, efficient, and far less costly.

Our Process: Moving Forward, Intentionally

1. Schedule Your Consultation

Start with a free, no-pressure conversation about what you’re going through, your immediate concerns, and whether coaching is the right next step for you.

2. Build Your Custom Plan

Every session is tailored to where you are—decision-making, communication strategy, emotional regulation, mediation prep, or co-parenting—so you always know your next step.

3. Move Forward with Confidence

With a certified divorce coach in your corner, you’ll navigate your divorce with clear goals, structured next steps, and support instead of isolation.

Book Your Free Consultation

Liesel Darby, ADRDC, divorce coach at Intentional Divorce Solutions

Meet Liesel Darby, ADRDC — Your Divorce Coach

Liesel brings a rare combination of professional training and lived experience to her coaching. She is a certified Alternative Dispute Resolution Divorce Coach (ADRDC) through the Divorce Coaches Academy, holds a life-coaching certification from Coach Training Alliance and mediation training from the Ohio Supreme Court, and has a professional background in therapy, including mental health counseling for families. She earned her M.Ed. in Counseling.

And perhaps most importantly, Liesel has been through divorce herself. She knows what it feels like to sit on the other side of that table. Her coaching style is warm, practical, and direct—she creates a safe space to be honest about what you’re feeling while keeping you focused on what you need to do.

Part of Intentional Divorce Solutions
7017 Pearl Rd, Ste 12, Cleveland, OH 44130
(440) 545-1001 · hello@greatlakesdfs.com
Sessions available in Cleveland, OH or virtually, nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Coaching

What’s the difference between a divorce coach and a divorce attorney?

How do I know if I need a coach or a therapist?

At what stage of the divorce process should I start coaching?

Do you offer virtual coaching sessions?

Don’t Navigate This Transition Alone

Take the first step toward a secure, intentional future. Schedule a confidential consultation with Liesel Darby, ADRDC.