WSG Partner Steve Silver, CFP®, CDFA, CLU is one of only a handful of professionals locally that hold the specialized designation of Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA). With Specialized education, years of experience and the tools to clearly demonstrate the meaning of the numbers, the CDFA is uniquely qualified to help the divorcing client confidently take control of his/her own future. "Confidence for the Road Ahead" We all know that division of assets is a central part of the divorce process-but it's not as straight forward as it may seem. In fact, "equal" is not always "equitable." There are many factors, both long and short term that affect how the split will impact each individual. In addition, the emotion and confusion of an adversarial process too often cloud the real issues, making an equitable split difficult to achieve. Many times fear of the road ahead (and the uncertainty of the financial implications of the settlement) is what fuels the "messiness" of the divorce process. We can help remove that fear by showing the client a clear financial roadmap for the future. In fact, nearly everyone going through a divorce may benefit from our services.

We cannot replace the services of an attorney, but we can give the client and his/her attorney the "teeth" they need to construct a fair and equitable settlement — Hard, cold financial analysis that will demonstrate in concrete terms all of the financial implications of a proposed settlement.

Ideally, both people in a divorcing couple will be interested in a fair and equitable settlement. If this is the case, we will gather all the information and develop a plan that can work for both, taking into account both the present and future.

A single member of the couple may also retain us to review a proposed settlement to confirm that it is fair and reasonable or to devise a counter-offer if warranted. Many people choose this option for their own peace of mind, even if the divorce is amicable.

In an adversarial situation, we may be retained by one of the parties to demonstrate equity (or inequity) of a proposed settlement. Many attorneys work with a CDFA on a regular basis to provide the financial documentation that is necessary to prevail in a settlement.

Should the divorce wind up in court, we have the necessary credentials to appear as an expert witness. A judge may also call upon us to sort things out if a case becomes too mired in financial dispute.

In the divorce process, as in most other things, information is power. With specialized education, years of experience, and tools to clearly demonstrate the meaning of the numbers, we can empower our clients to confidently take control of their own financial future.

	Learn more about Steve Silver; CFP®, CLU, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst
	Top 5 reasons to use a CDFA
	CDFA Practice Standards
	Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility
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