Why Become a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) Professional (2024)

• More than two million North Americans will divorce this year
• 100% of divorces involve financial settlements
• Many lawyers, mediators, and separated individuals are now seeking the services of a CDFA®

In a recent survey of Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) professionals from across the country, 62% of respondents said the number of new clients coming through their doors has remained steady or actually increased since the start of the recession.

In an effort to keep costs down, many couples are looking outside the legal system for help navigating through a divorce. As they cut back on legal and other professional fees, a growing number of divorcing couples are turning to CDFA® professionals to help them preserve their family’s finances – which is crucial in today’s economy.

Why seek the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst - CDFA Credential?

Here's what financial professionals like you are saying about the value of the CDFA Program and designation:

"My divorce practice has not only been recession proof, but has experienced a substantial increase in demand during these difficult economic times. My CDFA designation sets me apart from other professionals and has been key in securing business from both the public and attorneys."
– Natalie Nelson (MBA, CDFA®, CFP®), Denver CO

“Even during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, my CDFA business kept on growing – and it has remained profitable through the current economic recession.”
– Andrew Hoffman (FCA, CFP®, CDFA®), New Orleans LA

“Becoming a CDFA has been both personally and professionally rewarding. I have become the financial ‘go to’ person for many of the top Massachusetts attorneys, and as a result, many of their clients have become my clients at settlement time.”
– Barbara Shapiro (CFP®, CDFA®, CFS, EdM, MSF), Dedham MA

“Being a CDFA professional ensures a steady stream of financial clients coming through your door – no matter what the stock market is doing. Their divorce-planning business translates into numerous long-term accounting and financial opportunities for many years to come.”
– Janet Bouma (CDFA®), Pittsburgh PA

"There are very few financial professionals out there who are qualified to work as a neutral in a divorce case without the CDFA designation."
– Mark Hill, CFP®, CDFA®, San Diego CA

"CDFA professionals can provide invaluable information that allows the court to arrive at a fair, equitable, and just resolution – not just at the moment of trial, but down the road as well."
– Honorable Kathleen M. McCarthy, Family Court Division Judge

"The professions of divorce financial analysis and matrimonial law have a long, prosperous future together.The skilled CDFA professional brings rationality to an irrational situation."
– Frederic J. Seigel, Esq., Partner, Fitzmaurice & Seigel

The Experts Talk about CDFA Professionals

“However the divorce [financial analyst] enters the process, the participation of a financial specialist can benefit both clients and lawyers, according to Sandra Morris [former president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers]. While the [CDFA] wades through the financial morass of a divorce, the attorney is freed up to focus on legal issues.” – Lawyers Weekly

“The professions of divorce financial analysis and matrimonial law have a long, prosperous future together. The skilled CDFA professional brings rationality to an irrational situation.” – Frederic J. Seigel, Esq. Partner, Fitzmaurice & Seigel, CT

“CDFA professionals can provide invaluable information that allows the court to arrive at a fair, equitable, and just resolution – not just at the moment of trial, but down the road as well.” – Honorable Kathleen M. McCarthy, JD Family Court Division Judge, MI

“[CDFA professionals] watch out for tax snafus, help clients obtain health insurance after a split, and demystify tough-to-value private-equity or hedge-fund investments.” – The Wall Street Journal

“Family law clients need all the help they can get. A good lawyer working with a CDFA professional can make even the most difficult cases move forward in a cost-efficient and effective way. Good team-work between a lawyer and CDFA professional always pays dividends for clients.” – Michael G. Cochrane, LL.B.
Partner, Ricketts, Harris LLP, ON Author, Surviving Your Divorce: A Guide to Canadian Family Law

The Divorce Financial Planning Program

Paths to Certification

There are currently four methods of pursuing the CDFA certification. Here is a brief summary of each option and what is included in the package:

1. Exam Only. You may purchase the exam vouchers from IDFA or Prometric and then schedule and take the examination. A blueprint of the current exam topics is available on our website and there is no requirement that you purchase any texts or testing materials from IDFA. Cost: $495

2. Self Study. You may purchase the text (hard copy or pdf). This option includes an exam voucher at no additional cost, access to the IDFA Insider student forum, and is designed for individuals who prefer to read and master the materials independently. Cost: Hard Copy $1,675; PDF $1,600

3. Self-Paced eLearning. This program is divided into ten modules that each include digital text, a video lecture, and a unit quiz. In addition, eLearning provides a calculator tutorial, a 150 question practice exam and the exam voucher. Access to the IDFA Insider Student forum is included with all eLearning programs. Cost: $1,675

4. Virtual Classroom. This program is offered periodically and includes everything in the self-paced learning program supplemented with a weekly live call to review the materials and answer any questions the participants may have. Cost: $1,875

What’s Included

For a complete list of the exam topics please download the examination blueprint.

Upon successful completion of the final exam, you will receive a certificate and designation as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA).

In addition to certification, you will receive valuable guidance and benefits to help you build a new niche and succeed as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®:

• The first year of membership in IDFA^®
• Marketing tools and advice to help you promote yourself as a CDFA professional
• Participation in the National Client Referral Program
• Continuing Education Credits. IDFA has been accepted by the CFP-Board and The American College as CE providers for 20.5 CE credits for CFP, ChFC®, and CLU PACE credits.