The CFP Board’s “Guide: Navigating Divorce and Other Conflicts With Married Clients” reminds financial planners that if a planner lacks competence in divorce-specific matters (e.g., tracing separate property, valuing pensions or business interests), they must refer to a qualified specialist such as a CDFA® professional.
This webinar, led by Kristen Shearin (Director of the Institute of Divorce Financial Analysts) introduces the fundamentals of divorce financial analysis — why it’s more complex than simply “splitting everything equally.” Participants will learn the key drivers of financial complexity in divorce, the role of the financial professional, and how to structure meaningful analysis so clients can make informed, sustainable decisions.
Why “just divide it in half” rarely works.
- Asset types have varying liquidity, tax consequences and future value trajectories (e.g., pensions, business interests, retirement plans, real estate).
- Post‐divorce cash flow matters: It’s not just the pie today, but how each party can live on their portion tomorrow.
- Hidden costs and unseen risks: support obligations, tax impacts, insurance, investment risk, long‐term healthcare etc.
- Timing matters: When assets were acquired, whether separate property applies, how values may change, etc.