What Is CDFA (Certified Divorce Financial Analyst)?
A financial professional specializing in the financial aspects of divorce.
A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) is a financial professional who specializes in analyzing the financial implications of divorce. CDFAs are trained to evaluate settlement proposals, project long-term financial outcomes, and identify financial issues that divorcing spouses and their attorneys might overlook. They can model different settlement scenarios to show which option leaves each spouse in a better financial position over time — accounting for taxes, inflation, retirement savings, and lifestyle costs. CDFAs often work alongside attorneys during the divorce process and can serve as financial neutrals in mediation or collaborative divorce. The CDFA designation is issued by the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts (IDFA) and requires passing an exam, meeting experience requirements, and completing continuing education.
Free calculators for alimony, child support, settlement division, and housing costs.
View CalculatorsThis definition is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Laws vary by state and change frequently. Consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
From uncertainty to clarity in 3 steps
No account required. No credit card. Just your numbers.
Enter your numbers
Settlement amount, income, expenses, alimony, house — takes about 2 minutes. Everything runs privately in your browser.
See the projection
Get a year-by-year chart showing your net worth from now through age 100. Green, yellow, or red — you'll know where you stand instantly.
Model & export
Test different settlement terms to find which saves you the most money, compare offers side-by-side, and export a report for your attorney.
Every projection is deterministic — same inputs always produce the same outputs. Results are estimates based on the assumptions you provide.
See what a Pro analysis looks like
We built a complete Pro analysis for a fictional person named Sarah. Explore every section — charts, what-if scenarios, risk timeline, negotiation leverage — so you can see what’s included before running your own numbers.
You don’t need a $5,000 CDFA retainer to understand your own numbers
Start with the free projection. If the numbers raise questions you can’t answer, upgrade to Pro for $19 — one-time, no subscription — and discover which settlement terms could save you thousands.
Not financial or legal advice. DivorceSmart is an educational planning tool. Always consult a qualified attorney and financial advisor before making settlement decisions.