Monthly Member Meeting | Case Studies and Lessons Learned: How CDFAs Support Divorce Cases and Professionals

CLEs Approved for:
1 General CLE Credit
1 Marital and Family Law Certification Credit

Overview:
As Certified Divorce Financial Analysts (CDFAs), our role extends beyond mere number crunching; we are vital collaborators in the divorce process, working closely with legal professionals to ensure that financial settlements are equitable and sustainable. In addition to our expertise, the contributions of professionals with Master Analyst in Financial Forensics (MAFF) and Certified Valuation Analysts (CVA) certifications further enrich the divorce financial landscape. These experts specialize in forensics and business valuation, crucial areas in many divorce cases involving complex financial assets.

This session aims to unveil the nuanced contributions of financial experts through real-world case studies, highlighting our direct impact on divorce cases and the professionals involved. From intricate asset divisions to the delicate calculations of spousal maintenance and child support, and navigating the division of retirement assets, we’ll walk through various scenarios that showcase the challenges faced and the strategies implemented. Incorporating into our discussion, we will also address the complex issue of combined assets, a common and intricate challenge in many divorce cases. Specifically, scenarios involving assets such as 401(k) plans, where part of the balance constitutes non-marital property due to contributions made before the marriage, and the remainder is considered marital property due to contributions made during the marriage.

These case studies will not only demonstrate the critical importance of financial expertise in divorce proceedings but also illustrate the successful outcomes that can be achieved through effective collaboration between financial analysts and divorce professionals.

The presentation is structured to benefit a wide range of professionals involved in divorce proceedings, including attorneys, financial planners, residential experts, and mental health professionals.

Key takeaways:

• The indispensable role of financial analysis in negotiating fair and sustainable divorce settlements.
• Best practices for integrating financial planning with legal strategies to achieve comprehensive and equitable outcomes.
• The value of collaboration between CDFAs and divorce professionals in navigating complex financial issues in divorce cases.
• Strategies for effectively managing the division of complex and high-value assets.
• The importance of considering long-term financial planning.

Biography

Michele M. Laws, CDFA, CVA, MAFF, is President of Turning Point Financial Group and Divorce Dollars & Sense Corporation.

For over 20 years she has been helping individuals make sense of financial changes in their life and specializes in helping those who have experienced turning points in their lives such as widows and divorcees. Michele has a B.A. in Business with a specialization in finance. She received certifications as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) from the Institute of Divorce Financial Analysts, a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), and a Master Analyst of Financial Forensics (MAFF) both from the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts. Michele is an Investment Advisor Representative offering advisory services through Portside Wealth Group LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. All named entities are unaffiliated.