Divorce is a major financial event requiring objective advice.
Attorneys handle legal matters; advisors manage financial outcomes.
Expert planning secures your long-term wealth and independence.
Life Events
Why You Need a Divorce Financial Advisor
Why You Need a Divorce Financial Advisor
Why You Need a Divorce Financial Advisor
Zoe Team
6 min read
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an advisor if my finances are simple?
Yes, the decisions made during a divorce have significant, long-term impacts on your financial security regardless of complexity.
What is a CDFA?
A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst is a professional trained to provide objective, logical financial guidance during divorce proceedings.
How do they help with asset division?
They analyze your financial inventory, assess tax implications, and help you evaluate settlement options to ensure long-term stability.
Why You Need a Financial Advisor During Divorce
Most couples don’t have a plan set in place in case they get divorced, and when it happens they find themselves in need of support to figure out the next steps. Here’s how a divorce financial advisor can ease the process for you.
Life rarely goes as planned. The future you visualized 20 or 30 years ago may be far from the reality you’re living … and often it’s for the better! Unfortunately, lifelong plans sometimes change. In fact, around half of all first and up to 65% of second marriages will end in divorce. Besides the emotional toll, ending a partnership comes with many financial implications as well.
Financial Planning for Divorce
Most couples don’t have a plan set in place in case they get divorced, and when it happens they find themselves in need of support to figure out the next steps. Sometimes the process is smooth, sometimes it is messy. Regardless, in 99% of the cases, you’re going to need an advocate by your side.
The Downside of Divvying Household Duties
In many marriages, household duties are often divided up. One will take out the trash while the other washes the dishes; one handles paying the bills while the other keeps the family calendar. The list goes on and on. It’s only natural that one spouse gravitates toward managing the household finances such as day-to-day bill pay, overseeing investments, and big picture financial decisions. But when divorce gets thrown in the picture, the lack of knowledge about the family’s finances may leave the other spouse in the dark with a limited level of comfort and experience.
Financial advisors get numerous clients going through a divorce who have no idea about the details of their household spending, the financial health of their marriage, or the state of their bank account. In some cases, both parties are financially savvy, but that doesn’t mean a life-changing event won’t uncover anxiety and concern about money. Your brain can get bogged down, making it hard to make logical decisions rather than emotional ones.
Divorce Financial Advisor: Get the Right Help, Not Just Help
Clients are often under the assumption that to have a successful divorce, an attorney is all they need. Although counsel is fundamental in the process, they can only provide legal – not financial - advice. After children, money is often the number one sticking point in a divorce. A study from The Association of Divorce Financial Planners showed that 95% of those going through a divorce do not consult a financial professional.
The best decision you can make is to work with a financial planner who has expertise in divorce financial planning. Don’t get fooled by the idea that you “don’t have a complex financial situation”. The decisions you make now will have a considerable impact on your financial future, securing your wealth and legacy.
You may be wondering:
Am I going to be financially okay?
Will I have enough after this is all done?
Can I still retire?
Can I afford a similar lifestyle for myself and my children?
If you want to have these big questions answered with confidence, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) will be your best asset. This professional will help level the playing field of finances and get you organized, educated, and up-to-speed on making objective and logical decisions during a divorce.
Seven Things a Divorce Financial Advisor Can Help You With
Though it depends on where you are in the process and the circumstances of your divorce, there are numerous value adds to having a financial partner during the process. Here are my top seven areas of value:
1. Education
Being educated on the topic is always the best place to start. The more you understand, the more empowered you’ll be with your decisions. An advisor meets you where you are and helps you get to a position where you feel comfortable and confident about your knowledge.
2. Gather Information and Get Organized
This is always a big undertaking. It includes organizing all the information available: account statements, retirement accounts, insurance, and more.
3. Review Expenses
Do you have a good handle on where all your money is going today? Your current living situation is likely changing. Keep these questions in mind as you review your expenses:
Have you accounted for changes in health insurance costs, childcare expenses, and savings rates?
What was your previous standard of living?
How do you accurately estimate what your expenses will be on an ongoing basis?
Are there any common categories that are missed, forgotten, or understated?Create Your Financial Inventory
4. Create Your Financial Inventory
It’s important to review what you have and if there are any creative options or solutions for settlement. For example, are all your assets divisible and are you taking into consideration the tax implications of each asset?
5. Be a Sounding Board
You’ll likely have a million questions, which might be exhausting your family and friends. Having a go-to person to explore ideas and concerns with is one area my clients have found the most valuable. This designated person to provide guidance and support can be invaluable.
6. Review Settlement Options and Opportunities
A divorce financial advisor advisor can help you make objective decisions today and understand how different outcomes will impact your financial future and security. Think beyond the divorce and plan for what the future might look like. This entails working on an analysis to build a roadmap for your new life. For example, how might your goals, plans, and resources change with your new circumstances?
7. Financial Hurdles
One common concern is remaining in the marital home. Unforeseen financial hurdles can be avoided through expert guidance and advice. Ask yourself:
Do you have the resources?
Do you have a good handle on the upkeep and expenses?
Can you afford it? Is it a sound financial decision?
Are you “giving up” other assets to retain the house?
The Value of a Divorce Financial Advisor
Getting divorced is an emotional rollercoaster. It’s tough for anyone who goes through with it, and it’s crazy to think how many people feel like they have to figure it out on their own. You shouldn’t have to. Instead, you should feel confident in your financial decisions and, ultimately, your rights amid a divorce. Above all, being uninvolved in your household finances doesn’t mean you don’t have a say in the financial matters of a divorce.
If you are going through a divorce, you don’t have to do it alone. A divorce financial advisor can help you navigate this difficult time and bring you peace of mind and confidence about your finances moving forward. Ultimately, we can’t predict how our lives will turn out… but when unexpected things happen, you need to put yourself and your financial well-being first to plan for the future you want.
Why You Need a Financial Advisor During Divorce
Most couples don’t have a plan set in place in case they get divorced, and when it happens they find themselves in need of support to figure out the next steps. Here’s how a divorce financial advisor can ease the process for you.
Life rarely goes as planned. The future you visualized 20 or 30 years ago may be far from the reality you’re living … and often it’s for the better! Unfortunately, lifelong plans sometimes change. In fact, around half of all first and up to 65% of second marriages will end in divorce. Besides the emotional toll, ending a partnership comes with many financial implications as well.
Financial Planning for Divorce
Most couples don’t have a plan set in place in case they get divorced, and when it happens they find themselves in need of support to figure out the next steps. Sometimes the process is smooth, sometimes it is messy. Regardless, in 99% of the cases, you’re going to need an advocate by your side.
The Downside of Divvying Household Duties
In many marriages, household duties are often divided up. One will take out the trash while the other washes the dishes; one handles paying the bills while the other keeps the family calendar. The list goes on and on. It’s only natural that one spouse gravitates toward managing the household finances such as day-to-day bill pay, overseeing investments, and big picture financial decisions. But when divorce gets thrown in the picture, the lack of knowledge about the family’s finances may leave the other spouse in the dark with a limited level of comfort and experience.
Financial advisors get numerous clients going through a divorce who have no idea about the details of their household spending, the financial health of their marriage, or the state of their bank account. In some cases, both parties are financially savvy, but that doesn’t mean a life-changing event won’t uncover anxiety and concern about money. Your brain can get bogged down, making it hard to make logical decisions rather than emotional ones.
Divorce Financial Advisor: Get the Right Help, Not Just Help
Clients are often under the assumption that to have a successful divorce, an attorney is all they need. Although counsel is fundamental in the process, they can only provide legal – not financial - advice. After children, money is often the number one sticking point in a divorce. A study from The Association of Divorce Financial Planners showed that 95% of those going through a divorce do not consult a financial professional.
The best decision you can make is to work with a financial planner who has expertise in divorce financial planning. Don’t get fooled by the idea that you “don’t have a complex financial situation”. The decisions you make now will have a considerable impact on your financial future, securing your wealth and legacy.
You may be wondering:
Am I going to be financially okay?
Will I have enough after this is all done?
Can I still retire?
Can I afford a similar lifestyle for myself and my children?
If you want to have these big questions answered with confidence, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) will be your best asset. This professional will help level the playing field of finances and get you organized, educated, and up-to-speed on making objective and logical decisions during a divorce.
Seven Things a Divorce Financial Advisor Can Help You With
Though it depends on where you are in the process and the circumstances of your divorce, there are numerous value adds to having a financial partner during the process. Here are my top seven areas of value:
1. Education
Being educated on the topic is always the best place to start. The more you understand, the more empowered you’ll be with your decisions. An advisor meets you where you are and helps you get to a position where you feel comfortable and confident about your knowledge.
2. Gather Information and Get Organized
This is always a big undertaking. It includes organizing all the information available: account statements, retirement accounts, insurance, and more.
3. Review Expenses
Do you have a good handle on where all your money is going today? Your current living situation is likely changing. Keep these questions in mind as you review your expenses:
Have you accounted for changes in health insurance costs, childcare expenses, and savings rates?
What was your previous standard of living?
How do you accurately estimate what your expenses will be on an ongoing basis?
Are there any common categories that are missed, forgotten, or understated?Create Your Financial Inventory
4. Create Your Financial Inventory
It’s important to review what you have and if there are any creative options or solutions for settlement. For example, are all your assets divisible and are you taking into consideration the tax implications of each asset?
5. Be a Sounding Board
You’ll likely have a million questions, which might be exhausting your family and friends. Having a go-to person to explore ideas and concerns with is one area my clients have found the most valuable. This designated person to provide guidance and support can be invaluable.
6. Review Settlement Options and Opportunities
A divorce financial advisor advisor can help you make objective decisions today and understand how different outcomes will impact your financial future and security. Think beyond the divorce and plan for what the future might look like. This entails working on an analysis to build a roadmap for your new life. For example, how might your goals, plans, and resources change with your new circumstances?
7. Financial Hurdles
One common concern is remaining in the marital home. Unforeseen financial hurdles can be avoided through expert guidance and advice. Ask yourself:
Do you have the resources?
Do you have a good handle on the upkeep and expenses?
Can you afford it? Is it a sound financial decision?
Are you “giving up” other assets to retain the house?
The Value of a Divorce Financial Advisor
Getting divorced is an emotional rollercoaster. It’s tough for anyone who goes through with it, and it’s crazy to think how many people feel like they have to figure it out on their own. You shouldn’t have to. Instead, you should feel confident in your financial decisions and, ultimately, your rights amid a divorce. Above all, being uninvolved in your household finances doesn’t mean you don’t have a say in the financial matters of a divorce.
If you are going through a divorce, you don’t have to do it alone. A divorce financial advisor can help you navigate this difficult time and bring you peace of mind and confidence about your finances moving forward. Ultimately, we can’t predict how our lives will turn out… but when unexpected things happen, you need to put yourself and your financial well-being first to plan for the future you want.
Disclosures: Zoe Financial, Inc. ("Zoe Financial") is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Zoe Financial provides investment advisory services and access to independent registered investment advisers through its platform. The information provided by Zoe Financial is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice or as an offer to buy or sell any security. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Clients should consult with their own financial, tax, or legal professionals before making any investment decisions. The material presented by Zoe Financial is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for personalized investment advice or as a recommendation or solicitation of any particular security, strategy, or investment product. Material presented has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, however Adviser cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information, and certain information presented here may have been condensed or summarized from its original source. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Zoe Financial does not provide legal or tax advice, and nothing contained in these materials should be taken as legal or tax advice. SEC Registration does not constitute an endorsement of Zoe Financial by the SEC nor does it indicate that Zoe Financial has attained a particular level of skill or ability. The sole purpose of this material is to inform, and it in no way is intended to be an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any security, other investment or service, or to attract any funds or deposits. Investments mentioned may not be appropriate for all clients. Before making any investment, each investor should carefully consider the risks associated with the investment, as discussed in the applicable offering memorandum, and make a determination based upon their own particular circumstances, that the investment is consistent with their investment objectives and risk tolerance. Lower expenses do not guarantee better investment performance. Certain information contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events, results or the performance of a fund may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements.
Disclosure: This page is not investment advice and should not be relied on for such advice or as a substitute for consultation with professional accounting, tax, legal or financial advisors. The observations of industry trends should not be read as recommendations for stocks or sectors.
Investment advisory services are provided by Zoe Financial, Inc. (Zoe Financial), an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Learn more about Zoe Financial on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website. Brokerage services are provided by Zoe Securities LLC and Apex Clearing Corporation, members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. (FINRA) and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Learn more about Zoe Securities and Apex on FINRA’s BrokerCheck website.
The information in the visuals above is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent an actual user's account, balance, or return. Zoe Financial does not provide tax or legal advice.
Explore the Zoe Wealth Platform with AI
Some of this content may have been generated with the assistance of AI. Please review and sense-check all outputs, as AI tools can occasionally produce incomplete or inaccurate information.
In certain situations, you may be required to disclose that the content was “generated by AI.” Please confirm any specific disclosure or labelling requirements with Compliance.
(646) 680-9244
support@zoefin.com
666 Third Ave, 6th Floor
New York, NY, 10017
Copyright © 2026 Zoe Financial, Inc. | All rights reserved
Find an Advisor
Retirement Planning
Disclosure: This page is not investment advice and should not be relied on for such advice or as a substitute for consultation with professional accounting, tax, legal or financial advisors. The observations of industry trends should not be read as recommendations for stocks or sectors.
Investment advisory services are provided by Zoe Financial, Inc. (Zoe Financial), an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Learn more about Zoe Financial on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website. Brokerage services are provided by Zoe Securities LLC and Apex Clearing Corporation, members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. (FINRA) and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Learn more about Zoe Securities and Apex on FINRA’s BrokerCheck website.
The information in the visuals above is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent an actual user's account, balance, or return. Zoe Financial does not provide tax or legal advice.
Explore the Zoe Wealth Platform with AI
Some of this content may have been generated with the assistance of AI. Please review and sense-check all outputs, as AI tools can occasionally produce incomplete or inaccurate information.
In certain situations, you may be required to disclose that the content was “generated by AI.” Please confirm any specific disclosure or labelling requirements with Compliance.
(646) 680-9244
support@zoefin.com
666 Third Ave, 6th Floor
New York, NY, 10017
Copyright © 2026 Zoe Financial, Inc. | All rights reserved
Find an Advisor
Retirement Planning
Disclosure: This page is not investment advice and should not be relied on for such advice or as a substitute for consultation with professional accounting, tax, legal or financial advisors. The observations of industry trends should not be read as recommendations for stocks or sectors.
Investment advisory services are provided by Zoe Financial, Inc. (Zoe Financial), an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Learn more about Zoe Financial on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website. Brokerage services are provided by Zoe Securities LLC and Apex Clearing Corporation, members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. (FINRA) and Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Learn more about Zoe Securities and Apex on FINRA’s BrokerCheck website.
The information in the visuals above is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent an actual user's account, balance, or return. Zoe Financial does not provide tax or legal advice.
Explore the Zoe Wealth Platform with AI
Some of this content may have been generated with the assistance of AI. Please review and sense-check all outputs, as AI tools can occasionally produce incomplete or inaccurate information.
In certain situations, you may be required to disclose that the content was “generated by AI.” Please confirm any specific disclosure or labelling requirements with Compliance.
(646) 680-9244
support@zoefin.com
666 Third Ave, 6th Floor
New York, NY, 10017
Copyright © 2025 Zoe Financial, Inc. | All rights reserved