Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) Certification
Master the financial complexities of divorce and become a trusted financial expert supporting attorneys and clients.
Certification Overview
The Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) certification prepares financial professionals to become experts in the financial aspects of divorce. For many individuals, divorce is the largest financial transaction of their lives. CDFA® professionals analyze financial data and provide insight to help clients and attorneys understand settlement options and work toward equitable outcomes.
Eligibility Requirements
Divorce Financial Analysis is the application of the discipline of financial analysis to settlement strategies in divorce. The eligibility requirements were established by the Board of Advisors and reflect the fact that Divorce Financial Analysis is the application of the discipline of financial planning to settlement strategies in divorce. The process requires the synthesis of tax, insurance, retirement and other areas of knowledge with their specific application to divorce.
At the July 2020 Board of Advisors meeting the following changes were made to the initial eligibility requirements. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree with three years of on-the job experience or if no bachelor's degree, five years of relevant experience. Experience has been defined as the following:
- Financial Analysis
- Family Law Practice
- Experience with the tax code
- Investment advisory or management
- Real Estate, mortgage and reverse mortgage lending
- Life and disability insurance
- Financial therapist or coach
IDFA understands that the financial industry encompasses a broad range of organizations. To see the full list of designations recognized by IDFA, see our FAQs page. Divorce industry experience is considered on a case-by-case basis. If you have any questions about this eligibility requirement or would like to request an exception, please contact support@InstituteDFA.com.