March Madness: The Ultimate Divorce Financial Bracket

March Madness: The Ultimate Divorce Financial Bracket

By Kristen Shearin, JD, CDFA On 03/05/2025

Every March, millions of fans obsess over their brackets, hoping for the perfect picks. But what if I told you that divorce has its own version of March Madness, with financial decisions just as high stakes as a championship game? You study the teams, their stats and their history. You need to know the coaches and the players. You can’t pick random teams on a bracket and expect to win. Divorce isn’t that different. You can break it into decisions, and those decisions impact the overall success. It’s a series of choices that lead to other choices, and the opposing team may make plays that impact your outcome. Let’s look at your best and worst financial decisions and how they can impact your divorce success. By approaching your divorce financial decisions strategically, you can increase your chances of coming out ahead instead of watching your financial dreams get eliminated in the first round.

Grab your brackets and let’s break it down.

The Full-Court Press: Gathering Financial Documents

In basketball, a full-court press applies constant pressure to the opposing team, forcing mistakes. In divorce, you need to apply that same level of intensity to gathering your financial records. Get your tax returns, bank statements, retirement accounts, and debts in order. If you wait too long, you could find yourself scrambling like a team down by ten points with a minute to go.

Avoiding the Cinderella Story Pitfall

Every March, a low-seeded team captures the nation's attention with a shocking upset. But Cinderella teams often crash back to reality when they face tougher opponents. Similarly, you might hope for a fairytale financial outcome in your divorce, but without solid preparation, you could be in for a tough loss. Know your assets, liabilities, and settlement options so you don’t get caught off guard.

The Buzzer-Beater Decision Trap

In basketball, last-second shots can lead to glory or heartbreak. In divorce, rushing into financial agreements—whether it’s dividing assets, negotiating alimony, or deciding on child support—can have long-term consequences. Instead of making a desperation shot, take the time to consult a divorce financial analyst and strategize your best moves.

Coaching Your Way to Victory: The Role of a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

Every winning team needs a great coach, and in your divorce, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) can be that guiding force. A CDFA specializes in the financial complexities of divorce, helping you make informed decisions about asset division, tax implications, and long-term financial stability. They work with you to create a game plan that ensures you don’t just survive the divorce process but set yourself up for future success.

Meanwhile, your lawyer acts as the referee—making sure the rules are followed and keeping the legal process fair. Just like a championship team, you need both strong coaching and fair officiating to come out on top. Put together your winning team by combining the expertise of a CDFA and a skilled attorney, and you’ll be in the best position to make smart financial plays.

Overtime: Post-Divorce Financial Planning

Just like a game that goes into overtime, your financial planning doesn’t stop once the divorce is finalized. Updating your budget, revising your estate plan, and rethinking investment strategies are all part of your post-divorce playbook. You don’t want to celebrate too early, only to find out you’re not financially prepared for the next phase of your life.

Final Four of Financial Priorities

In the NCAA tournament, teams fight for a coveted spot in the Final Four. In your divorce, your financial Final Four should include:

1. Understanding Your Income and Expenses – Know where your money is coming from and where it’s going.
2. Securing Your Assets – Ensure a fair division of property and investments.
3. Planning for Taxes – Divorce can have tax implications, so work with a professional to avoid surprises.
4. Preparing for the Future – Whether it’s retirement planning or rebuilding savings, set a solid financial foundation.

By approaching your divorce financial decisions with a strategy, you can increase your chances of coming out ahead instead of watching your financial dreams get eliminated in the first round. With the right team, and expert guidance, you can turn your financial future into a championship win—rather than a heartbreaking upset.

Tagged with: idfa, cdfa, divorce financial planning, march madness

Blog Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within these blog posts are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the Certitrek, IDFA or its affiliates.