Module One: Overview of the Divorce Process

Content Outline

Chapter 1: The Divorce Processs and Financial Impact

1.         Opportunities for financial professionals.

2.         Common mistakes to avoid.

3.         Economic hardship for women and children post-divorce.

4.         National and provincial divorce statistics.

 

Chapter 2: The Role of the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

1.         How to avoid giving legal advice.

2.         Finding a lawyer.

3.         Divorce-related financial problems.

4.         What a CDFA does versus other professions.

5.         The different roles the CDFA performs.

6.         Who should utilize a CDFA?

 

Chapter 3: Gathering and Analyzing the Divorce Financial Data

1.         Using the Client Checklist.

2.         The purpose of a Financial Statement and how to use it.

2.         How to read and interpret the client’s information.

3.         What information a CDFA uses to analyze the financial data.

4.         How to look for missing information and inconsistencies.

5.         How to review assets and liabilities, income and expenses.

6.         Case study: Kim and Ted Burns.

 

Chapter 4: Divorce and Family Law in Canada

1.         Federal and provincial courts and laws

2.         Married, Common-Law, and Same-Sex unions

3.         How child and spousal support work.

4.         What the divorce process is. You will also learn about the following divorce topics:


a.         Eligibility for divorce

b.         Grounds for divorce

c.         Interim corollary relief

d.         Permanent orders

e.         Separation Agreements

f.          Approaches to Settlement

i. Parties Direct the Negotiation

ii. Lawyers Direct the Negotiation

iii. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

  • Mediation
  • Arbitration
  • Collaborative Divorce
  • The CDFA’s Role in ADR

g.        Trials

h.        Evidentiary matters

i.         Examinations for Discovery: formal and informal discovery, expert opinions

j.         Post-Judgment Issues

k.        Appeals

l.         Failure to File or Amend Documents

 

Chapter 5: Matrimonial and Property Law in Canada

1.         Provincial Statutes and property provisions (for married persons)

 

Chapter 6: The Financial Expert in Court

1.         What an expert witness does in court.

2.         How to prepare a Curriculum Vitae (CV) to reflect your qualifications as a financial expert witness.

3.         How to qualify as an expert witness.

4.         How direct examination works, what kind of questions you will be asked, and how to answer these questions.

5.         How cross examination works, what kind of questions you will be asked, and how to answer these questions.

6.         What the purpose of redirect examination is.

 

Chapter 7: Glossary of Divorce Terminology

1.         The most common legal and financial terms used during a divorce case.

 

Chapter 8: Ethical Issues, Communication & Reporting Requirements

1.         Potential conflict of interest issues.

2.         Communication & Reporting Requirements.

3.         IDFA™ Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility.

 

Chapter 9: Divorce Financial Analyst Marketing Strategies

1.         The best marketing techniques employed by successful CDFAs.

2.         Different ways of promoting your CDFA services to lawyers and the general public.

 

Chapter 10: Sample Test Questions

1.     One hundred Sample Test Questions and Answers designed to show you how well you have learned and understood the material covered in this Module.

CDFA Resources for Canada

CDFA Resources for Canada is intended to serve as a resource for Canadian CDFA professionals. It provides tools to help you set up and maintain your practice. This reference information will be updated as needed and made available on the IDFA™ website. Inside this book, you'll find helpful checklists, worksheets, and indispensable reference listings, including:

  • CDFA Getting Started Checklist
  • Client Checklist
  • Time Docket
  • Sample Service and Retainer Agreements between Client and CDFA  
  • Expense Worksheets   
  • Expense/Budget Comparison Worksheet
  • Asset/Liability Comparison Worksheet
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution/Mediation
  • Expert Witness Testimony: Sample Questions
  • Sample Curriculum Vitae
  • Books on Divorce
  • Divorce-Related Internet Sites
  • Bar Associations and Government Websites    
  • Sample Pension Valuation Report
  • Sample Divorcemate, Chequemate, and Supportmate Reports
  • Glossary of Divorce Terminology
  • Generic Financial Statement
  • Government Forms   
  • Canadian Matrimonial and Property Law

    Register for the CDFA course.

    For an overview of Module Two, click here.