What to Expect –
Working with a CDFA®

Divorce can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. When you work with Divorce Advisory, you gain supportive partners who understand the emotional and financial complexities of this transition. We want you to feel informed, empowered, and secure every step of the way.

The Divorce Advisory Financial Planning Process

Step OneUnderstand Your Financial Picture

We take the time to listen to your concerns and understand the specifics of your situation. Together, we will work through your financial documents, including complex holdings such as executive compensation, stock options, illiquid assets or business interests to get a complete view of your financial standing.

Whether you’ve been deeply involved in managing your finances or are facing these decisions for the first time, you’ll gain the knowledge to move forward with confidence.

Phase One

Step TwoFinancial Guidance Throughout Settlement Negotiations

Our priority is to help you maintain your lifestyle and support your wellbeing. We are an advocate and resource for you – to reduce your stress and uncertainty. Through thoughtful financial modeling and conversations, we explore scenarios to help you and your attorney weigh your options. With this financial clarity you can feel secure that your settlement is best for you long term.

Phase Two

Step ThreePost Divorce Financial Planning

Divorce is not just about ending a chapter—it’s about starting a new one. Once your divorce is finalized, we continue to advise you as you build a fulfilling future. Through our work with our parent company The Advisory Group, we are able to help you by:

  • Creating a personalized spending plan to fit your new lifestyle
  • Managing asset transfers and developing an investment strategy
  • Investment implementation based on your plan
  • Providing tax-sensitive advice
  • Updating estate plans and beneficiary designations
  • Utilizing risk management strategies to protect your wealth

No matter where you are in the process, we’ll be by your side to help.

Phase Three

What is a CDFA®?

A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) is your financial advocate, guiding you through every financial aspect of divorce with care. Working alongside your attorney, a CDFA® helps you assess settlement options, avoid costly mistakes, and secure your financial future. This designation requires specialized training in divorce financial planning and passing a comprehensive exam, so you can feel confident you are receiving expert guidance when you need it most.

Lisette Smith, CFP®, CDFA®

Divorce Advisory’s Lisette Smith is both a CDFA® and a CFP® professional.

Why Work with Divorce Advisory?

We know that financial decisions during a divorce can leave even the most financially savvy women feeling vulnerable. That’s why we take a compassionate, client-first approach. Together, we bring decades of experience helping women like you feel empowered in your financial futures. As CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals, we bring a level of expertise that goes beyond divorce, ensuring that every decision you make today supports your financial wellbeing for years to come.

Let’s Build Your Financial Future Together

At Divorce Advisory, we don’t just offer financial advice. We are here to advocate for you, guide you, and help you transition into the next phase of life with confidence. Contact us today to schedule a conversation – we’re here to help you move toward financial clarity for a brighter future.

What is a CFP® Professional?

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) is a trained expert in comprehensive wealth management, covering investments, retirement, taxes, and estate planning. Earning the CFP® requires rigorous coursework, a comprehensive exam, and adherence to strict ethical and fiduciary standards—ensuring informed, strategic, and high-integrity advice.

Tanya Rapacz, CFP®

Divorce Advisory’s Tanya Rapacz is a CFP® Professional