Certified Divorce Financial Analyst - CDFA®

Traditional divorce attorneys are trained in family law. That training is essential, but it does not include the deep financial analysis that many divorce cases require. When your attorney also holds the CDFA® designation, the gap between legal strategy and financial strategy disappears. You work with one professional who understands both dimensions of your case.

A CDFA® attorney does not simply review a list of marital assets, she can also build a comprehensive financial picture that includes all income sources, expenses, debts, and assets. From there, they can evaluate proposed property division arrangements through a financial lens, identify problems before they become part of a final decree, and advocate for terms that hold up over time.

Fear, anger, and urgency are common in divorce. Those emotions can push people toward decisions that feel right in the moment but carry long-term costs. A CDFA® trained attorney brings analytical rigor into an emotional process, helping you stay focused on what the numbers actually show..

The result of having a CDFA® trained attorney is more efficient negotiations, fewer surprises after the settlement is signed, and a clearer path to financial stability once your divorce is finalized.

Iowa courts use an equitable distribution standard for property division, meaning marital property is divided fairly, though not necessarily equally. Determining what is equitable requires a thorough understanding of each asset’s current value, tax treatment, liquidity, and long-term potential. This is precisely where CDFA® expertise delivers a measurable advantage.

Assets that benefit from CDFA® analysis in property division include:

• 401(k)s, IRAs, and pension plans that require careful valuation and proper division through Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
• The marital home, including a realistic assessment of whether keeping it is financially sustainable
• Business interests and professional practices
• Stock options, restricted stock units, and deferred compensation
• Investment portfolios and taxable brokerage accounts
• Real estate holdings beyond the primary residence
• Outstanding debts and liabilities that affect net worth

Without proper analysis, these assets are often treated as interchangeable. They are not. CDFA® training ensures that every asset in your marital estate is evaluated on its true financial merits, not just its face value.

At Greenberg Law our CDFA® designation is not just a credential on a wall. It is a commitment to giving every Des Moines area client the financial insight their case deserves. We help you understand not just what the law allows, but what your settlement will actually mean for your life in the years ahead.

If you are looking for a CDFA divorce attorney in Des Moines or the greater Des Moines metro area, who will take the time to explain your options, help you choose the approach that fits your family and your budget, and handle your case with the expertise and care it deserves, then we'd like to talk with you.

Our consultations are designed to give you a real picture of what your case will look like, not a generic overview. Our consultations are an honest conversation about your specific situation, your goals, and what Iowa law means for your case. Contact our office today to schedule.

This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. Case summaries reflect publicly available appellate decisions and are used for illustrative purposes only. Iowa law and local court rules vary by county and case. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a licensed Iowa family law attorney.