Andrew Samalin’s recent article in InvestmentNews argued that divorce should not be treated as a “loss leader,” but as a true professional discipline.
That framing resonates.
Divorce law requires technical skill, experience, and judgment because the consequences are long-lasting and complex. The same is true financially.
Divorce is not just a legal proceeding. It is a financial inflection point.
The decisions made during this period — asset division, support structuring, retirement account transfers, liquidity planning — can quietly shape the next 20 to 30 years.
Treating those decisions as secondary can create avoidable risks.
Why Financial Specialization Matters in Divorce
Divorce financial planning requires more than a post-settlement portfolio review. It often involves:
• After-tax asset comparisons (not all dollars are equal)
• Retirement account division and QDRO coordination
• Long-term cash flow modeling under multiple scenarios
• Liquidity planning during transitional years
• Equity versus income tradeoffs
• Reassessment of estate and beneficiary structures
Small structural differences in a settlement agreement can compound over decades.
Clarity before agreements are finalized is very different from adjustments after the fact.
Common Financial Blind Spots
In our experience, three issues frequently surface when financial planning is treated as an afterthought:
-
Tax asymmetry - Two assets may appear equal on paper but carry very different after-tax value.
-
Liquidity gaps - A settlement may be asset-rich but income-poor, creating pressure during the first several post-divorce years.
-
Long-term retirement imbalance - Without modeling future compounding, one party may assume more long-term risk than intended.
These are not minor technicalities. They are structural considerations.
A Coordinated Approach
As a CERTIFIED DIVORCE FINANCIAL ANALYST® (CDFA®), Andrew Samalin works alongside divorce counsel to provide financial modeling and planning during both pre- and post-divorce transitions.
The goal is not to replace legal strategy. It is to strengthen outcomes through coordinated financial clarity.
Divorce is a legal discipline. Divorce financial planning deserves the same acknowledgement.
If you are navigating divorce — or advising someone who is — thoughtful financial modeling before agreements are finalized can provide greater long-term stability and confidence.
If you would like to discuss pre- or post-divorce planning considerations, our team is available for a confidential conversation. Get your free consult today.
