Structured Financial Analysis for Divorce Settlement and Litigation

For family law attorneys handling financial complexity

Divorce settlements are financial structures. They must function under tax impact, income variability, asset liquidity, support duration, and the practical timing of cash needs.

I work with family law attorneys to organize financial information, evaluate proposed settlement structures, and prepare clear financial analysis that supports negotiation, mediation, litigation preparation, and settlement decision-making.

My work helps counsel identify what exists, where the financial pressure points are, and which settlement structures are financially workable.

Depending on the needs of the case, my work may include asset valuation, separate property tracing, pension analysis, equity compensation review, forensic review of financial records, cash flow analysis, and preparation of financial exhibits or analytical summaries.

Settlement Structure Analysis

Proposed settlements often look workable in summary form but function very differently once taxes, liquidity, support duration, income variability, and retirement timing are considered together.

I evaluate proposed property division and support structures so counsel can compare options, identify pressure points, and understand how each structure performs over time.

Analysis may include:

  • after-tax cash flow projections, 
  • comparison of lump-sum and monthly support structures, 
  • support duration and income-sensitivity review, 
  • asset liquidity and sequencing analysis, 
  • retirement sustainability evaluation,
  • and long-term settlement sustainability review. 

The goal is to make the financial tradeoffs visible before settlement terms are finalized.

Asset Valuation & Complex Compensation

Divorce cases often include assets that are difficult to value, divide, or compare on an after-tax basis.

I analyze complex assets and compensation structures, including:

  • RSUs and stock options,
  • deferred compensation,
  • pensions and retirement accounts,
  • annuities,
  • investment portfolios,
  • real estate,
  • and business interests.

My analysis considers not only stated value, but tax impact, timing, liquidity, survivor benefits, vesting, risk, and how each asset functions within the broader settlement structure.

Separate Property Tracing & Commingled Asset Analysis

Separate property claims require organized records, disciplined methodology, and clear presentation.

I prepare structured tracing analysis for:

  • premarital assets, 
  • inheritances, 
  • gifts, 
  • post-separation contributions, 
  • transferred or converted assets, 
  • and commingled accounts. 

Where the records support it, I trace funds across accounts and asset forms. Where the records do not support continued tracing, I identify the limitation clearly.

Findings are presented in a format that allows counsel to understand the methodology, evaluate the strength of the claim, and use the analysis in negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

Financial Investigation & Record Review

Some cases require a closer review of financial records to identify inconsistencies, missing information, unexplained transfers, or unusual account activity.

This work may include review of bank records, credit card statements, tax returns, brokerage statements, loan documents, business records, and financial declarations.

The purpose is not to create noise. It is to identify the financial facts that matter, organize them clearly, and distinguish meaningful issues from ordinary account activity.

Lifestyle & Cash Flow Analysis

In support cases, historical spending and available cash flow often need to be understood in a practical, documented way.

I review financial records to help evaluate marital standard of living, spending patterns, liquidity needs, and post-divorce cash flow.

This analysis can support maintenance discussions, comparative budgeting, settlement evaluation, and long-term financial planning around proposed support structures.

Financial Declarations & Supporting Schedules

Financial declarations are most useful when the information is accurate, internally consistent, and supported by organized documentation.

I review financial affidavits, supporting schedules, and related financial summaries to help identify inconsistencies, missing support, valuation issues, and areas requiring clarification.

The goal is a financial record that is organized, well documented, and easy for counsel, opposing counsel, and the court to evaluate.

Expert Witness & Litigation Support

When needed, I prepare financial exhibits and analytical summaries, and provide testimony regarding my analysis.

My litigation support is grounded in organized records, clearly stated assumptions, and analysis that can be explained without unnecessary complexity.

The goal is to present financial information in a disciplined, straightforward format that helps counsel and the court understand the financial issues.

Cultivate Stronger Cases Together

Partner with a CDFA® who provides the detailed financial analysis that supports your legal arguments. Let’s discuss your client’s needs.