If you often work with individuals who are going through divorce proceedings, then you may want to consider becoming a Certified Financial Divorce Specialist (CFDS). Having this credential shows that you have comprehensive information that will help clients explore their financial options related to a divorce agreement. Training for the CFDS will make you better at helping your clients find a better position of financial stability.
Topics Covered in the CFDS Certification
The CFDS training is designed to improve and increase your knowledge of the complexities of the financial problems that are related to divorce agreements. The more you know about the tax, financial, and legal complexities of divorces cases, the better you can provide support for your clients. Furthermore, the course contains guidance on your role as a professional CFDS.
Here is a brief summary of the topics covered by this training program:
Assessing and identifying assets including family home, property, and pensions to career assets and benefit plans.
Overview of the various legal proceedings, the role of a professional CFDS, and the different methods of settling a divorce case.
Identifying the tax problems from the impact of child support and alimony. Identifying the reporting requirements when selling and dividing the house.
Information about malpractice, ethics, and working with other professionals on the case.
How to present and prepare financial affidavits and other reports.
Training Format of CFDS
The CFDS training program is available online. When you order the certification training course, you can expect to receive everything you will need to complete the entire course from the comforts of your office or home. In addition, the package includes a blinder with around 500 pages of content covering the topics mentioned before and more. This foundational case material also combines questions and case studies to make the learning more realistic.
The Family Law Software program is also included in the package. This program helps calculate the financial impact of various options that are under consideration. For instance, you can use this software to determine what will happen to your client if she assumes credit card debt to keep the house. Part of the initial training package allows you five months of access to this program. After the initial five months are over, there will be a monthly fee that includes ongoing access to technical assistance and software updates.
It usually takes around three months to prepare properly for the online examination. After you have successfully completed the examination, you are required to finish a case study while using the Family Law Software. If you successfully complete this, then you will receive your certification.
Starting Your Certified Financial Divorce Specialist Career
A marketing package will come with your certification. This package will provide guidance on how to promote your skills and knowledge. There is a listing of networking opportunities, template for a press release, and other advice that can help you establish yourself in this market as a CFDS.