Certified Divorce Financial Analysts (CDFA) in New Jersey

Christy Plunkett-Barese

Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

I am a CDFA, Certified Divorce FInancial Analyst who helps individuals navigate the divorce process with compassion and confidence. When I was going throrugh my own divorce, I was worried about leaving anything on the table because I didn't know what I didnt know. That experience motivated me to work in this field because too often individuals, particuarly women, are left after the divorce struggling while the other spouse's financial situation improved. nI work alongside my clients to analyze settlement options, evaluate tax and retirement implications and develop realistic post divorce budgets and financial road maps that reflect thier individual situation. With a thoughful data driven approach, I empower my clients to make informed decisions that support both immediate and long-term financial security.

Brianna Beski

CDFA & Financial Advisor

Brianna knows what it feels like to have your entire identity wrapped up in success—only to have it all come crashing down. .As an Olympic hopeful, she trained relentlessly, dedicating her life to mastering multiple sports and pushing herself beyond limits. But when an injury shattered her dreams, she was left questioning everything: Who am I if I’m not succeeding? Who am I if I disappoint the people around me? At the same time, she was living in a household defined by constant conflict. Her parents stayed in a toxic marriage for years, using their children as emotional leverage rather than finding a healthier path forward. It all came to a head when, on the day of Brianna’s wedding, her mother announced her own divorce. That was the moment Brianna realized just how deeply a failed relationship could impact not only two people—but entire families, financial confidence, and self-worth. She decided to change the way people experience divorce. Brianna’s not just a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)—she’s someone who truly understands the emotional weight of divorce and how it impacts every area of life. Her unique background allows her to: ✔️Provide financial clarity in emotionally charged situations, helping clients avoid fear-driven decisions they’ll regret later. ✔️Help high-achieving professionals maintain control over their financial future, especially when assets, businesses, and long-term planning are at stake. ✔️Act as a calm, strategic advocate—helping clients navigate complex financial decisions while prioritizing their well-being and their family’s future. Brianna works with successful professionals, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals who: ✅Have built significant wealth and need a clear strategy for division and protection. ✅Want to ensure their business, investments, and long-term goals stay intact through the transition. ✅ Are ready to approach divorce as a strategic, informed decision rather than a financial and emotional setback.

Melissa Murphy Pavone

CFP®, CDFA®

Melissa Murphy Pavone is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® and Certified Financial Planner® who specializes in helping individuals and couples navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and respect. With over a decade of experience, she brings a calm, strategic approach to the financial side of divorce, helping clients understand their options, avoid costly mistakes, and create fair, forward-looking agreements. Through Mindful Divorce Partners, Melissa works collaboratively with attorneys, mediators, and mental health professionals to support a more peaceful, efficient divorce process. Her goal: to reduce conflict, simplify the finances, and help clients move forward with stability and strength.

Chassidy Comella

NCMP Divorce Mediator, CDFA®, CDC®, CDS®, & CDC Transition and Recovery Specialist®

As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, Certified Divorce Coach®, Transition and Recovery Specialist®, Certified Divorce Sppecialist®, and a Nationally Certified Mediation Professional, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals navigate the complex and emotionally challenging process of divorce. With nearly two decades of experience in the financial services field as a financial advisor and a financial education trailblazer for women, I am passionate about empowering my clients to emerge from divorce emotionally and financially intact. My passion for helping others through divorce stems from my own personal experiences with the process. After going through a difficult divorce myself, I realized that there were very few resources available to help individuals navigate the financial and emotional complexities of divorce. Determined to help others avoid the same challenges I faced, I dedicated myself to becoming an expert in the field. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, I am uniquely equipped to help clients understand the financial implications of divorce, including property division, potential tax implications, and the financial impact of all possible divorce settlement scenarios. I work closely with clients to develop customized post-divorce financial plans that take into account their unique circumstances and goals, helping them to emerge from divorce with their financial futures intact. This gives my clients the clarity to advocate for a fair divorce settlement. In addition to my financial expertise, I am also a Certified Divorce Coach and Transition and Recovery Specialist. Through my coaching services, I help clients navigate the emotional challenges of divorce, providing them with the support, guidance, and tools they need to rebuild their lives with confidence and clarity. My compassionate and personalized approach helps clients come out the other side of divorce feeling empowered and ready to move forward. As a Nationally Certified Mediation Professional, I specialize in conscious uncoupling mediation, guiding couples through a respectful and cooperative process to resolve conflicts and reach mutually beneficial agreements. My mediation strategy focuses on open communication, empathy, and collaboration, ensuring that both parties feel heard and valued. By helping couples retain control over their family’s outcomes, I foster a more positive and constructive divorce experience. One of the things that sets me apart is my commitment to building a strong relationship with each and every client. I understand that divorce is a deeply personal and emotional process, and I take the time to get to know my clients on a personal level so that I can offer them the most effective support possible. Outside of work, I love to travel and enjoy exploring new cultures and cuisines. I am also dedicated to enriching the community through my volunteer work and have served on the board of several local non-profits.

Morgan Murray

Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Master Analyst in Financial Forensics

As a CFP®, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) and Master Analyst in Financial Forensics (MAFF®), I help people navigate the financial side of divorce with clarity, strategy, and compassion. Whether you’re preparing for divorce, in the middle of negotiations, or rebuilding afterward, my goal is to help you understand your options and make informed decisions for your future. My passion for this work began with my own story. More than eight years ago, I unexpectedly found myself navigating divorce as a single mom. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for how overwhelming the process can be—and how valuable trusted financial guidance is during such a pivotal season. Today, I have the privilege of helping others move forward with confidence, knowing they don’t have to navigate it alone.

Lauren Chanley

Certified Divorce Financial Advisor

Lauren Chanley is a financial advisor with The Falcon Financial Group in Morristown, New Jersey. Her core philosophy is holistic financial planning strategies where she takes a tailored, data-driven approach to wealth management. She recognizes that each client’s situation is unique and enjoys helping to build financial strategies that align with their values and long-term goals. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Lauren works in tandem with attorneys and mediators to support clients through their journey. She understands the financial and personal complexity of divorce and helps clients build a clear path forward. These engagements range from shorter, guidance-driven sessions to long-term financial advisory relationships. Lauren is known for her empathetic approach, clear communication, and commitment to building lasting, trust-based relationships. Securities offered through Equitable Advisors LLC (212-314-4600), member FINRA/SIPC (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI & TN). Investment advisory products and services offered through Equitable Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Annuity and insurance products offered through Equitable Network, LLC. Equitable Advisors and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting or legal advice. Divorce Network Pro is not owned or operated by Equitable Advisors or Equitable Network. AGE-7437103.1 (5/26) (Exp. 5/30)

Emily Jaffe

CDFA®, CFP®

Divorce is one of life’s most overwhelming transitions, and having the right financial guidance can make all the difference. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), and President of OFC Wealth Management, I combine expertise with empathy to help clients move forward with clarity and confidence. A Wharton graduate with over 15 years of experience on Wall Street, I now focus on guiding individuals through the financial side of divorce —untangling assets, evaluating settlement options, and planning for long-term security. My approach is straightforward and supportive. I work closely with myclients and their teams to make sure decisions are informed, fair, and sustainable. By breaking complex issues into clear steps, I give clients peace of mind and a plan for what comes next—so they can rebuild with stability and confidence.

Kimberly Miller (PartWise)

Founder, PartWise & Chief Divorce Educator

PartWise is a subscription-based divorce education platform that equips individuals with the knowledge, structure, and tools they need to navigate divorce with clarity and confidence. Whether they’re just starting to explore their options or deep into the legal and emotional complexities, PartWise helps clients feel less overwhelmed and more prepared. Built with the emotional and logistical challenges of divorce in mind, PartWise combines clear written content, expert-led videos, and a new workbook to help users make informed decisions with confidence. I’m passionate and devoted to supporting individuals and families as they navigate the complexities of divorce. I am intimately aware of the common struggles. I know that fear and anger often result from confusion and misinformation. In my experience, accurate information delivered clearly, calmly and with support can reduce that fear and anger and lead to more positive, healthy outcomes. A client once told me, I was “like a portal through which lawyer language comes out in English.” I've also seen how many folks going through a divorce want to figure things out on their own but find themselves lost due to the lack of reliable resources. Extensive experience and feedback from countless clients have shown me that when people are informed and reassured, they feel safer, more empowered, and prepared to make decisions in their best interest. That's why I created PartWise—a thorough, clearly communicated, and easy-to-navigate resource to answer all your questions about divorce. Let’s tackle this journey together. Check out www.part-wise.com.

Jamie M. Lima

MBA, CFP®, CDFA®

After watching my parents go through a divorce at a young age, and going through a tremendously expensive and emotionally-draining one myself in 2017, I launched Allegiant Divorce Solutions as a sister company to my traditional financial planning firm. I recognize the challenges people face as they decide how to handle their finances relating to divorce. My parents struggled and it was challenging for me, too. Looking back, there were mistakes I made during my own divorce that could have been avoided had I had the support of a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst ®. At present, armed with this ever-growing knowledge and almost 20 years of financial planning experience, I am dedicated to helping my clients navigate the complex aspects of divorce and gain a fair settlement, with much less stress.

Hirsch Serman, CPA, CDFA

Hirsch Serman, MBA, CPA, CDFA is a best-selling author who specializes in the financial and tax aspects of divorce.

Hirsch Serman, MBA, CPA, CDFA is a best-selling author who specializes in the financial and tax aspects of divorce. His values-based approach is to Prioritize ~ Organize ~ Simplify your financial life during and beyond the divorce process. Hirsch is committed to helping each client understand the more complex tax and financial implications of his or her specific situation. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, a Certified Public Account, and trained mediator, Hirsch is uniquely equipped to recognize and creatively work through financial complexities, tax ramifications, and inequities in the settlement process that are often overlooked. Hirsch is a nationally recognized expert. He has been recognized in several forums, most recently as a recipient of the prestigious Comcast RISE award recognizing entrepreneurs making a positive impact on communities and their clients. Get to know Hirsch by listening to his radio show – The Financial Wellness Hour – which focuses on the financial aspects of divorce. He has also been published and covered in national media outlets like Inc., US News & World, The Divorced Girl Smiling podcast, The Divorce Coalition, The Amicable Divorce Network, The National Association of Divorce Professionals, Memphis Business Journal, DivorceMagazine.com, DivorcedMoms.com, Going Solo Network, The Good Men Project and multiple other outlets. With a first-hand understanding of how highly emotional the divorce process can be, Hirsch is dedicated to reducing the anxiety of each client by focusing on the client’s priorities and client’s best interests. Hirsch currently sits on Boards for several non-profits. AREAS OF EXPERTISE -Divorce Planning (CDFA®) -Taxes & Tax Planning (CPA®) -Values based strategies on splitting assets -Creator of The Divorce Budget -Compilation & Comparison of Financial Affidavits -Create negotiation options & amicable financial solutions -True ups -General Financial Coaching -Forensic reviews

Hazel Secco

Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

I support women who are entering a new chapter of independence and want to make thoughtful, informed financial decisions during and after divorce. I understand that divorce is not only a legal process, but a deeply emotional and financial transition. The right guidance can make a significant long-term impact on their financial futures and that's exactly why I am here to help.

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Courtney Lutz-McLellan

Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, CDFA

Courtney Lutz-McLellan, MA, CDFA® Principal Certified Divorce Financial Analyst & Co-Founder, Phoenix Financial Advocates Courtney Lutz-McLellan is the Principal Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) and co-founder of Phoenix Financial Advocates, LLC, a Charlotte-based firm dedicated exclusively to helping individuals and couples nationwidenavigate the financial complexities of divorce. With over 25 years of experience as a financial analyst and institutional equities trader, Courtney brings both technical expertise and real-world practicality to each case. Courtney holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University and a Master of Arts degree from Appalachian State University. She has completed Level I of the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) program and also holds FINRA Series 7, 24, 63, and 65 licenses. In addition to her financial background, she has testified as an expert witness in numerous divorce cases across multiple states, providing clear and credible analysis on matters such as income, business valuation, marital balance sheets, and lifestyle analyses. At Phoenix Financial Advocates, Courtney and her team provide services ranging from marital balance sheet preparation and business valuations to lifestyle expense analyses and asset searches. She is known for her ability to break down complex financial issues into language that both clients and attorneys can easily understand. Her approach is collaborative, thorough, and focused on empowering clients to make informed decisions for their financial futures. Courtney believes divorce is not just a legal process but also a financial turning point, and her mission is to ensure clients are equipped with the clarity and confidence they need to move forward. Whether working as a neutral analyst or as part of a litigation team, she is committed to accuracy, transparency, and compassionate professionalism.

Leah Hadley

Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

Experienced professional dedicated to helping families navigate transitions with compassion and expertise.

Victoria Kirilloff

Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Family Financial Mediator

Victoria Kirilloff, CDFA®, NCPM®, CDS® was at a crossroads; she could not stay with her partner but did not know how to leave, and the relationship was getting more and more abusive. Victoria’s decade-long partnership had far exceeded its expiration date, but they were deeply financially entwined. Searching for a pathway to freedom, Victoria went back to her roots of financial analysis and report writing (which is how she got her first horse). Victoria created the first Divorce Impact Analysis report which laid out the marital financial facts and different settlement ideas. After a shockingly productive conversation, Victoria and her former partner came to a resolution and peacefully separated. That’s when a lightbulb went off in Victoria’s head! Victoria realized that she could not only help others leave their timed-out marriages but also guide them to becoming financially empowered in the process. Determined to bring a modern peaceful approach to the divorce process, Victoria founded Divorce Analytics. Divorce Analytics focuses on bringing financial clarity and transparency to the divorce process and illustrates the real-world impact of proposed settlements. By concentrating on the financial facts, Victoria shifts the divorce process from destructive to productive. Victoria is a lifelong learner and spends most of her free time increasing her knowledge base. In addition to being a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, a Certified Divorce Specialist®, and Nationally Certified Professional Mediator ®, Victoria holds several other different financial services licenses and designations.

Kristen Vernace

Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

Kristen Vernace, CFP®, CDFA®, is a financial planner and founder of Pathways Financial Planning. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, she helps individuals and couples navigate the financial complexities of divorce with clarity and confidence. Kristen specializes in guiding clients through critical decisions around dividing assets, evaluating settlement options, and planning for their future financial stability. With her background as both a CFP® professional and a fee-only fiduciary, she brings a holistic perspective that integrates long-term financial planning with the unique challenges of divorce. Her goal is to empower clients to move forward with confidence, knowing they have a thoughtful plan tailored to their next chapter.

Donna LaScala

Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

I am a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), Financial Advisor and Financial Neutral, trained in Mediation and Collaborative Dispute Resolution. I have been working with individuals pursuing divorce for over 20 years. As President of Comprehensive Divorce Solutions I help clients and their legal counsel understand the options they have when discussing finances and equitable distribution during divorce negotiations. I educate each party about the family’s finances, including income, debt, anticipated expenses, and future budgets. I will ensure your financial future is protected and safe and that negotiations remain respectful and confidential. I provide a 30 minute complementary initial consultation.