Canadian Designation for Financial Divorce Planning Professionals

Deliver Rock-Solid Financial Divorce Options

Confidently Analyze, Project & Explain the Financial Impact of Divorce Decisions

5/5 star reviews

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LEARN WHY THE CFDS DESIGNATION A MISSING PIECE IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL TOOLKIT

Does this sound like you?

Feeling unqualified to answer complex financial divorce questions.
Risking liability by overlooking tax consequences of settlement options.
Losing prospective clients to advisors with specialized credentials.
Spending hours building spreadsheets that still miss critical variables.
Struggling to generate consistent, high-value referrals from lawyers and mediators.

Deliver clear projections that empower clients to make informed decisions.
Confidently interpret and apply tax rules, pensions, and future-value calculations.
Leverage CFDS Perspectives software required to generate projections for every client experiencing divorce.
Market your new designation to differentiate your services and command higher fees.
Earn CE credits while expanding your professional network.

Everything Included With Your CFDS Enrollment

Foundations of Financial Divorce Analysis

Lay the groundwork with legal terminology, legislation, and the role of the CFDS professional.

CFDS Software & Analytical Tools

Learn to navigate the CFDS software to build cash-flow, net-worth, and both Canadian federal & provincial tax projections.

Tax Considerations in Separation & Divorce

Understand federal and provincial tax rules that affect support, property division, and capital gains.

Pensions, Investments & Retirement Assets

Calculate how pension, RRSP, TFSA, and other retirement assets effect division and future security.

Debt Management & Cash-Flow Planning

Develop strategies for equitable debt allocation and maintaining credit health.

Client Communication Skills

Apply communication techniques to reduce client stress and facilitate informed decision-making.

TESTIMONIALS

What our graduates are saying...

" Financial Professionals who are interested in working with couples going through the process of separation need specialized training. The AFDS provides the best training at the highest possible level. The successful candidate must have a financial designation first before being allowed to train for the Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist (CFDS) designation. Once the designation is granted the CFDS has to maintain it with CE credits and can continue to qualify for the CFDS-AA designation. I am a CFP and CFDS since 2018 and have since very successfully helped many couples through this difficult time. I can ALWAYS reach out to the academy with any questions I might have; Linda and her team is very generous with their assistance, time and quick response. The academy teaches very strong ethics and ensures that CFDS professionals stay current with monthly training sessions. In the event I get overwhelmed by clients, I know that I can reach to the academy for support. I am proud to have this designation and am very grateful for Linda and the AFDS. "

- Bettina Plendl, CFP, CFDS

" I would like to express my gratitude towards Linda Cartier & her team at the Academy of Financial Divorce Specialists (AFDS). In 2018, in my endeavor to grow the knowledge that I have as a Certified Financial Planner, I came across the training that the AFDS offers. Working in the field as a Divorce - Financial Planner never came to my mind until this point. Frankly, I didn't realize how extremely specialized this area is. Linda opened my eyes to the extremely high degree of knowledge that is required to help separating couples through this very difficult transition in life. As a result of Linda's thoughtful approach to this field of practice, along with her in-depth knowledge and wonderful teaching style, I was able to obtain the Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist (CFDS) designation. I am now able to pass on this gift of knowledge that I received to my clients, and help them resolve complications relating to the financial aspects of their divorce. If you are considering expanding your expertise in this field, I would suggest talking to Linda to see if this is an area that appeals to you. "

- Dwayne Fedoriuk, CFP, CLU, CHFC, CFDS, CHS

" I have been a member of the Academy of Divorce Financial Specialists for several years, and I cannot express enough how invaluable their resources and education have been in my professional journey. The training programs provided by the Academy have significantly enhanced my knowledge and skills in navigating the intricate world of divorce financial planning. The webinars, and workshops are not only informative but also tailored to real-world scenarios, making the learning experience practical and applicable. The supportive community within the Academy fosters collaboration and networking among professionals in the field. If you are serious about staying at the forefront of divorce financial planning, I wholeheartedly recommend the Academy of Divorce Financial Specialists. "

- Eva Sachs, CFP, CFDS-AA

MODULES

FOLLOW SUCCESSIVE TRAINING

Module 1

General Information, Ethics & Practice Standards

Module 2

Tax and Calculating Worksheets

Module 3

Tools for Financial Divorce Specialists

Module 4

Final Case Study for Canadian designation

5/5 star reviews

Become a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist (CFDS)

Master the skills, tools, and confidence to guide clients through separation and divorce while adding a high-value service to your practice.

Join hundreds who've completed

Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist training

across Canada.

Academy of Financial Divorce Specialists

1546 Bellevue Avenue

Sudbury, Ontario

P3B 3G2

1.888.893.7526

Here's what you get:

Immediate access to 20 on-demand video lessons, 11.5 hours of content and resources.
CFDS Perspectives software access for the duration of the course, and while a member
Membership in a private nationwide network of financial divorce specialists.
The industry newsletter and webinars.
Includes first year membership after course completion

CFDS course ...... $1,500

"highly recommended"

" I have recently completed my CFDS designation and was impressed by the course content, planning software and professionalism of the team. I would highly recommend this course and continuing education to professionals in the finance industry. "

Holly Hetherington, BCom, CFP, CIM, CFDS

ABOUT The Founder

Meet Linda

Your head instructor is a seasoned CFP® & R.F.P. and CFDS-AA™ who has spent over 20 years helping separating couples reach financially sound settlements, and training advisors across the country.

After watching countless professionals struggle to model the real-world impact of divorce choices, Mrs. Cartier created a proven framework that merges cash-flow analytics with compassionate guidance — now packaged inside the CFDS course.

Graduates consistently report enhanced knowledge that helps all clients, receiving referrals from other professionals (judges, mediators, lawyers, mental health professionals, psychologists, etc.), and a deeper sense of purpose in their profession.

1st Canadian trained in Financial Divorce Planning.
Author of “Divorce 101: An Introduction to the Many Aspects of Separation and Divorce in Canada”
Recognized as Member of Distinction by Canadian Association of Financial Planners
Regular contributor to various books and industry magazines including Investment Executive and Advisor’s Edge
Trained over 900 professionals to earn their CFDS designation.
AFDS President & Lead Trainer, who’s led the organization since founding in 2003.

WHO IS THIS FOR...

Designed for CFP®, CPA, R.F.P., and other accredited professionals who want to specialize in financial divorce planning in Canada.

Certified Financial Planners (CFP®)

Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA).

Registered Financial Planners (R.F.P.)

Certified Internal Auditors (CIA)

Fin. Pl. designation from the IQPF (Institut québécois de planification financière)

Chartered Life Underwriters (CLU)

Finance / Accountant professionals holding legacy designations of CA, CGA, and CMA.

Qualified Associate Financial Planners (QAFP)

STILL NOT SURE?

over 200 CFDS designation holders

currently across Canada

more are needed to meet current demand

STILL GOT QUESTIONS?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why become a CFDS?

- To serve clients going through major life transitions. - To provide a much needed service to those separating and divorcing individuals during a difficult time in their lives. - To provide education and reduce stress regarding the financial aspects of income, asset division, debt management, tax concerns and cash flow challenges. - Improve the long term impact to financial choices during life changing moments.

How long does it take to complete the CFDS program?

Most professionals finish the lessons, four exams, and case study over a year while working full-time. The course takes approximately 80 hours minimum to complete. As of the day of enrollment, you have one year to complete the course and 30 days to complete the final exam. Should completion not be achieved, a course extension or exam extension can be granted if the student contacts the Academy and pays extension fee.

Is the designation recognized by regulators and courts?

Yes. The Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist designation is recognized across Canada and frequently referred by professionals in the justice system. The name for the Canadian designation came about because of input from a number of Law Societies that wanted a definition to reflect the role financial professionals play in the separation and divorce process. The CFDS designation has been warmly accepted by the legal community. It is also recognized by the Financial Planning Standards Council and other organizations across Canada.

Enroll in the course now!

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