Your Wealth, Your Rights: Tackling Wealth Bias With a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®
Divorce is never easy. It's an emotional rollercoaster filled with significant life changes, and it hits high-income women in a unique way. Today, let's shed light on a topic often shrouded in shadows—the unfair treatment of women in a high-income divorce.
Imagine your financial status being the deciding factor in what you deserve after a divorce. Not fair, right? Sadly, this is the reality for many divorcing women, highlighting the ongoing gender bias in divorce proceedings.
I'm Rhonda Noordyk, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®. My mission? Empowering women during the challenging journey of divorce. With financial savvy and a knack for strategy and negotiation, I help ensure your financial future is a rock-solid fortress.
Over many years of divorce planning for women, I've witnessed the injustices that high-income women often face. This has only fueled my determination to be a beacon of support—smashing stereotypes and guiding women towards the justice they rightfully deserve.
In this blog post, I'll share insights into wealth bias and equip you with the knowledge to navigate it, securing a fair divorce settlement as a high-income woman.
Let's dive in.
Observations From a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®: Unveiling Wealth Bias in Divorce Proceedings
In the world of divorce, there's this sneaky combination of gender and financial bias that often keeps women financially disempowered. People assume that high-income women will have an easier time due to their financial standing.
I’ve seen it time and time again. Judges have a subconscious belief that if you're "wealthy," you don’t require as much financial support—as if money can somehow shield you from the emotional and financial upheaval that divorce brings.
Spoiler alert: It doesn't!
The harsh reality of divorce affects ALL women, regardless of their financial status. I've sat at kitchen tables in million-dollar homes of divorcing women who were overwhelmed and anxious. Their wealth didn't suddenly provide them with financial confidence—or peace of mind.
Yet they hear from people throughout the process that they should stop being concerned. After all, they have plenty of money, right? Wrong. That isn't fair. And in my opinion—it isn't right.
Related: What to Expect When You’re Divorcing—A Non-Linear Guide to Divorce Options
Divorce Planning for Women: Overcoming Wealth Bias in a High-Income Divorce
Addressing wealth bias is like unraveling a knot of gender bias and financial inequality. It's crucial to challenge this issue and empower divorcing women with knowledge and support. Let's work towards a divorce system that embodies true justice and equality, ensuring every woman has a fair chance to rebuild her life post-divorce.
Here’s your high-level strategy for advocating for yourself in divorce:
♟️ Arm yourself with knowledge.
Understanding the financial landscape of divorce is crucial. Start checking out educational resources—like workshops, webinars, or podcasts focused on divorce planning for women. Knowledge is power! (Pssst… Not sure where to find these resources? My podcast is a great place to start 😉).
But here’s a word of caution…
There is a lot of information out there. Too much consumption creates confusion. You’ll want to bolster your research with wisdom and a smart strategy. The BRIDGE™ Experience provides these crucial elements along with a safe space to ask questions—a powerful combination to empower divorcing women!
♟️ Create your financial game plan.
Get hands-on with your financial situation. Create a detailed financial plan that reflects your current assets, debts, and future financial goals. Knowing your budget, options, and having a clear strategy will boost your confidence during negotiations. And hey, if numbers aren't your forte, consider hiring an expert to guide you through this process.
♟️ Partner with a skilled attorney.
Make sure it’s someone who is experienced in high-income divorce cases and has a track record of championing women’s rights. They're your sword and shield in the legal battles ahead.
♟️ Join support groups focused on empowering divorcing women.
These platforms can provide a safe space for sharing experiences, advice, and emotional support. There’s beautiful strength in unity. Want to take it one step further? Our BRIDGE™ group isn’t just a support group—it’s a tight-knit community guided by an expert who is passionate about un-muddying the financial waters of your divorce.
♟️ Link arms with a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®.
CFDAs are your guiding light on this journey (that’s me! 👋). We bring together divorce know-how and financial savvy to bridge the knowledge gap. A stellar Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® will make sure:
You understand all the financial intricacies of divorce.
The real value of your marital assets is presented accurately.
You emerge from divorce stronger than before, regardless of your financial standing.
In other words… a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® is in a unique position to act as your true advocate, countering any biases that may seep into your divorce proceedings. We understand that your wealth should never diminish your rights or determine your victory in divorce.
Now, keep in mind that while they’re in the position to be your true advocate, not every CDFA® actually is. They are often number crunchers with the goal to invest the assets after your divorce is over. That’s why having an independent consultant is very valuable.
Remember, you're not alone in this journey. By assembling your team of experts in divorce planning for women, you're already on the path to erasing wealth bias. Because in the end, a fair divorce should be all about recognizing needs and contributions, not just the digits in your bank account.
Related: Who’s on Your Divorce Team & The Benefits of Hiring a CDFA®
Empowering Women as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®
As a CDFA, empowering women is at the core of my mission, particularly those on the turbulent journey of divorce. The system needs a fundamental shift—one where women recover from divorce with financial strength and resilience, irrespective of their wealth.
This passion is what drives results for the women I serve, like securing $1.1M more than my client’s original offer in mediation. Does it get more fulfilling than that? I don’t think so!
Ready to break free from the chains of wealth bias and solidify your financial fortress?
Dive into my FREE Masterclass: How to Ask for What You Need Financially. This is your ticket to transforming uncertainty into unwavering financial confidence during your divorce journey. Don't just dream of peace, calm, and closure—make it your reality.
In the webinar, I’ll arm you with battle-tested strategies to:
✔️ Navigate the financial maze of divorce like a pro
✔️ Counter stereotypes and biases that stand in your way
✔️ Secure the settlement you rightfully deserve
As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® and your fiercest advocate, I'm here to ensure you're treated fairly in your high-income divorce. Don't settle for less. Click the link below, and I’ll send my webinar straight to your inbox!