4: Divorce & Finances – How to Protect Your Future with Sharon Clark, CFDS

Dividing assets, managing debts, and securing your financial future—divorce comes with big financial questions, and getting the right advice early can make all the difference. In this episode, I sit down with Sharon Clark, a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist (CFDS), and member of the Victoria Collaborative Family Law Group, to talk about how separating couples in British Columbia can navigate the financial side of divorce with confidence.

Sharon explains how a CFDS can help level the playing field, especially when one spouse has more financial knowledge than the other. She also shares insights on a CFDS's role in helping you consider the impacts of a settlement offer on your financial future, and how you can better understand your options going forward.  If you’re going through a separation or you are counsel supporting clients who are, this conversation will help you decide if and when a CFDS is needed to help with those trickier financial family law issues.

Key Topics Covered:

• [00:04:21] What is a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist, and how do they help during separation?
• [00:07:10] Understanding financial abuse—how to recognize and address it
• [00:11:44] The financial disclosure process—what surprises often come up?
• [00:20:27] The hidden risks of prioritizing the family home over pensions and investments—what to consider before making this decision
• [00:26:39] How forensic accounting can help uncover hidden assets and income
• [00:37:42] Business owners and divorce—determining true income and valuation challenges
• [00:52:22] What banks consider before approving a mortgage after separation

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• Why working with a CFDS in British Columbia can bring financial clarity and help avoid costly mistakes
• The long-term financial risks of prioritizing the family home over investments and pensions
• How financial transparency can make negotiations smoother and more balanced
• Why early financial planning can save time, money, and stress in the divorce process

If you’re facing financial uncertainty in your separation or want to understand how divorce finances work in BC, this episode will give you practical insights from a seasoned expert.

Click here for Sharon's bio and business page, Centric Financial.