Meet Kelley Hughes, CDFA®, RICP®

Founder of Smart Divorce Decisions, Kelley provides divorce financial analysis and advocacy to help women understand the financial implications of the decisions they face before and during divorce.

EXPERIENCE THAT INFORMS THE ANALYSIS

Divorce-Specific Financial Analysis with a Practical Perspective

Kelley Hughes, CDFA®, RICP®, founded Smart Divorce Decisions to help women better understand the financial implications of the decisions they face during divorce.


Her work combines financial analysis with a practical understanding of the divorce process. Kelley helps clients evaluate assets, income, expenses, retirement resources and settlement options so they can understand not only how the numbers divide, but what those decisions may mean for them financially in the years ahead.


Kelley regularly works alongside family law attorneys and other divorce professionals and provides Continuing Legal Education on divorce-related financial topics. She is also a regular presenter for Second Saturday® Divorce Workshops, helping women understand the financial issues they may encounter during divorce.


Kelley works with women locally and across the country.

FINANCIAL ADVOCACY THROUGHOUT THE DIVORCE PROCESS

How Kelley Supports Women Before, During, and After Divorce

Every stage of divorce brings different financial questions. Kelley helps clients understand the financial information, options and tradeoffs involved so they can make informed decisions throughout the process.


Before divorce, that may mean organizing financial information, identifying assets and liabilities, understanding income and expenses, and preparing for conversations with an attorney. During divorce, Kelley provides financial analysis of settlement options, asset division, retirement resources, support considerations and other issues that may affect the outcome.


Kelley also assists clients in preparing for mediation and works alongside attorneys and other divorce professionals when financial analysis is needed. After a settlement is reached, she can help clients understand the financial steps required to implement the terms of their agreement.

FAQS

Questions About Kelley Hughes and Her Professional Approach

  • What is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)?

    A CDFA® is a professional specifically trained to analyze the long-term impact of divorce settlements.

  • How long has Kelley Hughes been working as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst?

    Kelley earned her CDFA® credential in 2021.

  • Does Kelley Hughes only work with clients in Charlotte, NC?

    No. While Kelley is based in Charlotte, she serves women nationwide through virtual consultations.

  • What makes Kelley Hughes different?

    Kelley specializes exclusively in divorce. She is mediation-ready, works directly alingside attorneys, and focuses on protecting your assets, cash flow, and long-term independence.

  • Does Kelley Hughes work with attorneys as a trial consultant?

    She collaborates with legal and professionals to ensure her clients receive comprehensive support throughout the divorce process.

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