Establishing Financial Independence After Divorce

Achieving financial independence following a divorce can feel daunting and impossible at the outset. The more variables that are layered into a marriage – children, properties, businesses, assets – increase the complexities of divorce. Having the tools and guidance to avoid financial chaos and stress during the divorce process lies in seeking help from seasoned professionals who understand the unique obstacles divorcing couples face, and can present resolution-focused solutions.

Brandi L. Ruffalo is a nationally recognized instructor in valuation, the Founder and Managing Director of Valuation & Forensic Partners, LLC, Principal of DTS Financial Advisors, and a member of the Amicable Divorce Network. Established and successful, she expanded her full-service valuation firm after she was introduced to litigation by an attorney seeking expert advice, drawing on experiences from her own agonizingly drawn-out divorce with the belief that individuals can successfully arrive at divorce resolution peacefully and financially prepared for their next chapter.

“Everything around the divorce process is chaotic – lacking knowledge in the divorce process is enough in itself to cause conflict. I want to help others not make the same mistakes I made and understand that the process doesn’t have to be chaotic or damaging.”

-Brandi L. Ruffalo, MBA, CVA, CBA, MAFF, CDFA

Throughout her decades of experience in forensic accounting and financial litigation, Brandi serves a niche in the financial planning arena providing financial consulting as well as support and expert witness testimony in litigation matters including shareholder disputes, divorce, and damages calculations. Located in Illinois, Brandi has served clients across the state, as well as provided expert analysis for cases nationwide. With her personal experiences navigating complex divorce finances combined with the nurturing care she shows to each of her clients, Brandi has helped hundreds of individuals navigate financial conflict and establish financial independence after divorce. 

The key to her success, she says, is meeting clients where they are and placing client needs above all else. Prioritizing the client often means creating an environment of civility and respect in a traditionally compassionless industry. While, for many, divorce conjures up connotations of relentless legal battles, grappling needlessly over custody, finances, and possessions, Brandi’s firm reduces client risk by prioritizing education, transparency, and solutions aimed at helping all parties move forward. 

Brandi keeps a sign on her desk that reads, “The work we do impacts people’s lives, so do it right.” It serves as a daily reminder that clients rely on her for her expertise and guidance, and at the end of the day, her goal is to ensure the work she does adds value to their lives.

“My business prioritizes clients over the court. We have a depth and breadth of experience that allows us to understand what each client needs throughout the process.”

-Brandi L. Ruffalo

While driven by the intellectually stimulating work of litigation, Brandi is opposed to the chokehold that can be placed on the divorce process by the court and profit-driven attorneys. Her membership with the Amicable Divorce Network opened up the possibility of engaging clients in high-quality divorce litigation without a schedule or pressure driven by the court. Instead, she can work collaboratively with like-minded attorneys, advisors, and other professionals with the common goal of identifying what is best for all parties involved.

“The Amicable Divorce Network has developed an environment of professional trust. As a community, we have the autonomy to work more efficiently for our clients, and for me, that’s the most important piece.”

-Brandi L. Ruffalo

Brandi’s work does not end once the divorce process reaches closure. Her biggest successes lie in helping people establish and live by a plan for the future. Her firm’s approach naturally contributes to a relationship of trust which builds long-term clients seeking continued financial guidance. In the back of her office building hangs a collection of client photos and letters, expressing gratitude and appreciation for Brandi and her firm. It is a silent reminder for Brandi and her staff of the lives they have impacted and the futures they helped build and continue to build, an indicator of the influence of her client-centered approach.

Learn more about Brandi L. Ruffalo, Valuation & Forensic Partners, LLC and DTS Financial Advisors.