by Strategic Divorce Planning
A Financial-First Approach to Divorce: How SOLAGREE® Works
For many people, the first step after deciding to divorce is calling an attorney. That makes sense. Divorce is a legal process. It is also one of the most significant financial transitions a person may ever face. Yet couples are often asked to negotiate the future of their home, retirement, support, investments, debt, and cash flow before they fully understand what those decisions may mean long term.
That is why we are excited to share that Strategic Divorce Planning is now a partner with SOLAGREE®, a divorce process built to put financial clarity at the very beginning, where it may do the most good.
What is SOLAGREE®?
SOLAGREE® is an online, flat-fee alternative to a traditional courtroom divorce. It brings financial analysis, mediation, and binding arbitration together in one structured, three-phase process, and it is entirely virtual, so couples can take part from anywhere in the country.
One of the things that sets SOLAGREE® apart happens right at the start: both spouses commit to resolving their divorce outside of court. That early agreement can change the tone of everything that follows, from how couples communicate to how they negotiate.
How the process works
While every situation is different, the SOLAGREE® process generally moves through three phases:
- Financial clarity. A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) helps early on to gather documents, understand what is actually at stake financially, and identify areas where the spouses may already agree. Couples choose either one neutral CDFA® for both spouses, or a separate CDFA® advocate for each spouse.
- Mediation. With that shared financial picture in hand, couples work with an experienced mediator to resolve the remaining issues.
- Arbitration, if needed. If any issues remain unresolved, they can be decided through binding arbitration, so the process reaches a conclusion without traditional litigation.
If you’re heading into mediation in any form, our guide to preparing for divorce mediation walks through the financial groundwork in more detail.
Why a financial-first approach matters
Many of the hardest conversations in divorce are about money: the house, pensions and retirement accounts, stock options, taxes, support, and what life will look like afterward. When those questions come up late, after positions have hardened, they may become more costly and more emotional to resolve.
Starting with a clear, shared understanding of the finances can help couples:
- Make decisions based on facts, and less on fear or assumptions
- Spot potential agreement early, before conflict builds
- Understand the long-term impact of their choices, not just the short-term split
- Move through the process with more predictability around time and cost
This is the work our CDFA® professionals have focused on for years. SOLAGREE® gives us a structured way to bring that expertise to couples from the very first step.
How SOLAGREE® compares
There is no single right way to divorce. Here is a general look at how SOLAGREE® differs from two common paths:
| Traditional litigation | Standalone mediation | SOLAGREE® | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who decides | A judge, if the couple cannot agree | The couple, with a mediator’s help | The couple, with binding arbitration as a backstop |
| Pricing | Usually hourly, and often hard to predict | Usually hourly | Flat fee |
| Where it happens | Court, plus attorneys’ offices | In person or online | Entirely virtual |
| Financial analysis | Varies; often added later, if at all | Varies by mediator and process; financial specialists may be brought in separately | Built in from the start, led by a CDFA® |
| If talks stall | Court hearings and trial | If agreement is not reached, another process may be needed | Remaining issues go to arbitration |
Every situation is different, and the right path depends on your circumstances, your relationship with your spouse, and the complexity of your finances.
What our CDFA® team does
In SOLAGREE®, our CDFA® professionals lead the first phase: building a clear financial picture before mediation begins. That typically includes:
- Gathering and organizing financial documents
- Identifying and valuing marital assets and debts
- Preparing cash flow analysis and post-divorce budgets
- Modeling settlement options to help each spouse understand how different choices may affect future cash flow and financial stability
- Explaining the potential long-term and tax impact of different settlement options
- Highlighting areas where spouses may already agree
Couples choose one of two options for this phase:
- One neutral CDFA® (standard). SDP works with both spouses to build one shared financial picture.
- A CDFA® advocate for each spouse (additional fee). Instead of one neutral, each spouse works with their own CDFA®.
For some couples, having a separate CDFA® advocate allows each spouse to receive individualized financial education and analysis while continuing to work within the same structured, cooperative resolution process. Our post on whether to use a financial neutral or a financial advocate explains the difference between these roles.
And our support does not have to end when the divorce is final. We also help clients with post-divorce financial planning as they settle into their next chapter.
Is SOLAGREE® right for you?
SOLAGREE® is designed for couples across a range of situations, from amicable to more complex. It may be a good fit if you:
- Want to avoid a drawn-out court battle
- Value predictable, flat-fee pricing
- Prefer to handle the process virtually, on your schedule
- Want your financial decisions grounded in clear analysis
SOLAGREE® will not be the right process for every couple. Situations involving immediate safety concerns, significant financial nondisclosure, or circumstances requiring urgent court intervention may call for a different approach.
Not sure where you stand? Take the Divorce Plan Quiz to see whether SOLAGREE® may be a good match, or learn more about our SOLAGREE® partnership.
Frequently asked questions
How much does SOLAGREE® cost? SOLAGREE® uses flat-fee pricing, so couples know the cost up front instead of paying open-ended hourly bills. The standard fee covers one neutral CDFA® for both spouses. If you choose a separate CDFA® advocate for each spouse instead, there is an additional fee. For current pricing, visit our SOLAGREE® page or ask us during a consultation.
How long does it take? Timelines vary with each couple’s situation. The structured phases are designed to keep things moving, and they may help couples reach resolution faster than a traditional court process.
What happens if we can’t agree on everything? Any issues left unresolved after mediation can be decided through binding arbitration. That means remaining issues can be resolved without traditional litigation.
Is SOLAGREE® only for amicable couples? No. SOLAGREE® is designed for a range of situations, from amicable to higher conflict.
Can we use it if we don’t live near SDP? Yes. The process is entirely virtual, and SOLAGREE® works with couples across the country.
Can each of us have our own CDFA®? Yes. Couples choose one of two options: one neutral CDFA® who works with both spouses (the standard option), or a separate CDFA® advocate for each spouse instead (for an additional fee). Either way, the goal is for everyone to clearly understand where they stand, not to make the process adversarial.
Do I still need an attorney? SOLAGREE® brings mediation and arbitration professionals into the process. Depending on your state and situation, independent legal review may be recommended, and we encourage you to talk with an attorney about your rights. We are happy to discuss how that fits with the process.
Let’s talk
Every divorce is unique, and choosing a process is an important decision. There are two easy ways to get started:
- Talk with our team. Schedule a free initial consultation with Strategic Divorce Planning to talk through your options, including whether SOLAGREE® may make sense for you.
- Meet with the SOLAGREE® team. Request a consultation through our SOLAGREE® page to learn more about the process directly from SOLAGREE®.
Strategic Divorce Planning provides financial analysis and education. We do not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult a qualified attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation.