Steven Schleupner, CFP®, CDFA®

Why I Do This Work.
When my 19-year marriage ended through a pro-se divorce, I approached the process with the lens of a financial planner. While the financial solution was fair, I overlooked the relational weak spots that had compounded over time. These unaddressed challenges drastically impacted my family’s transition post-divorce—not just for my children but also for both of us as individuals. It was a painful realization: divorce isn’t a transaction—it’s a transition that flows through the family. The couple must guide this transition with care to support long-term outcomes. That’s what makes divorce so profoundly challenging.

Why Collaborative Law Matters
The team approach inherent in Collaborative Law resonates deeply with me. It is a process designed to support couples during one of the weakest points in their relationship. Collaborative Law lifts them toward their long-term aspirations, bringing to light the difficult aspects that require focused problem-solving and individual responsibility. My divorce opened my eyes to many things I hadn’t wanted to see, but through a more holistic lens, I believe my family could have avoided many of the costs—emotional, financial, and relational—that we endured.

What I Do
As a financial neutral within the Collaborative Team, I help couples co-create solutions to the complex challenges they face. Divorce transition, unlike retirement or career changes, is rarely anticipated. Little pre-planning goes into the process, yet couples must make critical financial decisions around every dollar flowing through their households—often within a tight time frame. My role allows me to bring my full expertise in financial planning and financial psychology to support healthier outcomes for families.

Client-Centered Philosophy
I prioritize creating a safe, neutral space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to make informed decisions that align with their values and goals. By focusing on long-term aspirations rather than short-term reactions, I help clients navigate this difficult time with clarity and confidence.

Protecting Children
Minimizing the impact of divorce on children is a critical focus of my work. I strive to help families structure financial solutions that safeguard the well-being of children and support co-parenting relationships, ensuring a stable foundation for the future.

Unique Skills

· Expertise in financially complex divorces, including cases involving business ownership, investment properties, pensions, and executive compensation packages.

· Succession planning insights from years of working with business owners, closely aligning with strategies needed to address divorce risks tied to business ownership.

· A decade of experience in the mortgage industry before becoming a financial planner in 2001, which helps families navigate housing transitions—often their most difficult challenge.

· Prosperity coaching, a holistic approach to recovering overall well-being, including time, energy, health, and money, as a foundation for a healthy divorce transition.

Certifications and Degrees

· Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)

· Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)

· Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Commitment to Growth
I’m dedicated to continuous learning in financial planning, coaching, and Collaborative Law. This commitment ensures that I stay on the leading edge of strategies and tools that empower families to achieve the best possible outcomes during and after divorce.

By combining these skills with the collaborative framework, I aim to help couples not only reach agreements but also emerge from divorce stronger, more prepared, and aligned with their long-term goals.