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Divorce can bring complex financial challenges that affect both short and long-term security. A clear financial path helps clients move forward with confidence. Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) and founder of The Next Chapter Divorce, Michelle Muhammed, is dedicated to bringing financial clarity to those entering life’s next chapter.

Michelle has more than 24 years of experience in the financial industry, working closely with families and individuals. She earned her CFP® designation in 2006 and later pursued further specialization to support clients in divorce transitions. In 2023, she became a CDFA®, recognizing the unique challenges people face when disentangling lives and finances.

“Divorce can put people in a fog. There’s so much emotion involved, and the financial side often feels confusing or intimidating. My job is to try to simplify and clarify. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to working to protect your financial future.”

-Michelle Muhammed, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

Witnessing how poor divorce settlements can affect people’s futures inspired her decision to focus on divorce financial counseling. She founded The Next Chapter Divorce, where she provides financial guidance exclusively for individuals and couples navigating separation. While primarily serving the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. areas, Michelle also serves clients nationwide and meets clients virtually to make her services more accessible.

At The Next Chapter Divorce, Michelle helps clients understand their financial situation, analyze options surrounding property division, and project future financial outcomes. She assists with complex financial decisions such as dividing retirement assets, determining the fate of a shared home, and assessing employment benefits or stock options. Michelle also collaborates with attorneys and mediators to help clients respond confidently to proposals and settlement discussions. Her goal is to ensure that clients understand their numbers and make informed decisions that support their long-term well-being. Her approach is grounded in clarity, education, and compassion, helping clients move forward with a solid plan for their future.

“I saw many women recovering from what I call financial carnage. They felt lost after the divorce, unsure how to rebuild, because they never felt educated or empowered during this major life transition. I realized there was something I could do to help during the divorce process by combining my financial experience with specialized training in divorce financial analysis. I want clients to see that there is a way forward, one grounded in understanding and confidence.”

Michelle’s credentials extend beyond her CDFA® designation. As a CFP®, ChFC®, and CBDA® professional, she offers a comprehensive perspective on how divorce decisions impact broader financial goals such as retirement, investments, and tax strategy. This depth of experience enables her clients to make informed choices that align with both their immediate needs and long-term objectives.

What distinguishes Michelle is her extensive background in the financial industry, which now shapes her informed approach to helping clients make sound financial decisions during divorce. She combines technical expertise with empathy, precision, and a commitment to fairness.

“When clients understand their financial picture, they can take control of their decisions instead of feeling overwhelmed by them. My goal is to meet people where they are, whether they are in mediation, the collaborative process, litigation, or just beginning to explore their options, and help them organize, analyze, and plan for what comes next. Divorce does not have to define their future; it can be the start of a stronger one.”

Michelle joined the Amicable Divorce Network earlier this year because she values resolution-
focused collaboration. She believes in helping individuals and couples reach amicable solutions that support their financial and emotional health for years to come. Through her membership, she connects with professionals who share her belief that divorce can be approached with respect, understanding, and thoughtful guidance.

“I joined the Amicable Divorce Network because it reflects how I believe divorce should be handled—with respect, collaboration, and a focus on helping people move forward with dignity, clarity, and peace.”

Outside of her professional life, she enjoys traveling, yoga, volunteering in her community, and spending time with her husband and two children. Michelle’s favorite words to live by come from the prayer of St. Francis: “Make me a channel of your peace.” This philosophy shapes both her personal and professional life, guiding her work with clients as they move through change toward greater confidence and clarity.

The Amicable Divorce Network welcomes Michelle Muhammed, CDFA, whose thoughtful and informed approach to divorce financial counseling aligns with ADN’s mission to support amicable, collaborative solutions.

Learn more about Michelle and Next Chapter Divorce here.