David S. Cantor, CPA/ABV, CFL, CDFA®
David S. Cantor, CPA/ABV, CFL, CDFA®
Founder, Cantor Forensic Accounting, PLLC
David Cantor has been exclusively practicing Family Law accounting since 1990. He is the only CPA/ABV, CFL, CDFA® in Arizona devoted 100% to Family Law accounting, bringing unparalleled expertise to every case.
David began his accounting career in 1984 after graduating from Marshall University (Go Herd!!!) with a BBA. He gained early experience preparing tax returns and financial statements for small to mid-size clients in Ojai and Beverly Hills, CA.
In 1990, David joined Gursey, Schneider & Co. in Los Angeles, working exclusively in Family Law accounting and became a partner in 1998. After retiring in 2004, he returned to the field and founded Cantor Forensic Accounting, PLLC in 2011.
Over his career, David has worked on thousands of Family Law cases, including matters involving small businesses, entertainers, professional athletes and executives with international companies. His expertise spans:
- Income determination for spousal maintenance and child support
- Business valuations
- Separate property tracing
- Reimbursement claims and community waste issues
He has served as an Expert Witness over 275 times and is frequently called upon to provide litigation support, financial analysis and consulting for attorneys and clients.
David has recently expanded his practice to assist as the financial neutral in collaborative cases as well as other non-litigated divorce proceedings.
Professional Credentials & Training:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV)
- Certified Financial Litigator (CFL)
- Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)
- Trained in Divorce Collaborative Process
- Certified Mediator – Parent Team
Professional Memberships & Service:
Current:
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants – Forensic and Valuation Services
- Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Institute For Divorce Financial Analysts
- Collaborative Professionals of Phoenix – Board Member
- International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
Past:
- Member of the Tax Practice Advisory Committee of the Arizona State Board of Accountancy (former Chairperson)
- Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants Forensic Conference Planning Committee
- Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants Forensic Litigation Section
- Family Law Section of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Past Chairman, Vice Chairman and Treasurer
- Advisory Board Member of the American Academy of Certified Financial Litigators
- Steering Committee of the Forensic Section of the California Society of CPAs
- Past Chairman of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants Annual Family Law Conference planning committee
Publications
David has published articles in:
- Arizona Attorney
- Arizona Society of CPA’s
- Attorney at Law
- Maricopa County Bar Association Family Law Newsletter
Speaking & Lectures
David has lectured for:
- State Bar of Arizona
- Arizona Family Support Council
- Arizona Society of CPAs
- Bisk Institute
- Consultants Training Institute
- Maricopa County Bar Association & Family Law Judicial Officers
- Various law firms
Credentials
Professional Credentials Explained
What Does "CPA" Mean?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a licensed accounting professional who has met rigorous education, exam and experience requirements. In Arizona, becoming a CPA requires more than just passing the national CPA exam.
What Does "ABV" Mean?
The Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV®) credential is granted by the AICPA to CPAs and qualified valuation professionals who meet strict education, exam, and experience requirements.
ABV Requirements
- Maintain good standing with the AICPA
- Hold a valid CPA license or meet equivalent education standards
- Pass the ABV exam (or have an approved equivalent credential)
Why ABV Matters
- Represents a trusted, 125-year-old profession
- Distinguishes professionals through training, experience, and testing
- Provides access to a professional community and the latest tools
- Shows competence in business valuation and commitment to continued learning
- Expertise backed by the world’s largest member association representing the accounting profession — the AICPA
- Competent and confident in the subject matter, with commitment to continued learning in business valuation
- Demonstrated expertise in the specialized topic of business valuation
What Does "CFL" Mean?
A Certified Financial Litigator (CFL) is a professional credentialed to provide specialized financial expertise in legal matters, particularly related to divorce, family law and complex financial disputes.
CFL Requirements
- Hold a valid CPA license or meet equivalent professional standards
- Complete specialized training in financial litigation
- Demonstrate experience in analyzing financial documents for legal proceedings
Why CFL Matters
- Provides expert insight into financial matters during litigation
- Helps attorneys and clients understand complex financial data
- Assists in preparing clear, defensible reports for court, mediation or arbitration
- Brings confidence and credibility to financial testimony
- Demonstrates expertise in financial issues specific to family law and divorce cases
- Shows commitment to ongoing professional development in financial litigation
What Does “CDFA®” Mean?
A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) is a professional trained to help clients and their attorneys understand how financial decisions made today will impact their future financial security.
CDFA Responsibilities
- Analyze short- and long-term effects of dividing property
- Integrate tax considerations
- Review pension and retirement plans
- Evaluate affordability of the marital home and alternatives
- Assess insurance needs
- Establish assumptions for inflation and rates of return
- Bring creative solutions to settle cases efficiently
CDFA Support
- Provides the client and lawyer with data that shows the financial effect of any given divorce settlement
- Serve as an expert witness in court, mediation, or arbitration if needed
- Offer insight into tax and legal issues related to divorce
- Interview clients to collect financial data, set goals, develop budgets, plan for retirement, and define a sustainable lifestyle
- Identify what kind of lifestyle they want and can afford
- Determine the costs of their children’s education