Divorce is rarely just a legal process; it is also a financial and tax event. Yet the tax consequences triggered by the division of marital property are often overlooked until it’s too late. That is why Steve Cizik, Partner and head of the Tax Division at The Harris Law Firm, is leading an upcoming CLE for the Colorado Bar Association Tax Counsel focused on one of the most critical and misunderstood issues in family law: the Divorce Tax.
On February 11, 2026, Steve will present The Divorce Tax – Understanding the Common Pitfalls and Mitigating Taxation Exposures During a Separation, a one-hour CLE designed to help attorneys identify tax exposure early and structure settlements more effectively for their clients.
Why This CLE Matters
Even well-negotiated divorce settlements can unintentionally create significant tax consequences. Property transfers, equalization payments, retirement assets, and business interests all carry potential tax implications that, if not properly analyzed, can dramatically alter the true value of a settlement.
Steve’s program is designed for attorneys who want to move beyond surface-level analysis and better understand how divorce impacts taxation so they can protect their clients from unnecessary financial harm.
What Attendees Can Expect
This CLE provides a practical, real-world breakdown of the most common tax traps triggered during divorce and marital estate equalization, with a strong emphasis on front-end planning to prevent back-end tax damage. Attendees will gain insight into:
- Tax pitfalls related to property transfers, equalization payments and business interests.
- Timing issues that can increase or reduce tax exposure
- Divorce-related taxation of retirement accounts, business interests, and pass-through entities
- How tax analysis can help uncover undisclosed income and assets
- Strategies for structuring settlements in a more tax-efficient and defensible manner
- How clear, well-supported tax analysis can assist mediators and family law judges in decision-making
Attendees will review sample documentation used in real cases, including:
- Separate assessment transcripts
- Marital asset spreadsheets
- Sworn financial statements
- 1120-S K-1s
- Sample drafting language for separate assessment, audits, business transfers, and restitution pathways in the event of IRS or state collection actions
The program also addresses critical advocacy principles, including:
- Why balances must be addressed independently
- The importance of ensuring clients actively advocate for themselves
- How to draft agreements that prevent retroactive “it’s not fair” arguments
- Allocating the onus appropriately on the taxpayer while protecting client rights
Through real-world case studies, Steve will demonstrate how preemptive tax language and thoughtful planning can shift outcomes, often saving clients substantial sums while strengthening an attorney’s overall advocacy. Attendees will learn how taxation documentation can be strategically used in a separation to properly allocate tax responsibility, promote equitable division of marital assets, and create avenues for mitigation and restitution should future tax issues arise.
Attendees will leave with actionable tools, sample language, and a sharper understanding of their clients’ rights, obligations, and options, empowering them to identify issues earlier, reduce unintended tax consequences, and prevent “taxation brain damage” on the back end.
About the Speaker: Steve Cizik
Steve Cizik is a Partner at The Harris Law Firm and leads the firm’s Tax Division, while also overseeing its Estate, Life, and Legacy Divisions. A graduate of Syracuse University College of Law and UC Boulder, Steve is widely regarded as one of the region’s most respected tax attorneys.
With nearly 20 years of experience, Steve has represented hundreds of individuals and businesses in complex tax matters, litigated high-stakes cases against large Denver and national firms, represented Fortune 100 clients, and saved clients millions of dollars in tax liabilities. His deep technical knowledge, strategic insight, and practical problem-solving approach make him a trusted authority on tax issues arising in divorce.
CLE Details
The Divorce Tax – Understanding the Common Pitfalls and Mitigating Taxation Exposures During a Separation
📅 February 11, 2026
⏰ 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍 Via Zoom
💵 Cost: $10.00
🎓 Applied for 1 CLE General Credit
🏷 CBA Taxation Section
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
🔗 Register here:
https://www.cobar.org/Calendar/Event/sessionaltcd/TAX021126
A Valuable Opportunity for Attorneys
This CLE is ideal for attorneys who want to strengthen their understanding of divorce-related tax issues, better advise clients, and avoid costly mistakes in settlement negotiations. Steve’s ability to translate complex tax law into practical guidance makes this program especially valuable for family law practitioners, tax attorneys, and mediators alike.
We are proud to highlight Steve’s work and leadership in advancing education around the financial realities of divorce, and we highly recommend this program to any attorney looking to sharpen their practice.
