Become Better Equipped
PREPARING AND EMPOWERING YOU TO WORK WITH DIVORCING CLIENTS
Program Overview
The Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS) program is a highly involved participatory training that is divided into two sections.
Specialized communication skills training, with the focus on integrating those skills in a client environment.
Information regarding the Legal, Financial, Mental Health, and Real Estate fields essential to the divorce process.
Upon the completion of the course, you must pass a CDS online assessment with a 75% or higher score in order to receive the CDS® designation. There is a $95 annual reinstatement fee, and you are required to submit 10 hours of divorce specific continuing education every two years to maintain your CDS® designation. National Association of Divorce Professional (NADP) meetings are approved for CDS® continuing education credits.
Communication Skills
One of the most challenging aspects of serving divorcing clients is having to communicate and build a professional/client relationship with individuals who are at the beginning or midst of an extremely painful process, both emotionally and financially. Most are experiencing a plethora of unhealthy and unproductive negative emotions that will ultimately guide their behaviors and choices. In order to help them navigate this turbulent process in an efficient manner, you must be able to communicate in a way that your client has clarity, comfort, and confidence. Part 1 of the CDS training strictly focuses on learning valuable tools to successfully manage your divorcing client both practically and emotionally.
Part I Topics
- Introduction to the CDS® training program
- CDS® Benefits
- Levels of Learning
- NLP Communication Model
- Emotional State Management
- Perceptual Positioning
- Avoiding resistance and maintaining co-operation with your clients
- Effective methods of information gathering and precision questioning
- Managing Expectation
- The Seven Stages of the Professional/Client Session Cycle
Fundamental Elements
Aside from the legal steps necessary to end a marriage, the process involves changes in other areas including finance, real estate and mental health. Although you might have knowledge in these areas, if you are providing a service to a divorcing individual, couple, or family, it is imperative for you to familiarize yourself with ALL that your client will need help with.
Many areas require either collaboration or a basic understanding in order to properly help your clients make the right decisions. One simple choice or step can affect the entire process either negatively or positively. To better serve your clients, this section of the CDS training focuses on the fundamental aspects of the divorce process that directly affect those going through it.
Part II Topics
By Industry:
- The Various Legal Professionals Who Might Be Involved
- Different Types of Divorces
- Divorce Process Options
- Important Factors in a Divorce Settlement
- The Parenting Plan
- The Importance of Staying Up-to-Date with the Latest Laws (Both Federal and Local)
- Same Sex Divorce
- Military Divorce
Imagine the Difference You'll
Make in Your
Client's Life
Includes:
- Part I - Pre-recorded Communication Skills With Senior Trainer Liz Becker
- Part II - Pre-recorded Fundamental Legal, Mental Health, Financial & Residential Aspects of the Divorce Process Presented by CDS® Trainers
- Post Training Online Assessment
- First Year Designation Fee ($95)
- CDS® Training Digital Manual
- CDS® Certificate (Must Pass Assessment With 75% Or Higher)
- Monthly CDS® Alumni Online Meeting
- Listing In The CDS® Online Directory
- Personalized Marketing Materials
In-Person Training
General Pricing
$1295
NADP Member Pricing
$1095
Upcoming In-Person Training
Clearwater, FL | Feb. 9 – 10
Includes:
- 2 Days Live In-Person Training from 8:30 - 6:00 PM Daily with Senior Trainer Liz Becker
- Part I - Communication Skills
- Part II - Fundamental Legal, Mental Health, Financial & Residential Aspects of the Divorce Process
- Post Training Online Assessment
- First Year Designation Fee ($95)
- CDS® Training Manual
- CDS® Certificate (Must Pass Assessment With 75% Or Higher)
- Monthly CDS® Alumni Online Meeting
- Listing In The CDS® Online Directory
- Personalized Marketing Materials
Be the professional they are looking for.
What CDS® Graduates Are Saying...
Debra Whitson
Family Law Attorney & Mediator
Suzane Woollums
Family Law Attorney
Aviva Pinto, CDFA
Wealth Manager
Sammi Siegel, PhD, LMHC
Psychotherapist
Rebecca Cleckler
Mortgage Loan Officer
Jennifer Storre
Senior Loan Officer