Frequently Asked Questions

Unlike other certification providers elsewhere, which provide industry-specific divorce credentialing, our CDS program is designed for anyone who provides service to divorcing clients, regardless of their profession.

The CDS program is designed to teach you valuable skills to improve your client communications and delivers a well-rounded basic understanding of the key issues that arise in the divorce process. The CDS does not provide any training specific to a profession rather focuses on essential skills that all can use to improve their client’s experience and their own.

In addition to various communication tools provided during the training based on cognitive behavioral methodologies, Liz Becker has developed a unique system involving seven stages of the professional/client session cycle. Regardless of what kind of appointment you have with a divorcing client, whether it be the initial consultation or the last meeting, there will always be stages within that cycle that require specific tools to facilitate a more productive experience for both you and your client.   

The training is also unique in its holistic overview of the divorce process because it identifies issues that arise in the legal, financial, mental health and residential fields that are often overlooked by those who lack this type of training. Finally, once you have CDS training and certification, you should be able to recognize issues that might need you to guide your clients differently or might need to involve professionals in other fields.

This is designed to allow you to make timely recommendations and referrals, get your clients the help they need when they need it, and therefore make the process better for them. 

The length of the CDS Training depends on which course is selected.  The Program is available in three different formats: 

• On-demand (16 hours of Independent E-Learning) 
• Hybrid (2 days of Live-Online learning, usually from 9am -4 pm EST) & an additional 5 hours of independent e-learning.
• In-person (2 days of classroom setting learning , usually from 8am -6 pm EST)

By completing the training and passing the assessment, you will receive a certificate of completion and have the right to use the CDS designation in your marketing materials.  

While we do not certify you as an “expert,” we do believe that with CDS training you will have access to important information and tools to holistically understand the process and better assist your divorcing clients. 

We do vet certain professions,  specifically those who provide a coaching or consulting service to divorcing clients to assess if they are eligible for the program.  Professional (not personal) experience, business practices, social media, website licensing, certifications and credentials will all be considered. Approval to take the CDS program is solely up to the discretion of the National Association of Divorce Professionals (NADP). 

CDS training is not vocational training and we do not intend for CDS to be considered a “profession.”  CDS is a designation that verifies that you have completed the CDS training to gain more knowledge of, communication skills for and a holistic approach to the divorce process. 

Since the CDS designation is not a stand-alone profession and the certification solely represents that the designee has completed the Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS)16-hour training, all CDS Designees agree to act in accordance with their individual profession’s licensing and/or certification board’s code of ethics and standards.  

As a professional organization, the National Association of Divorce Professionals (NADP) expects all Certified Divorce Specialists (CDS) to adhere to its code of ethics. Certified Divorce Specialists (CDS) must be committed to upholding the principles and standards set forth in the code. By following these principles, Certified Divorce Specialists (CDS) demonstrate their dedication to providing quality services to their divorcing clients and to promoting the integrity and reputation of their respective professions. This code of ethics reflects the NADP’s commitment to integrity, confidentiality, competence, and respect for clients and colleagues. 

Code of Ethics:

1. Integrity: A Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS) shall maintain the highest standards of integrity and honesty in all professional dealings with clients, colleagues, and the public. 
2. Confidentiality: A Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS) shall respect the privacy of clients and shall maintain confidentiality unless required by law or unless the client gives explicit consent to disclose information. 
3. Competence: A Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS) shall provide their professional services with competence and skill, ensuring that they stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their specific field. 
4. Conflict of Interest: A Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS) shall avoid conflicts of interest and shall disclose any potential conflicts to clients. 
5. Respect: A Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS) shall treat all clients and colleagues with respect and shall not discriminate based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristic. 
6. Professionalism: A Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS) shall always conduct themselves in a professional manner, ensuring that they act in the best interest of their clients and avoid any behavior that may harm the reputation of the profession. 

National Association of Divorce Professionals, LLC reserves the right to deny any registrants access to the training or to revoke CDS designation status due to: 

1. Violation of the NADP code of ethics.
2. Failure to meet continuing education requirements.  
3. Engaged in criminal or unethical behavior.
4. Misrepresented themselves or engaged in fraudulent activities related to their profession.
5. Failure to pay annual designation renewal fees. 

Just as any other skill, your results will be based on your ability to grasp the information and start putting it into action. You will have received the information needed to improve your communication skills, however, as with any other training, your ability to do so will be up to you.  

To be able to see results, you will have to consciously incorporate the tools you will learn into your practice daily. The more you review the materials and practice, the quicker you will notice an improvement.

There is a $95 annual reinstatement fee, and designees are required to submit 10 hours of divorce specific continuing education every two years to maintain the CDS designation. National Association of Divorce Professional (NADP) meetings are approved for CDS® continuing education credits.

If attendee cancels less than 30 days prior to training there will be no refund issued,  If attendee cancels more than 30 days prior to the training a 50% refund will be issued.

For on-demand courses, there are no refunds issued after registrant has been sent and email with access to the on-demand training. 

Since our certification is not a stand-alone profession but rather supplements an existing profession, we do allow individuals from select countries to enroll based on our discretion. It’s important to note that the legal, financial, and real estate content provided in the course is based on Canadian and U.S. law. However, the main portion of the program centers around a customized communication skills training which is universally applicable and suitable for international professionals.

International designees must disclose this jurisdictional focus to their clients to ensure transparency. Additionally, international applicants are required to go through an interview process. To request one, please contact [email protected].