LEARN MORE
REGISTER HERE

CDS® Professional Development Program for Financial Firms

Divorce challenges every financial plan.
Prepare your team to guide with clarity.

Strengthen Comminication.
Support Clients with Confidence.
Build Collaborative Teams.

Add value, credibility, and stand out in your industry with the Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®) program–a comprehensive training for financial professionals who wish to provide better services for their divorcing clients.

Certified Divorce Specialist Training for Mental Health Professionals

Step up & Stand Out.

Clients rely on Financial Firms during the most uncertain moments of their financial lives, and divorce is one of the most difficult transitions a client will face. It requires advisors who communicate effectively, stay steady during emotional conversations, and guide clients through the financial impact of their decisions. Exceptional advisors do more than manage assets, they help clients navigate life changes that reshape their financial world. The Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®) program builds these skills by strengthening communication, deepening emotional awareness, and expanding understanding of the broader professional landscape that influences a client’s decisions during divorce. This elevates the level of support your teams can provide and aligns with the professional excellence associated with your firm.

Why Financial Firms should provide the CDS® program

The CDS program equips advisors and support staff with the advanced skills needed to guide clients through a major life transition that often disrupts long standing financial relationships. Advisors who communicate effectively and manage emotional moments are better positioned to maintain trust and loyalty, which strengthens client retention and reinforces the firm’s reputation. Participants also gain insight across the legal, financial, mental health, and residential fields connected to the divorce process, which improves collaboration with related professionals and enhances the quality of guidance clients receive. Offering this program reflects Morgan Stanley’s commitment to exceptional client care and supports advisors in delivering service marked by clarity, compassion, and confidence.

About the Program

This CDS program is a highly involved and participatory 16-hour course and is divided into two core components. 

Part I – Divorce Communication Skills. This section consists of a unique model to improve fundamental communication skills with a focus on integrating those skills in a client-session environment. Your staff will learn to:

  • Build and maintain strong client and colleague relationships during emotionally charged situations
  • Use effective methods of information gathering and precision questioning
  • Manage emotional states and expectations for themselves and others
  • Apply perceptual positioning to increase understanding and empathy

 

Part II – Fundamental Elements of Divorce  provides a well-rounded understanding of how legal, financial, mental health, and real estate elements intersect during divorce. Your staff will learn to:

  • Recognize what clients may need support with beyond their professional scope
  • Collaborate with other industries and know when to bring in additional expertise
  • Understand how family transitions affect decision-making, communication, and planning
 
download Program details


Benefits for Companies and Teams

  • Provide exemplary client and colleague experiences
  • Enhance internal and external communication
  • Increase productivity and professional confidence
  • Build stronger, more collaborative teams
  • Receive better feedback and satisfaction ratings
  • Stand out as an organization committed to empathy and excellence
  • Improve client loyalty and trust
  • A broader understanding of the divorce landscape

What CDS® Designees Are Saying...

theodore-alatsas-300x300
“The Certified Divorce Specialist program is a well-developed training highlighting methods and practices best suited to improve communication between the divorce professional and the client."
Theodore Alatsas, ESQ.
Family Law Attorney
sammi-siegel
"I never expected to gain such an awareness of how other professions work with divorcing families. The theories and techniques I learned will no doubt give me a new lens in which to work with my clients”
Sammi Siegel, PH.D, LMHC
Psychotherapist
rhonda-3
"No psychobabble here... just easy, relatable information. The course was instructive, interactive, and NEVER boring, thanks to the enthusiasm and creative approach from the instructor, Liz Becker."
Rhonda Sherwin
Financial Counselor
olga
"I learned so much... and also met amazing group of family law attorneys, mental health and financial professionals. It was a very informative and educational training session and I truly enjoyed it!"
Olga P. Herbert, CFE
Senior Forensic Accountant
laurie-3
"An excellent experiential workshop that will certainly add tremendous value... Expect to grow personally and professionally by participating in this well organized, top notch program”
Laurie Dubow
Licensed Real Estate and Mortgage Broker
marianela
“This left me feeling more empowered and prepared to work with divorcing clients, and honestly, ANY client!”
Marianela Collado
CPA & Certified Financial Planner

CE/CLE Approved Credits

  • CDFA (Certified Divorce Financial Analyst) CE Credits: 16.0
  • CFP CE Credits: 18.0
  • FL Bar CLE Credit: General (18.5) Mental Illness (2) Professionalism (1.5)
  • FL Bar Certification Credits: Marital and Family Law 18.5

* CLE Reciprocity May be available in your state

download program details

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.