CDS Program Details
Program Overview
The Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS) program is a highly involved participatory training that is divided into two sections.
The Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS) program is a highly involved participatory training that is divided into two sections. The first section consists of a specialized communication skills training, with the focus on integrating those skills in a client/session environment. In the second section, you will learn specific information regarding the Legal, Financial, Mental Health, and Real Estate fields, that are essential to the divorce process. Upon the completion of the course, you must pass a CDS online assessment with a 75% or higher 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 Expectations
- The Seven Stages of the Professional/Client Session Cycle
What CDS® Graduates Are Saying...
Rebecca Cleckler
Mortgage Loan Officer
Debra Whitson
Family Law Attorney & Mediator
Aviva Pinto, CDFA
Wealth Manager
Sammi Siegel, PhD, LMHC
Psychotherapist
Jennifer Storre
Senior Loan Officer
Olga P. Herbert, CFE
Senior Forensic Accountant
Fundamental Elements
When a couple decides to divorce, they begin a long drawn out journey to separate their lives and begin new ones on their own. Aside from the legal steps necessary to end the marriage, the process involves several changes in various other areas including finance, real estate and mental health. Although you might have knowledge in one or more of the areas listed above, if you are providing a service to a divorcing individual, couple, or family, it is imperative for you to familiarize yourself holistically on ALL the parts that are involved and that your client will need help with. There are many areas that 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
Training Options
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
CDS™ Online Hybrid Training
General Pricing
$1095
NADP Member Pricing
$895
Includes:
- Part I - Communication Skills With Senior Trainer (Liz Becker) 2-day Online Live Training From 9:00 Am - 4:00 PM EST Daily
- Part II - Fundamental Elements 5-hour Recorded Online Training
- Post Training Online Assessment
- First Year Designation Fee ($95)
- CDS™ Training Printed Manual
- CDS™ Certificate (Must Pass Assessment With 75% Or Higher)
- Monthly CDS™ Alumni Online Meeting
- Listing In The CDS™ Online Directory
- Personalized Marketing Materials
CDS In-Person Training
General Pricing
$1295
NADP Member Pricing
$1095
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 Printed Manual
- CDS Certificate (Must Pass Assessment With 75% Or Higher)
- Monthly CDS Alumni Online Meeting
- Listing In The CDS Online Directory
- Personalized Marketing Materials
Upcoming Training Dates
CDS Corporate Training
For companies & practices who provide services to divorcing clients. Become a CDS Aligned business by having your staff trained in order to…
- Provide a better client experience
- Increase staff productivity
- Gain credibility to divorcing clients
- Receive better client reviews
- Stand out in your industry
