Financial Clarity Between Family Law and
Mortgage Financing—The Foundation for
Sustainable Business Growth.
REDEFINE YOUR MORTGAGE
CAREER WITH
CDLP® CERTIFICATION
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As the CDLP® designation grows in popularity and
recognition throughout the family law and financial
sectors, our educational resources will continue to expand
providing continuing education for family law attorneys,
financial advisors, mediators, and others who see the value
of integrating divorce mortgage planning into their case
management with the help of a CDLP®.
Who We Are
Company Culture
The Divorce Lending Association is a
national organization committed to
transforming
how
divorce
and
homeownership intersect. We do this
through two key avenues:
Empowering Professionals and
Supporting Divorcing Individuals
Our History
Since 2014, the Divorce Lending Association has offered
mortgage professionals the Certified Divorce Lending
Professional (CDLP®) certification program nationwide.
Our CDLP® Certification program is designed and
delivered by industry experts with years of practical
experience in divorce mortgage planning. You will learn
from the best in the business!
Our Mission
To provide financial clarity at the intersection of the legal,
financial, and emotional aspects of divorce and the real
estate and mortgage process—empowering divorcing
individuals with the knowledge, resources, and support
they need to protect their financial well-being and make
confident, informed decisions about their housing.
Our Goal
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What Is the Certified Divorce
Lending Professional (CDLP®)
Certification?
CDLP®: Redefining the Role of the Mortgage Professional
The Certified Divorce Lending Professional® (CDLP®) certification is changing how mortgage
professionals serve clients—shifting from a transactional role to a strategic, consultative position within
the divorce process.
Developed by the Divorce Lending Association and backed by over 35 years of expertise, this program
equips you to confidently navigate the intersection of divorce, real estate, and mortgage planning.
CDLP® professionals are trained to work alongside family law professionals, offering tailored solutions
that support fair settlements and long-term stability.
Whether you choose a traditional commission-based model or a hybrid platform with fee-based
consulting, CDLP® gives you the tools, training, and positioning to stand out as a trusted financial
neutral in one of the most complex financial spaces today.
“Becoming a CDLP® isn’t just about building
a pipeline; it’s about building a profession. It’s
about using your expertise to make a real
difference in someone’s life during one of their
most challenging times. This certification
empowers you to go beyond transactions and
create solutions that truly matter."
– Jody Bruns, Founder
Mortgage Loan Originator
Divorce Mortgage Planner
Focus and Goals
Securing a mortgage, qualifications, and loan
terms.
Focus shifts to unique financial and legal
complexities arising from divorce. Goal extends
beyond securing a loan to a sustainable mortgage
plan post divorce.
Expertise and
Knowledge
Proficient in loan products, guidelines, and
application process.
Specialized knowledge in family law, tax and title
implications, real estate valuation, and mortgage
planning in the context of divorce.
Scope of Services
Loan application, processing and closing.
Services are transactional and fixed on the loan
itself.
CDLP® offers a broader range of services,
including financial analysis, home equity
solutions, tax optimization strategies, and
collaboration with divorce professionals.
Client Needs
Clients are typically individuals seeking a
mortgage for their home.
Clients are divorcing couples facing unique
financial challenges and requiring guidance on
complex intersection of divorce, real estate, and
mortgage planning.
Timeline and
Complexity
Relatively straightforward, focused on loan
approval and closing within a specific
timeframe.
The process is more complex and often extends
beyond the divorce settlement, requiring planning
adjustments based on changing circumstances.
DIVORCE MORTGAGE PLANNING DIFFERS SIGNFICANTLY
Are you an experienced mortgage professional seeking to elevate your career? The CDLP®
certification is designed for those ready to move beyond transactional lending to become strategic
advisors in divorce mortgage planning. Whether you’re looking to expand your expertise, create new
income streams, or establish long-term sustainability, this program provides the tools to elevate your
role as a key resource in family law.
CDLP® certification bridges the gap between traditional mortgage practices and a consultative,
solution-driven approach. This certification reflects the evolution of the mortgage professional—
moving beyond commission-based transactions to becoming a trusted financial neutral, essential in
navigating divorce-related real property and financing complexities. As the mortgage industry
evolves, professionals must adapt to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. By embracing CDLP®
certification, you align with forward-thinking strategies that integrate family law, financial planning,
and real property expertise.
Is CDLP® Certification Right for You?
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Advanced Expertise
Gain comprehensive knowledge in family law, financial and tax
planning strategies, and real property considerations related to
divorce mortgage planning, positioning yourself to address the
complex challenges faced by divorcing clients.
Professional Growth
Elevate your role in the industry and collaborate with attorneys,
financial planners, and mediators.
Hybrid Business Model
Diversify your income with a combination of fee-based consulting
and mortgage origination, establishing yourself as a financial
neutral and fostering credibility with clients and family law
professionals.
Competitive Edge
Stand out in the industry by offering specialized services that
elevate your role as a trusted financial neutral, setting you apart
from traditional loan officers.
Sustainability
Create a business model that thrives in any market condition.
Why Choose CDLP® Certification?
CDLP® certification positions you as more than a mortgage professional—you become a trusted financial
strategist at the intersection of family law and real property. You monetize your expertise, provide clarity
during life’s most complex transitions, and collaborate directly with attorneys, financial planners, and
mediators. Your insights don’t just support the process—they shape equitable outcomes and make you an
indispensable part of the divorce team.
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Lead with Strategy. Earn with Expertise.
As a Certified Divorce Lending Professional®, you can choose your business model—traditional
commission-based, fee-based consulting, or a hybrid of both. This flexibility allows you to build a
practice that aligns with your goals, your market, and your value.
The hybrid model blends consulting with mortgage origination, positioning you as a financial neutral
in divorce. You’re no longer just a loan officer—you’re a strategic partner offering clarity and
confidence when it matters most.
By offering consulting services, you can:
Earn Compensation for Expertise
Get paid for your guidance—not just your closings.
Attract High-Value Clients
Work with people who respect your role and rely on your insights.
Enhance Credibility with Family Law Professionals
Be seen as a trusted advisor and key part of the divorce team.
Diversify Your Income
Create stability beyond the loan market.
Whether you choose a commission-based model or evolve into a hybrid platform, the CDLP®
certification empowers you to lead with strategy, grow with purpose, and deliver long-term value.
This is more than a designation—it’s a business model built for today’s market.
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The Power of a Hybrid Business Model
Clients equate fees with professionalism, enhancing your credibility
and distinguishing you from traditional mortgage professionals.
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Certified Divorce Lending Professionals can earn significant income by combining consulting services
with mortgage transactions. With consistent referrals and strategic expertise, a CDLP® can build
strong, reliable revenue streams—demonstrating the financial power of this niche specialty.
Note: The CDLP® Hybrid Business Model is a proprietary platform developed in full alignment with
mortgage licensing regulations and has been reviewed by leading industry compliance attorneys to ensure
adherence to all applicable standards.
A fee-based practice leads to higher loan conversion rates by attracting committed, quality clients who
value guidance and strategic planning over simply shopping for the lowest rate.
Charging an upfront fee filters out uncommitted prospects, allowing you to focus on clients who
are fully invested in the process and more likely to follow your recommendations.
Fee-based models also signal professionalism and credibility to divorce attorneys, increasing
referrals and positioning you as a trusted advisor rather than a transactional loan officer.
By focusing on strategic solutions aligned with broader legal and financial goals, a fee-based
approach streamlines closings and enhances long-term outcomes, ultimately building your
reputation as the go-to expert in divorce mortgage planning.
Strategic Revenue Streams
Consultative Revenue
Mortgage Commission
A key advantage of your role as a CDLP® is helping divorcing homeowners navigate mortgage options
aligned with their settlement terms. Through trusted consultation, you become more than a service provider
—you become a reliable guide during one of their most critical transitions.
This trust significantly increases the likelihood they’ll choose you for their mortgage financing, resulting in
higher conversion rates and substantial additional income.
The key to sustainable income isn’t working harder—it’s working
smarter with multiple, strategic revenue streams.
Scenario
Divorce
Cases
Consultation
Revenue
Closed
Mortgages
(75%)
Total Annual
Revenue
Strategic
$90,000
$225,000
$315,000
Established
10
$180,000
$450,000
$630,000
High-Impact
15
$270,000
$675,000
$945,000
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Financial Viability
Total Revenue Potential
Growth Scenarios
The CDLP® business model is scalable, offering higher income potential as you increase referral volume.
Below are three scenarios to illustrate the flexibility and growth opportunities:
Goal: $100,000 in consulting income
$1,500 per case = 67 clients
80% conversion = 84 referrals
14 strong referral partners (1 client every other month)
75% of those clients close a loan
5,000 avg commission = $315,000
A financially viable business is one that solves real problems,
commands real trust, and creates real income.
The CDLP® certification goes far beyond traditional mortgage training. It delivers a specialized
curriculum to equip you with the advanced knowledge, strategic tools, and real-world skills needed to
thrive in divorce mortgage planning.
You’ll learn how to bridge critical gaps between family law, financial strategy, and real property,
positioning yourself as a trusted, financially neutral, and indispensable member of the divorce team.
This is more than education—it’s a transformation of your role, value, and income potential.
Here’s a Preview of What You’ll Master:
Family Law Concepts: Learn how mortgage financing is affected by divorce-related issues like
property division, QDROs, and support income. Gain the skills to work effectively with attorneys
—and even prepare as an expert witness.
Advanced Financial Strategies: Understand how to structure qualified income streams, address tax
considerations, and integrate real property into equitable divorce settlements.
Real Property Solutions: Master equity buyout strategies, protect homeownership stability, and
create tailored solutions for both spouses during divorce.
Case Studies & Coaching: Apply what you learn through personalized coaching and real-world
scenarios. Work alongside experts to refine your skills and deepen your confidence.
With a hybrid learning model that includes on-demand modules, interactive coaching, and direct
access to industry leaders, you’ll gain everything you need to grow a thriving, credible, and
consultative business in a high-demand niche.
Whether you choose a traditional origination path or a hybrid consulting model, the CDLP®
certification gives you the clarity, confidence, and strategic edge to lead in today’s evolving mortgage
landscape.
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What You’ll Learn
Strategic Knowledge Beyond Guidelines—Designed for the
Complex Realities of Divorce
What Our Members Are Saying
Karla Kyte, CDLP® - Colorado
My Certified Divorce Lending Professional certificate has truly been a game
changer for me and I have taken it to the next level in last year and a half with
the opening of My Divorce Mortgage Planning, a fee based business.
I initially did the certification in 2017 because a mediator said she would work with me if I would obtain
my CDLP®. I didn’t even know what it was at the time or what I was signing up for. I flew to AZ for
the 2 day course, thinking that I would likely just work the whole time because I had been a lender for
over 15 years at that point and this would be an easy and quick cert to get!
I have to say, within 30 minutes of the in-person class with Jody Bruns at the helm, I closed my laptop
and listened intently because I realized in that moment that I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Jody is a
wealth of knowledge and 7 years later, she, along with her team, are more supportive than ever with the
coaching and the array marketing tools provided. I love and appreciate the community and the group
support that we have with the Divorce Lending Association.
Whether you are looking to get your CDLP® just to have a better understanding of the divorce lending
world or if you are looking to shift your business and niche down, you cannot go wrong. This is by far
the most rewarding and valuable mortgage education I have done since entering the mortgage business
over 26 years ago!
My friendly advice to any Mortgage Loan Originator interested in pursuing the
divorce lending specialization is to seek proper training BEFORE approaching
Divorce Attorneys for partnerships.
Jason Gordon, CDLP® - California
I have personally completed 4 different divorce related mortgage & real estate curriculums and
credentials. In my humble opinion, the Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®) program
facilitated through the Divorce Lending Association (DLA) is by far the most thorough and
comprehensive divorce education available for mortgage originators. Not only does the training cover the
“book smarts” (agency guidelines and nuances pertaining to divorce, etc.), but also the “street smarts”
(how to, and how not to approach Divorce Attorneys, etc.). The DLA also has a marketing program
that allows CDLP’s to disseminate marketing materials & spreadsheets to Divorce Attorneys, Real Estate
& Financial Professionals, as well as Divorcing Homeowners.
Bottom line, if you’re going to pursue divorce lending…get certified. If you’re going to get certified…
pursue your CDLP® credential with the DLA.
www.DivorceLendingAssociation.com
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