Bridge the Gap Between Family Law and
Mortgage Financing for Sustainable 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 bridge the gap between the legal, financial, and
emotional aspects of divorce and the real estate and
mortgage process, ensuring that divorcing individuals have
the knowledge, resources, and support they need to secure
their financial well-being and make confident decisions
about their housing.
Our Goal
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www.DivorceLendingAssociation.com
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What Is the Certified Divorce
Lending Professional (CDLP®)
Certification?
The CDLP® certification is revolutionizing the mortgage industry by pushing beyond traditional loan
origination. With over a 10-year proven history, this program was founded by the Divorce Lending
Association and is rooted in over 35 years of experience, education, and application from its founder. It is
designed to provide mortgage professionals with an unparalleled foundation of knowledge, enabling them
to navigate the complexities of divorce mortgage planning with confidence and expertise. It equips
mortgage professionals with the tools and targeted knowledge to navigate the complex intersection of
family law, financial and tax planning, and mortgage financing as it relates to divorce. This program
teaches you to think beyond loan parameters and embrace a collaborative approach, working alongside
family law professionals to deliver equitable solutions tailored to divorcing clients' unique needs.
By becoming a CDLP® professional, you evolve from a commissioned loan officer into a financial
neutral who bridges the gap between divorce and mortgage planning. This evolution represents a
paradigm shift in the mortgage profession, emphasizing collaboration with family law professionals,
advanced problem-solving, and a holistic approach to addressing the unique financial complexities of
divorce. This evolution transforms your role from transaction-focused to solution-driven, elevating your
career into a consultative profession that addresses the deeper complexities of divorce. CDLP®
certification positions you as a leader in providing financial neutrality, enabling you to create solutions
that foster trust, collaboration, and long-term success.
“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
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?
With CDLP® certification, you don’t just help clients secure mortgages—you elevate your role to a trusted
advisor, monetizing your expertise and collaborating closely with attorneys, financial planners, and
mediators. Your insights and strategies become indispensable in bridging the gap between family law and
real property solutions. Your role becomes pivotal in ensuring smooth transitions and equitable outcomes
in the divorce process.
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The Power of a Hybrid Business Model
CDLP® professionals adopt a hybrid business platform that combines fee-based consulting with
traditional mortgage origination. This approach positions you as an indispensable financial neutral in
the divorce process, with a reputation built on strategic insight and trust. This model allows you to
leverage advanced expertise in family law, financial and tax planning, and real property considerations
to create tailored solutions for divorcing clients.
Fee-based consulting isn’t just an income model—it represents the evolution of the mortgage
profession into a consultative role that prioritizes neutrality, strategic insights, and collaboration with
family law professionals and divorcing clients alike. By focusing on the unique needs of this niche, you
can attract high-value clients and secure long-term business growth. By positioning yourself as a
trusted financial neutral, you enhance your reputation and credibility within the family law
community. This model allows you to:
Earn Compensation for Expertise: Be valued and compensated for the guidance you provide,
positioning yourself as a credible financial neutral rather than an advocate.
Enhance Your Reputation and Credibility: Fee-based consulting elevates your professional standing
as a trusted resource, fostering stronger relationships with family law professionals.
Attract Serious Clients: Act as a gatekeeper to filter in clients who respect and value your
specialized knowledge, resulting in better alignment with client needs and higher conversion rates
from consultation to mortgage origination.
Diversify Revenue Streams: Reduce reliance on fluctuating mortgage markets and create a stable
income foundation.
This innovative approach not only elevates your professional standing but also positions you as a
leader in an ever-evolving mortgage industry. By offering consultative expertise alongside origination
services, CDLP® professionals create impactful, long-lasting partnerships with divorce professionals
while increasing client conversion rates. By adopting a fee-based model, CDLP® professionals thrive
by transforming their expertise into their most valuable product. Imagine a business where your
knowledge in real estate and divorce mortgage planning is valued as much as your origination services.
This model allows you to be compensated upfront for the strategic insights family law professionals
urgently need, eliminating the limitations of waiting for closings and creating a sustainable foundation
for long-term success. As market trends shift, CDLP® professionals are uniquely positioned to remain
indispensable by offering a hybrid model that blends consulting and origination while addressing the
specific needs of divorcing clients.
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Clients equate fees with professionalism, enhancing
your credibility and distinguishing you from traditional
mortgage professionals.
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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
Divorcing homeowners often require expert guidance to make informed decisions about
their marital home and mortgage options. Your role as a CDLP® positions you as a
trusted advisor, providing solutions tailored to their unique circumstances. Consider the
following example:
Five Divorce Case Referrals per Month
Average Consultation Fee Per Case: $1,200.
Monthly Consultation Revenue:
With five consultations per month, your revenue from this stream totals $6,000.
Annual Consultation Revenue:
Over twelve months, consultation fees generate $72,000..
Mortgage Commission
A critical component of your role is assisting divorcing homeowners in securing mortgage solutions that
align with their divorce settlements. This often leads to mortgage transactions, providing substantial
additional income.
Mortgage Conversion Rate of Fee-Based Clients: 75% of referred cases result in a closed mortgage (3-4
Origination Opportunities.)
Average Commission Per Loan: $4,500.
Monthly Mortgage Revenue: Assuming a steady case load, you close an average of 3-4 mortgages per month,
yielding $13,500 to $18,000 in commission.
Annual Mortgage Revenue: Over 12 months, this translates to $162,000 to $216,000 in income.
Scenario
Referrals/
Month
Consultation
Revenue
Closed
Mortgages
(75%)
Total Annual
Revenue
Conservative (5 referrals)
$72,000
$216,000
$288,000
Average (10 referrals)
10
$144,000
$405,000
$549,000
Growth (15 referrals)
15
$216,000
$607,500
$823,500
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The combined revenue potential for a Certified Divorce Lending Professional lies in effectively integrating
consultation services and mortgage transactions. By leveraging consistent referral sources and strategic
expertise, a CDLP® can generate significant income streams. With a conservative estimate of 5 monthly
referrals, the potential for annual revenue reaches $288,000—a testament to the financial viability of this
niche specialization.
Financial Viability
Total Revenue Potential
By integrating consultation services and mortgage commissions, a CDLP® can achieve remarkable annual
earnings with 5 divorce case referrals per month.
Annual Consultation Revenue: $72,000.
Annual Mortgage Revenue: $162,000 to $216,000.
Total Annual Revenue: $234,000 to $288,000.
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:
Read: Compliance Summary of the CDLP® Hybrid Business Model
The CDLP® certification program surpasses traditional mortgage guidelines, delivering a curriculum
specifically designed to address the advanced needs of divorce mortgage planning. You’ll gain targeted
knowledge and practical tools to excel in this unique and rewarding profession, transforming your
ability to offer innovative solutions and bridge communication gaps between divorcing clients,
attorneys, and financial planners. This is just a sample of what you will learn—our comprehensive
program dives even deeper, equipping you with additional insights and strategies to master the
complexities of divorce mortgage planning.
Family Law Concepts: Understand how property division, QDROs, and support income impact
mortgage financing for divorcing clients. Explore how family law intersects with real property and
mortgage planning while learning the critical skills needed to be prepared as an expert witness in
divorce cases.
Advanced Financial Strategies: Deepen your knowledge of qualified income streams and how they
play a role in structuring mortgage solutions for divorcing homeowners. Learn to address the tax
implications and strategic planning necessary to effectively integrate real property into divorce
settlements.
Real Property Solutions: Master the process of structuring equity buyouts while ensuring financial
stability for both parties in a divorce. Navigate the unique challenges divorcing clients face with
innovative strategies tailored to their needs.
Case Studies and Coaching: In personalized coaching sessions, bring theory to life by applying
your knowledge to real-world scenarios. Collaborate with experts to develop practical solutions
and refine your divorce mortgage and real property planning skills.
Our hybrid learning platform offers online modules, interactive sessions, and access to industry
experts to support your success. You'll gain the skills to attract clients, boost your credibility, and
build a strong business foundation. Plus, you'll access business development and coaching
opportunities to grow your business with confidence.
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What You’ll Learn
Knowledge that expands the parameters of traditional mortgage guidelines is
invaluable—it empowers you to offer creative, strategic solutions tailored to
the unique and often complex situations encountered in 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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