Understanding the risks posed by untrained professionals highlights the importance of working with divorce-
trained experts, such as Certified Divorce Lending Professionals (CDLP®) and Real Estate Mediation
Specialists (REM-S). Let’s examine these risks in detail and explore how specialized training ensures a
smoother, more productive divorce process.
How Untrained Influencers Derail Mediation
Mediation is a cornerstone of amicable divorce settlements, offering divorcing couples a structured
environment to negotiate agreements. However, the presence of untrained professionals can disrupt the
process in several ways:
Misinformation and Misguidance: Untrained influencers may lack a nuanced understanding of divorce-
specific issues, such as equitable property division, tax implications, and mortgage financing
requirements. This lack of expertise can result in:
Incorrect advice: This can lead to unrealistic expectations or decisions that do not align with legal
and financial realities.
Confusion: Misinterpreting complex issues can confuse clients and derail productive discussions.
Unrealistic Solutions: Without a deep understanding of divorce dynamics, untrained professionals may
propose solutions that are:
Unfeasible: Suggestions that don’t align with legal guidelines or financial feasibility can stall
negotiations.
Biased: Unintentionally favors one party over the other, leading to conflict rather than resolution.
THE RISKS OF UNTRAINED INFLUENCERS IN
DIVORCE MEDIATION AND SETTLEMENT
PROCESSES
08 DIVORCE REAL ESTATE & MORTGAGE JOURNAL
Divorce is a complex and often emotionally charged process
that requires careful navigation by skilled professionals.
While the inclusion of multiple professionals, such as
mediators, attorneys, and financial planners, is essential for
achieving equitable settlements, the involvement of untrained
or inexperienced influencers can undermine the process.
These outside influencers, who lack specialized divorce
training, may inadvertently derail mediation efforts,
complicate settlements, and leave divorcing clients in a worse
position.