Collaboration among divorce
professionals isn't just beneficial—it's
essential. By aligning our efforts, we
create stronger, more sustainable
solutions that empower clients to move
forward with clarity and confidence.
DIVORCE
ISSUE 25, JANUARY 2025
REAL ESTATE & MORTGAGE JOURNAL
WWW.DIVORCELENDINGASSOCIATION.COM
The Dangers of Counter-Productive
Approaches During Mediation
Breaking Barriers in Mediation
The Unique Challenges of Divorce
and Homeownership
Critical Steps of Divorcing Homeowners
The True Cost of Retaining a Low-
Interest Rate Mortgage Post-Divorce
The Hidden Costs of Keeping a Low-Interest
Rate Mortgage
04
05
THE DANGERS OF COUNTER-
PRODUCTIVE APPROACHES
DURING MEDIATION
15
DIVORCE AND CHESS: NAVIGATING
LIFE’S MOST STRATEGIC GAME
11
THE TRUE COST OF RETAINING A
LOW-INTEREST RATE MORTGAGE
POST-DIVORCE
TABLE OF
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
THE UNIQUE
CHALLENGES OF
DIVORCE AND
HOMEOWNERSHIP
08
CONTENTS
PROFESSIONAL SPOT LIGHT WITH
JASON GORDON, CDLP® AND
RHONDA NORDYCK, CDFA®
14
The Value of Working with a Certified Divorce Lending
Professional (CDLP®)
A CDLP® brings the financial knowledge and expertise of a solid
understanding of the connection between Divorce, Family Law,
Financial and Tax Planning, and mortgage planning strategies
related to real property and divorce.
A CDLP® is trained to recognize potential legal and tax
implications of mortgage planning in divorce situations.
A CDLP® is skilled in specific mortgage guidelines as they pertain
to divorcing homeowners.
A CDLP® can identify concerns with support structures that may
conflict with mortgage planning opportunities.
A CDLP® works directly with the professional divorce team to help
implement a strategic divorce settlement agreement, ensuring the
best opportunities to secure mortgage financing after the decree.
A CDLP® can recommend financing strategies that help
divorcing clients identify mortgage planning opportunities for
maintaining the current marital home while helping to ensure the
ability to achieve future financing for the vacating spouse.
A CDLP® does not give legal or tax advice.
Divorce Real Estate &
Mortgage Journal
Published by:
www.DivorceLendingAssociation.com
This for informational purposes only and
not for the purpose of providing legal or tax
advice. You should contact an attorney or
tax professional to obtain legal and tax
advice.
Copyright by
Divorce Lending Association, LLC
All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or by any
information storage or retrieval system
without the written permission from the
copyright holder.
The DLA is a national organization dedicated to bridging 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 needs.
What is the Divorce
Lending Association?
03 DIVORCE REAL ESTATE & MORTGAGE JOURNAL
LETTER
PRESIDENT’S
Dear Colleagues,
Divorce is a life-altering event requiring professionals across multiple disciplines—family law,
finance, tax, real estate, and mortgage—to work together. Yet, too often, the lack of collaboration
results in counterproductive outcomes, such as conflicting advice and costly delays. Each
professional plays a critical role, but without a unified strategy, clients are left to navigate
competing guidance, which hinders their ability to make sound decisions.
One key example is the decision to retain or sell the marital home. A lawyer may prioritize stability,
while a financial advisor warns of long-term risks, and the mortgage professional is brought in too
late to offer timely financing solutions. When professionals fail to collaborate, clients suffer
financially and emotionally. Early and open communication between experts is essential to achieve
the best outcomes.
As real estate and mortgage professionals, our knowledge of markets, financing options, and
underwriting guidelines is vital to shaping sustainable solutions for divorcing clients. Our impact is
greatest when we become integral divorce team members, helping clients align their housing goals
with broader financial and legal strategies. Through collaboration, we can provide clients with clear,
well-informed paths forward.
I encourage you to build and strengthen partnerships with other divorce professionals. Together, we
can reduce the stress and uncertainty of divorce by offering comprehensive, coordinated solutions.
By committing to collaboration, we enhance not only our clients' futures but also our own expertise
and professional value.
PRESIDENT & FOUNDER
04 DIVORCE REAL ESTATE & MORTGAGE JOURNAL
Divorce mediation is a delicate process that requires thoughtful collaboration and strategic planning.
Unfortunately,
counterproductive
approaches,
such
as
emotional
gridlock,
financial
misunderstandings, and unrealistic expectations, create obstacles that prevent progress and
compromise outcomes. These barriers, from emotional gridlock to financial misunderstandings, can
derail even the most promising mediation sessions.
Certified Divorce Lending Professionals (CDLPs®) offer a unique skill set to help overcome these
hurdles. With specialized training in divorce mortgage planning and many having received basic
mediation skills training, CDLPs are equipped to address financial complexities and support
productive negotiations during settlement discussions, ensuring that financial stability and mortgage
solutions remain aligned with settlement goals.
Understanding Counter-Productive Approaches in Mediation
Mediation is designed to be collaborative but can quickly become adversarial without the right
guidance. Some of the most common counter-productive behaviors include:
Emotion-Driven Decisions: When emotions take precedence over logic, divorcing couples often
make reactionary rather than strategic decisions. For example, a spouse may demand to keep the
marital home without considering affordability or eligibility for mortgage refinancing.
1.
Lack of Financial Clarity: Many divorcing couples lack an understanding of their financial
situation, particularly how it relates to mortgage qualification or property division. This leads to
unrealistic expectations and prolonged negotiations.
2.
Failure to Plan for Cash Flow Needs: Post-divorce cash flow concerns often go unaddressed during
mediation. Without evaluating future income, debts, and expenses, settlements can collapse when
financial realities surface.
3.
Overlooking Mortgage and Real Estate Implications: Mediation discussions often focus on property
division without considering the mortgage’s impact on future financial stability. This oversight can
result in denied loans, legal disputes, or unforeseen tax liabilities.
4.
THE DANGERS OF COUNTER-
PRODUCTIVE APPROACHES DURING
MEDIATION
BREAKING BARRIERS IN DIVORCE MEDIATION—HOW A CDLP® PROVIDES
FINANCIAL CLARITY AND STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS
Written by Jody Bruns, President Divorce Lending Association
05 DIVORCE REAL ESTATE & MORTGAGE JOURNAL
How a CDLP® Can Remove Mediation Barriers
Certified Divorce Lending Professionals are uniquely positioned to address
these challenges, bringing clarity and strategy to the mediation process.
Many CDLPs have received basic mediation skills training, enabling them
to support constructive conversations, reduce emotional barriers, and
promote balanced negotiations throughout the mediation and settlement
process. Here’s how:
1. Neutral Financial Analysis
CDLPs approach divorce mortgage planning with a neutral, fact-based
analysis of income, debt, and assets. This eliminates emotional bias and
allows both parties to focus on practical solutions. By providing detailed
assessments, CDLPs help mediators and clients see the full financial picture
before making long-term decisions.
2. Addressing Cash Flow Concerns
Cash flow uncertainty often creates fear and resistance during mediation.
CDLPs work to structure income—whether from employment, support
payments, or investments—to meet mortgage qualification guidelines. This
proactive approach eases concerns and builds confidence in financial
stability.
06 DIVORCE REAL ESTATE & MORTGAGE JOURNAL
True progress in
mediation begins
when we remove
barriers to
understanding—
creating space for
solutions that
honor both
perspectives and
build a stronger
path forward.
3. Collaborative Problem-Solving
Rather than treating mortgage planning as an isolated task, CDLPs collaborate with attorneys, mediators,
and financial planners to create holistic solutions. Many CDLPs leverage their mediation skills training to
help facilitate constructive conversations and balanced negotiations. This ensures alignment with legal
agreements and financial goals, reducing the likelihood of disputes.
4. Avoiding Costly Errors
Misinformation about mortgage guidelines can lead to costly mistakes, such as assuming a spouse can
refinance immediately or disregarding contingent liabilities. CDLPs offer specialized knowledge to prevent
such errors and keep negotiations on track.
Turning Obstacles into Opportunities
A CDLP’s involvement doesn’t just address challenges—it transforms them into opportunities for both
clients and mediators. By positioning themselves as trusted advisors, CDLPs empower divorcing
homeowners to make informed decisions and protect their financial futures. Their ability to simplify
complex situations and develop actionable plans makes them invaluable assets during mediation.
Key Benefits for Mediators:
Streamlined Processes: CDLPs provide pre-approved mortgage plans, reducing back-and-forth
negotiations and accelerating timelines.
Enhanced Client Confidence: Clients are more willing to compromise when they clearly understand
their financial options.
Reduced Liability: Mediators avoid overlooking critical financial issues, safeguarding settlements
from collapse.
For mediators, partnering with a CDLP® means gaining a strategic ally who enhances the process and
ensures settlements are built on a strong financial foundation. For clients, it means gaining peace of mind
and financial clarity during an otherwise overwhelming time.
Counter-productive approaches in mediation don’t just delay outcomes—they jeopardize financial
stability and long-term success. By integrating a Certified Divorce Lending Professional into the process,
mediators can streamline negotiations, address financial challenges with confidence, and keep discussions
focused on strategic solutions. CDLPs’ unique expertise ensures that settlements are built on sound
financial strategies, avoiding costly errors and delays. Mediators can eliminate barriers, provide greater
clarity, and foster collaborative solutions. CDLPs and Divorce Mortgage Planning represent a profession,
not a niche, bringing knowledge, solutions, and stability to the mediation process.
Many CDLPs have received basic mediation skills training to enhance further their role in supporting
productive discussions and settlement agreements. CDLPs not only offer support during mediation but
also offer specialized training and an approach to strategic solutions, which are important aspects of all
negotiations and settlements of divorce. As divorce professionals, CDLPs deliver far more than mortgage
approvals—they provide strategies that guide clients toward financial security and a sustainable future.
07 DIVORCE REAL ESTATE & MORTGAGE JOURNAL
Every obstacle in divorce mediation holds the potential to become an opportunity
—when approached with clarity, collaboration, and a focus on future stability.
THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF DIVORCE AND
HOMEOWNERSHIP
For divorcing homeowners, the decision surrounding the marital home involves more than just finances. It’s
about ensuring stability for children, preserving a sense of normalcy, or even achieving a clean break to start
anew. However, these emotional considerations must align with financial realities, legal agreements, and
future goals. The intersection of these factors can create a maze that’s difficult to navigate without
specialized guidance.
One of the most significant challenges is understanding how divorce impacts mortgage financing. Questions
often arise, such as:
How will alimony or child support payments affect mortgage qualification?
What are the implications of dividing property equity?
Can one spouse afford to refinance the home to remove the other’s name from the mortgage?
How can a new home purchase be structured to fit within post-divorce financial constraints?
These questions require a strategic approach that expands beyond traditional mortgage parameters,
considering mortgage guidelines, divorce settlements, and long-term financial planning.
Here’s why working with a CDLP® is critical for divorcing homeowners:
1. Strategic Mortgage Planning
CDLPs excel at analyzing how divorce agreements affect mortgage qualifications. For instance, they
understand how to structure alimony and child support payments to meet underwriting guidelines. This is
particularly important for individuals relying on these payments as income to qualify for a mortgage.
08 DIVORCE REAL ESTATE & MORTGAGE JOURNAL
“The marital home isn’t just bricks and mortar; it’s the
foundation of memories, stability, and a sense of
identity.” This sentiment rings true for many divorcing
homeowners as they face one of the most emotionally
charged aspects of their separation—deciding what
happens to the family home. Whether the goal is to retain
the marital home or purchase a new property post-
divorce, the process is riddled with complexities that
extend beyond traditional real estate transactions. This is
where a Certified Divorce Lending Professional
(CDLP®) becomes an invaluable ally.
2. Equity Buyout Solutions
Retaining the marital home often involves an equity buyout—a process where one spouse refinances the
home to pay the other their share of the property’s equity. A CDLP® can structure this financing to ensure
it’s affordable and complies with divorce agreements, preserving stability for the spouse and any children
remaining in the home.
3. New Home Purchases
For those looking to start fresh with a new home, a CDLP® can help navigate post-divorce finances,
ensuring that the purchase is sustainable within the new financial landscape. They consider everything from
credit score adjustments to debt-to-income ratios to create a feasible plan.
4. Collaborative Approach
A CDLP® works as part of the divorce team, collaborating with legal and financial professionals to ensure
the mortgage solution integrates seamlessly into the overall settlement. This prevents unforeseen issues, such
as a settlement agreement that inadvertently disqualifies a spouse from securing financing.
Real-Life Impact: A Case Study
Consider Sarah, a divorcing mother of two who wanted to keep the marital home to maintain stability for
her children. Her initial consultation with a traditional lender left her feeling overwhelmed and uncertain.
However, after connecting with a CDLP®, Sarah discovered that her alimony payments could be structured
to qualify as income under mortgage guidelines. The CDLP® worked with her attorney to adjust the divorce
agreement and structured an equity buyout that allowed Sarah to refinance the home while meeting her long-
term financial goals. The result? Sarah retained her home, secured her children’s stability, and gained peace
of mind.
The role of a CDLP® goes beyond simply securing a mortgage. They act as a strategic partner, ensuring that
divorcing homeowners make informed decisions about one of their divorce's most significant financial
aspects. Their expertise reduces stress, prevents costly mistakes, and provides clarity in uncertain times.
CRITICAL STEPS FOR DIVORCING HOMEOWNERS
09 DIVORCE REAL ESTATE & MORTGAGE JOURNAL
Prioritizing expertise ensures that every decision is guided by a solid foundation of
knowledge and experience. This not only paves the way for informed choices but
also cultivates trust among all parties involved, enhances clarity in complex
situations, and ultimately leads to sustainable success and peace of mind.
INTRODUCING
REM-S™ CERTIFICATION
Involving an REM-S in mediation
enhances negotiations with specialized
real estate and divorce mortgage
planning expertise. Their insights
streamline complex financial
discussions, ensuring strategic property
divisions and sustainable mortgage
solutions. This comprehensive support
leads to more informed decisions and
improved outcomes for all parties
involved in the divorce process.
10 DIVORCE REAL ESTATE & MORTGAGE JOURNAL
Incorporating an REM-S (Real Estate Mediation Specialist) with expertise in divorce real estate and mortgage
planning can significantly enhance the mediation process, offering profound insights and fostering more
informed negotiations. Divorce proceedings often involve complex financial and property-related decisions that
require a deep understanding of real estate and mortgage intricacies. An REM-S brings a unique skill set that
bridges the gap between legal, financial, and emotional aspects of divorce.
By integrating an REM-S into the mediation process, parties gain access to specialized knowledge that ensures
all real estate and mortgage considerations are thoroughly evaluated. This includes understanding the true
value of marital properties, assessing the implications of mortgage obligations, and exploring options for
equitable distribution. An REM-S can provide clarity on potential outcomes, helping both parties understand
the long-term financial impact of their decisions.
Moreover, an REM-S can offer creative solutions tailored to the unique circumstances of each case. Their
expertise in divorce mortgage planning allows them to propose strategies that maintain financial stability for
both parties, such as refinancing options or buyout agreements that align with individual financial goals.
The involvement of an REM-S ultimately leads to more balanced and informed negotiations, reducing the
likelihood of disputes and fostering a cooperative environment. This holistic approach not only expedites the
resolution process but also ensures that both parties emerge with a fair and sustainable financial agreement,
paving the way for a smoother transition post-divorce.