Become the Go-To Expert in Divorce Mortgage Planning

CDLP® Business Model

As a CDLP®, you have two powerful paths:

• Stick with traditional mortgage origination, providing loan solutions to divorcing homeowners.

• Or step into our proprietary Hybrid Business Model, combining mortgage origination with fee-based consulting services for deeper impact and higher earning potential.

The CDLP® Hybrid Model: A Smarter Approach to Growth

The Hybrid Business Model is a fully compliant, proven platform—developed and reviewed by leading industry compliance attorneys. It gives you the opportunity to:

• Get paid for your expertise up front, not just after a loan closes

• Provide consulting services to attorneys, mediators, and financial professionals

• Diversify your revenue and build stronger, more consistent income streams

This model is unique to CDLP® and exclusive to Divorce Lending Association Gold and Platinum members.

Go Beyond Loan Origination

Traditional mortgage professionals rely on closings to generate income. That limits your potential—especially in a volatile market.

The CDLP® Hybrid Model helps you:

• Build credibility and trust as a subject matter expert

• Offer high-value services early in the divorce process

• Establish yourself as a go-to professional among attorneys and financial advisors

Designed for Long-Term Business Growth

CDLP® professionals using the Hybrid Model often experience:

• Increased referrals from legal and financial professionals

• Greater income stability through consulting plus closings

• Stronger positioning in a competitive market

• Enhanced authority and visibility in the divorce space

Access Exclusive Tools and Support

This model is more than a theory—it’s a complete platform. With the CDLP® Hybrid Business Model, you’ll gain access to:

• Strategic consulting frameworks and deliverables

• Business development tools to grow your practice

• Ongoing support from the Divorce Lending Association

Note: The CDLP® Hybrid Business Model is exclusive to Gold and Platinum Membership levels.

Build a Business That Recognizes Your Value

Whether you're expanding your origination services or shifting into consulting, the CDLP® Hybrid Model offers the tools and structure to support a more profitable and purpose-driven business.

Take the next step and start building a practice that reflects the true value of your expertise.

What’s the ROI of Becoming a CDLP®?

Let’s talk real numbers—because this isn’t just education. It’s a business model with measurable financial impact.

The CDLP® Certification is an initial investment of $2,495, and many Certified Divorce Lending Professionals recover that investment in 1–2 strategic cases—with scalable growth potential from there.

Become a Certified Divorce Lending Professional® today.

Why Choose the CDLP® Certification?

If you want to stand out in the mortgage industry, this is how you do it.

The Certified Divorce Lending Professional® (CDLP®) certification isn’t just another course. It’s a strategic approach to serving divorcing homeowners with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Developed by mortgage industry veteran Jody Bruns, the CDLP® program is designed to equip professionals with the advanced knowledge and tools needed to work at the intersection of divorce, real estate, and mortgage planning.

What Sets CDLP® Apart

Unlike general mortgage training, CDLP® goes beyond guidelines and rates. You’ll gain:

• A deep understanding of divorce law, real estate, and tax implications

• The ability to structure mortgage solutions that align with legal settlements

• Strategic insight to support attorneys, financial planners, and mediators

• Skills to address real-world challenges like equity buyouts, complex income, and property division

This is practical, applied training that prepares you to lead—not just lend.

Trusted by Legal and Financial Professionals

CDLP®s are seen as neutral, strategic experts who:

• Deliver clear, client-centered solutions

• Earn referrals from attorneys, mediators, and financial planners

• Support equitable outcomes in high-stakes situations

• Build a respected niche in a growing market

Support That Goes Beyond Certification

Certification is only the beginning.

As a CDLP®, you’ll have access to the Divorce Lending Association’s ongoing support and resources, including:

• A network of like-minded professionals

• Exclusive tools, templates, and training

• Business development guidance and marketing support

• Membership opportunities to help you scale

Make the Move from Loan Officer to Strategic Advisor

Divorcing clients need more than mortgage options. They need a professional who understands the full picture—and knows how to navigate it.

CDLP® gives you the skills, support, and positioning to become that professional.

Start building a smarter, more impactful business today.

What You Will Learn with CDLP® Certification

The CDLP® Certification gives you more than information — it gives you the skills, strategies, and confidence to navigate divorce mortgage planning with authority.

You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of supporting divorcing clients, working effectively with legal and financial professionals, and positioning yourself as a trusted advisor in a complex space.

Core Areas of Training

1. Divorce & Mortgage Planning Fundamentals | Understand how divorce impacts mortgage financing, property division, and housing transitions. Learn to identify opportunities for strategic planning early in the process.

2. Legal Insights That Matter | Gain essential knowledge of divorce law as it relates to real property and mortgage decisions—so you can speak the language of attorneys and integrate your role into the legal process.

3. Financial & Tax Considerations | Learn how to work alongside financial advisors to evaluate income, support payments, retirement accounts, and tax consequences—ensuring all pieces of the puzzle align with mortgage underwriting.

4. Advanced Mortgage Strategies for Divorce | Master creative, real-world solutions for complex scenarios—such as equity buyouts, QDRO distributions, support income, and property transfers. Become the expert others turn to for clarity and structure.

5. Client Communication & Negotiation | Improve your ability to communicate clearly and compassionately with divorcing clients. Learn how to simplify complex topics and navigate emotional conversations with confidence.

6. Ethical & Professional Standards | Understand your role as a neutral, informed expert. Learn best practices for maintaining ethical boundaries and building trust with clients and professionals alike.

7. Marketing & Business Development | Discover how to grow your CDLP® practice with proven marketing tools and strategies. From attracting the right clients to forming partnerships with legal and financial professionals, we show you how to build a business that grows with purpose.

8. Case Studies & Real-World Applications | Apply what you’ve learned to real divorce scenarios through case studies, exercises, and examples—so you're ready to serve clients the moment you’re certified.

Choose Your Learning Path

Learn Your Way

Choose the path that fits your schedule and learning style:

• Self-Paced eLearning – Learn at your own speed with on-demand video modules and assessments

• Accelerated Hybrid – A one-week, guided program combining online study with live expert-led sessions

• Live Virtual – Immersive, instructor-led training with live case studies and peer interaction

Each path includes full access to the CDLP® curriculum, certification exam, and ongoing support.

Option One: Self-Paced eLearning

Learn on your own time, at your own pace.

• Includes 24 expert-led video modules, a student workbook, and assessments

• Final exam: 100-question online multiple-choice exam

• Average time to complete: 20 hours

• Full access to email, chat, and phone support throughout your training

Perfect for busy professionals who want flexibility and independence.

Option Two: Accelerated Hybrid Learning Program

Earn your certification in just one week.

• Combines self-paced video modules with live expert-led Zoom sessions

• Dive into real-world scenarios with practical application and group discussion

• Focuses on advanced topics like family law, tax planning, and real estate strategy

• Weekly sessions held the 2nd week of every month:

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 1:00 to 3:00 PM ET

• Must complete corresponding online modules before attending live sessions

• Business-building strategies included

• Access to the CDLP® Certification Exam after the final session

Ideal if you want structure and live engagement without a long time commitment.

Option Three: Live Virtual Training

A deep dive into the full CDLP® curriculum with live, interactive instruction.

• Led by Jody Bruns, Founder of the Divorce Lending Association

• Live Zoom sessions with real-time discussion, case studies, and Q&A

• Held over two weeks:

  • Week 1: Monday, Wednesday, Friday (12:00–4:00 PM ET)

  • Week 2: Tuesday and Thursday (12:00–4:00 PM ET)

• Designed to immerse you in the concepts of divorce mortgage planning fully

• CDLP® Certification Exam available online after the final session

Great for learners who thrive in a classroom-style setting with live interaction.

Choose Your Membership Level

Certification Is Just the Beginning—Membership Drives Your Success

Earning your CDLP® Certification is the first step. But building a successful divorce mortgage planning practice takes ongoing support, strategy, and tools—and that’s where membership comes in.

Stay Connected. Stay Competitive.

As an active member of the Divorce Lending Association, you’ll gain access to:

• Ongoing education and expert training

• Marketing tools and branded resources

• Business development strategies tailored to CDLP®s

• Coaching and support to help you grow with confidence

This support ensures your knowledge stays sharp and your business stays relevant.

Business Development, Built In

Our CDLP® Business Development Program is included with all membership levels. It’s a step-by-step system designed to help you:

• Position yourself as a go-to expert in your market

• Secure meetings with attorneys, mediators, and financial professionals

• Communicate your value with clarity and confidence

• Turn your certification into a thriving business