The Divorce Lending Association (DLA) has adopted a Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility ("Code") to establish the minimum standards of professional conduct for those entitled to use the CDLP® certification mark and titles like CDLP® and Certified Divorce Lending Professional. The use of these marks signifies to the public that the CDLP® designee is trustworthy for financial advice in divorce contexts. Adherence to the Code is mandatory for all CDLP® designees, and non-compliance can result in certification revocation.

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Rules and Policies

Grounds for Disciplinary Investigation:

  1. Failure to follow the CDLP® Code of Ethics and Practice Standards.
  2. Conviction of state or federal law criminal violations, regardless of client involvement.
  3. Any other circumstances deemed appropriate by the DLA.

Forms of Discipline:

  • Dismissal: If the complaint is found unwarranted, the Ethics Committee chairman will dismiss it, and the matter remains confidential.
  • Private Censure Letter: A letter of censure is placed in the CDLP® designee’s file, remaining confidential.
  • Suspension
  • Revocation
  • Other appropriate disciplinary actions as determined by the DLA.

The DLA will determine disciplinary action on a case-by-case basis at its discretion.

Investigation Process:

  1. All complaints against a CDLP® designee must be submitted in writing to the DLA.
  2. The Ethics Committee chairman will request relevant information from the CDLP® designee within 30 days. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action.
  3. The chairman evaluates the complaint and makes a disciplinary recommendation.
  4. The CDLP® designee can appeal the decision in writing within 20 days.
  5. The Steering Committee reviews the information and decides on the appropriate action. The decision is final and binding.

Reinstatement After Discipline:

  • Suspension: After the suspension period, a CDLP® designee must file an affidavit within 30 days confirming compliance with the suspension order.
  • Revocation: Permanent, with no opportunity for reinstatement.

Confidentiality of Proceedings:

  • Dismissals and private censures are handled confidentially.
  • The DLA will disclose information as required by law or necessary for regulatory compliance. Suspensions and revocations will be made public at the DLA's discretion.

Practice Standards

The Divorce Lending Professional Practice Standards establish professionalism expectations for Certified Divorce Lending Professionals (CDLP®). These standards guide practitioners involved in divorce mortgage planning services.

Certification Process:

  • Experience: Minimum three years of relevant experience, including residential mortgage origination, financial planning, or mediation. An active NMLS record and appropriate state licensing are required.
  • Education: Complete a comprehensive course of study approved by the DLA.
  • Examination: Pass a five-part educational curriculum and certification exam testing knowledge of mortgage and real property aspects of divorce.
  • Ethics: Adhere to the DLA Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility. Disclose any investigations or legal proceedings related to professional or business conduct.

Ongoing Certification Requirements:

  • Maintain technical competence and fulfill ethical obligations.
  • Maintain active DLA membership and complete two hours of annual continuing education.
  • Disclose any public, civil, criminal, or disciplinary actions during the past two years as part of the renewal process.

Divorce Lending Professional Process

Service Scope: CDLP® practitioners should use the following process:

Step #1: Establish and Define the Relationship

  • Agree on the scope of services, fee arrangement, and compensation.
  • Disclose any limitations or conflicts of interest.
  • Determine client and practitioner responsibilities.

Step #2: Gather Client Data

  • Obtain sufficient quantitative and qualitative information relevant to the engagement.
  • Communicate any inability to obtain necessary information to the client.

Step #3: Complete Analysis/Assignment

  • Use unbiased judgment and sound economic/mortgage planning principles.

Step #4: Present and Deliver Work Product

  • Complete analyses and reports professionally and competently.

Step #5: Confirm Completion

  • Send written correspondence to clients confirming engagement completion.

Code of Ethics

The Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility outlines the ethical standards adopted by the DLA and adhered to by every Certified Divorce Lending Professional.

Key Ethical Principles:

  • Integrity: Maintain honesty and avoid practices that dishonor the profession.
  • Competence: Acquire necessary knowledge and skills in divorce planning.
  • Objectivity: Remain intellectually honest and impartial.
  • Fairness: Make recommendations independently of mortgage origination relationships.
  • Confidentiality: Hold client information in strict confidence.
  • Professionalism: Interact with the highest levels of professionalism.
  • Scope: Specialize in mortgage financial issues of divorce.
  • Compliance: Adhere to all relevant laws and report any violations.
  • Unauthorized Practice of Law: Do not misrepresent the DLA certification as a license to practice law.
  • Support: Uphold the profession and the DLA.

A Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®) is a specialized mortgage professional with training and education to assist individuals through divorce with their mortgage and financial needs. The CDLP® designation signifies a deep understanding of the financial aspects of divorce, particularly in relation to real estate and mortgages. Effective communication and strategic negotiations are crucial for a successful divorce settlement, ensuring both parties' financial stability. Integrating divorce mortgage planning with a CDLP® into the settlement process leads to better outcomes for divorcing couples.

Involving a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®) early in the divorce settlement process can set the stage for successful mortgage financing.

1. Copyright Ownership and Protection

The Divorce Lending Association (DLA) is the exclusive copyright holder of all content published, distributed, and created under its brand, including but not limited to:

  • Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®) curriculum and materials
  • Real Estate Mediation Specialist (REM-S™) training and materials
  • Articles, blog posts, newsletters, and research papers
  • Social media content, including images, infographics, and captions
  • Marketing materials, presentations, and digital media
  • Proprietary methodologies, concepts, and strategic frameworks

All DLA-owned content is protected under U.S. copyright law, and unauthorized use, reproduction, or modification of any portion of these materials is strictly prohibited.

2. Unauthorized Use and Direct Copyright Infringement

Copyright infringement occurs when any individual, organization, or entity reproduces, copies, distributes, modifies, or publicly displays DLA content—including CDLP® and REM-S™ materials—without express written permission. Examples of direct infringement include:

  • Republishing DLA blog posts, articles, or social media content without authorization.
  • Using CDLP® or REM-S™ methodologies in other training programs, courses, or educational materials.
  • Copying DLA-owned graphics, infographics, or training slides for commercial use.
  • Repurposing DLA marketing materials to promote unrelated or competing services.

Any unauthorized use of DLA-owned content may result in legal action.

3. Copying with Modification

Making minor modifications to DLA-owned materials does not eliminate copyright protection. Even if content is reworded, restructured, or reformatted, it remains protected intellectual property if the core message, structure, or methodology is retained. Unauthorized copying with modification includes:

  • Rewriting DLA blog posts or social media captions while keeping the same concepts and messaging.
  • Modifying CDLP® or REM-S™ training concepts while maintaining the same structure and application.
  • Slightly altering DLA-created graphics or infographics while keeping the same visual design or intent.

4. Determining Substantial Similarity

Even if materials are not copied word-for-word, they may still constitute infringement if they are substantially similar to DLA content. Courts determine substantial similarity based on:

  • Thematic and conceptual overlap – If an unauthorized work mirrors the educational structure, strategic approach, or proprietary methodologies of DLA content, it is infringing.
  • Recognizable duplication – If a reader or audience member can identify the new content as being derived from DLA materials, it is considered a substantial copy.
  • Overall presentation and delivery – Even if wording is changed, the core educational strategy and concepts remain protected.

5. Transformative Use vs. Copyright Infringement

Transformative use occurs when content is significantly altered in purpose, meaning, or message beyond the original intent. However, the following do not qualify as transformative use:

  • Rewording DLA content while keeping the same key strategies, training principles, or messaging.
  • Using DLA-owned methodologies to create a competing certification, training, or consulting program.
  • Slightly altering DLA articles, blog posts, or social media content while retaining their original themes and intent.

True transformative use must create an entirely new and original body of work that is not derived from, dependent on, or replicating DLA content.

6. Fair Use Considerations

“Fair use” allows limited use of copyrighted materials under specific circumstances, such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, or research. However, most uses of DLA content do NOT qualify as fair use. Unauthorized use is not fair use if:

  • It is for commercial purposes, such as paid training, marketing, or consulting.
  • It reproduces a significant portion of the DLA curriculum, blog posts, or training.
  • It competes with or diminishes the market value of CDLP®, REM-S™, or other DLA offerings.

If you are unsure whether your use qualifies as fair use, you must seek written permission from the Divorce Lending Association before proceeding.

7. Social Media Content and Online Publications

All content published by the Divorce Lending Association on social media platforms, blogs, newsletters, and websites is protected under copyright law. This includes:

  • DLA-created graphics, infographics, and branding materials
  • CDLP® and REM-S™ quotes, statistics, and educational posts
  • Social media captions, written posts, and marketing messages
  • Webinar recordings, podcast episodes, and video content

Any replication, reproduction, or modification of DLA-published digital content without explicit permission is a violation of copyright law and subject to enforcement actions.

8. Enforcement and Legal Action

The Divorce Lending Association actively monitors and enforces its copyright protections. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or modification of DLA, CDLP®, or REM-S™ materials may result in:

  • Cease-and-desist orders
  • DMCA takedown requests (for online and digital content)
  • Legal action for copyright infringement and financial damages

9. Requesting Permission for Use

To request permission to use, republish, or modify DLA-owned content, contact the Divorce Lending Association at:

[email protected]

www.divorcelendingassociation.com

The Divorce Lending Association (DLA) retains full copyright ownership over all its content, including CDLP® and REM-S™ materials, blog posts, articles, social media content, and marketing materials. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or modification is a violation of U.S. copyright law and may result in legal action. To use or reference DLA content, written permission is required.