Certified Divorce Specialist - CDS️ Program

When clients enter the divorce process, one concern often rises above all others.

"What will happen to my relationship with my children?"

Whether that fear is spoken openly or not, it often influences decision-making, communication, emotional reactions, and the overall trajectory of a case.

As a divorce professional, you've likely seen it firsthand.

A conversation that appears to be about parenting time may actually be rooted in fear.

A disagreement that seems focused on logistics may actually be driven by uncertainty about the future.

An emotional reaction may have less to do with the issue being discussed and more to do with a parent's fear of losing connection with their children.

Understanding these underlying dynamics can dramatically change how professionals communicate, guide conversations, and support clients throughout the divorce process.

That is one of the reasons the Certified Divorce Specialist® (CDS®) Training was created.

The CDS® Training goes beyond technical knowledge to help professionals better understand the human side of divorce, including communication, conflict dynamics, client behavior, and interdisciplinary divorce issues.

If you are looking to strengthen your ability to work with divorcing clients more effectively, now is an excellent time to enroll.

For Father's Day, you can save 20% on enrollment using the code: CDSDAD20

Discount is valid until June 21, 11:59 PM.

Enroll now, while you still have time: https://thecdstraining.com/become-a-cds/

The way professionals interpret and respond to client behavior often determines whether conversations move toward resolution or become more difficult.

When you better understand what may be driving a client's reactions beneath the surface, you are often in a much stronger position to help them move forward productively.

If becoming a CDS® has been on your radar, this Father's Day promotion provides an opportunity to enroll at a reduced rate.

One of the most expensive assumptions in divorce is believing that time alone will resolve conflict.

In reality, unresolved misunderstandings tend to grow.
Expectations become more entrenched.
Communication breaks down.
Positions harden.

And what may have been a manageable disagreement can slowly evolve into a prolonged and costly dispute.

This is why many experienced divorce professionals focus not only on the issues being discussed, but also on the factors influencing whether progress is actually being made.

What helps families move toward resolution?
What causes cases to stall?
And what role do legal, financial, mental health, and real estate professionals play in that process?

These are questions that affect every professional working with divorcing clients, regardless of discipline.

In just 2 days, join us for an insightful discussion with Abeer Iftikhar:

Settlement or Stalemate? Understanding Resolution in Family Law ADR

Drawing on her experience in family law, mediation, high-conflict matters, domestic violence cases, and financial disputes, Abeer will explore the real-world dynamics that influence whether families reach resolution or remain stuck in conflict.

📅 Thursday, June 18, 2026
🕛 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM EST
Register here https://cdscanadaconnectjune2026.eventbrite.com

What do you believe is the single biggest obstacle to resolution in divorce cases today?

Many divorce professionals assume that conflict is driven primarily by the clients involved.

But in reality, the professionals surrounding a case often have more influence than they realize.

A single conversation can lower anxiety or increase it.
An email can create clarity or confusion.
An expectation can move a case toward resolution or further into conflict.

This is not about blame. It is about recognizing the impact each professional has on the overall experience of a divorcing family.

Whether you work in legal, financial, mental health, or real estate, your communication, guidance, and collaboration with other professionals can help shape the direction of a case long before a courtroom is ever involved.

The most successful outcomes rarely happen because of one professional alone. They are often the result of multiple professionals working together to help clients make informed decisions, manage expectations, and move forward more effectively.

This is one of the many reasons interdisciplinary collaboration has become increasingly important in today's divorce landscape.

Join us for our upcoming CDS Canada Connect presentation:

Settlement or Stalemate? Understanding Resolution in Family Law ADR

📅 June 18, 2026
🕛 12:00 PM

Abeer will explore why some cases move toward settlement while others become trapped in conflict, delay, and litigation, and what professionals can do to better support resolution.

Register here: https://cdscanadaconnectjune2026.eventbrite.com



Meet CDS® Bryony Hawthorn!

Bryony is a respected Real Estate Broker, entrepreneur, and community leader based in Niagara Region, Ontario. As Co-Founder of Impact Real Estate Advisors and Team Lead at Boldt Realty Inc., she has built a reputation for delivering exceptional results while creating meaningful relationships with her clients and community.

With more than 15 years of experience in real estate, Bryony specializes in residential, investment, commercial, and mixed-use properties. Known for her strategic thinking, strong negotiation skills, and client-first approach, she has helped hundreds of families, investors, and business owners navigate some of life's most important decisions. Her philosophy is simple: real estate is about people first and properties second.

Beyond her professional success, Bryony is deeply committed to leadership and community impact. She serves on the Niagara Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors and has dedicated countless hours to supporting local organizations, charitable initiatives, and community development projects throughout Niagara. She is also a proud founder of Culture Collab, a collaborative platform focused on connection, leadership, and elevating local businesses and entrepreneurs.

A passionate advocate for relationship-driven business, Bryony is recognized for her authenticity, resilience, and ability to bring people together. Whether mentoring industry professionals, supporting local causes, or helping clients achieve their goals, she leads with integrity, empathy, and purpose.

When she's not working, Bryony can often be found cheering on her son Jack at the hockey rink, spending time with her family, exploring her community, or creating opportunities for others to grow and succeed.
Her commitment to excellence, leadership, and service continues to make a lasting impact both within the real estate industry and throughout the communities she proudly serves.

Meet CDS® Julie-Anne Fennell!

As an Edward Jones financial advisor, Julie-Anne believes it's important to invest time to understand what you're working toward before you invest your money. It's also important to understand the level of risk you're comfortable accepting when investing so she can balance it with the steps necessary to reach your long-term goals.

She enjoys working with families to set up a financial plan that takes goals and dreams and turns them into an achievable plan with regular reviews and adjustments along the way. She focuses on financial education that teaches people from any demographic how to maximize their resources to achieve those goals. She can refer you to other professionals to provide a comprehensive picture of how the decisions you make today can impact both your future and the lives of the next generation. She specializes in helping those who are on their own – young adults, widows, and divorcees.

In her office, she and Marissa work together to provide a high level of customer service which includes timely responses, accurate information, and a welcoming atmosphere. They care about you first and your money second.

Julie-Anne has spent her entire working life in the financial industry, starting in the depths of the banking back offices before moving into the branch office administrator role with Edward Jones. It's there she found her passion of working with people to meet their financial goals. After 20 years in an administrative role, she moved into the financial advisor role to allow her to pursue her own goals while helping families achieve theirs.

She's Saskatchewan born and raised, but the Fraser Valley is now her home. She lives in Langley with her two sons and two cats. She's been involved with youth sports while her kids played and is still a big sports fan. Outside of work she likes to spend time reading with her book club, going for long walks, trying new foods and experimenting in the kitchen.

With the help of AI, your firm may be producing documents faster, automating workflows more efficiently, and responding more quickly than ever before.

So why are so many family law clients still feeling unheard, confused, frustrated, or dissatisfied?

As AI becomes more integrated into family law practices, many firms are discovering an unexpected challenge: efficiency alone does not create a strong client experience.

In fact, when technology advances faster than communication, alignment, and human connection, client trust can quietly begin to break down.

That is exactly what we will be exploring in our upcoming webinar:

AI in Family Law: When Efficiency Outpaces Human Connection
Wednesday, June 24
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EST

Register now: https://cdswebinarjune26.eventbrite.com

In this session, we will discuss how AI is reshaping family law practices, while also uncovering the hidden risks many firms are unintentionally creating as they adopt new technologies.

You will learn:
• Where AI is creating a true competitive advantage, and where it may be quietly introducing risk
• What a fully aligned, high-performing client experience actually looks like
• How to ensure your people and your systems are working together instead of against each other

This webinar is designed for family law professionals and firm leaders who want to embrace innovation without sacrificing the trust, clarity, and human connection clients still deeply need during one of the most emotionally charged times of their lives.

Register now: https://cdswebinarjune26.eventbrite.com

We hope you can join us for this important and highly relevant discussion.

NOTE: This session is for Family Law Professionals.

For many professionals, summer can bring a temporary slowdown in client activity.

The professionals who gain the most from this season are often the ones who use it intentionally.

They invest in learning.
They strengthen their skills.
They expand their professional networks.

And they prepare for the opportunities that will come in the months ahead.

One new communication technique, referral relationship, or area of expertise can influence countless future client interactions.

The divorce profession continues to evolve. Client expectations change. New challenges emerge. The professionals who remain committed to growth are often the ones best positioned to serve clients effectively and build thriving practices.

If you've been considering attending a webinar, pursuing additional training, earning a certification, or becoming more involved in a professional association, this may be the perfect time to do it.

Looking for your next learning opportunity?

Visit www.thecdstraining.com to learn about the Certified Divorce Specialist® (CDS®) Training.

Visit www.thenadp.com to explore membership, networking, and educational opportunities through the National Association of Divorce Professionals.

Candi and Patricia chatting about professional resources. Candi and Patricia reflect on some of the divorce professionals that they have met, and the value they bring to their clients

Some divorce matters move toward resolution.

Others quietly spiral into conflict, delay, emotional exhaustion, and litigation.

Why?

In today’s family law environment, the breakdown often starts long before anyone steps into a courtroom.

Poor communication.
Unclear expectations.
Incomplete disclosure.
Professionals unintentionally working in silos instead of collaboratively.

These patterns quietly shape outcomes every single day.

Join us for the next CDS® Canada Connect presentation:

Settlement or Stalemate? Understanding Resolution in Family Law ADR

Featuring Abeer Iftikhar, Principal Lawyer & Founder of AIM Law Chambers

Thursday, June 18 • 12 PM EST

Reserve your spot here: https://cdscanadaconnectjune2026.eventbrite.com

This conversation will explore:
• Common escalation points before litigation intensifies
• Emotional and financial barriers that derail settlement
• Why interdisciplinary collaboration matters more than ever
• How divorce professionals can better support families moving toward resolution

If your work intersects with divorce in any capacity, this is a discussion worth being part of.

Registration is now open: https://cdscanadaconnectjune2026.eventbrite.com

CDS® Designees earn 1 hour of CDS CE credit for attending.

We’ll also be hosting a networking session immediately after the presentation from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM EST, giving professionals an opportunity to build meaningful interdisciplinary connections.

Guests are welcome to attend one CDS® Canada Connect meeting to experience the educational and collaborative environment firsthand.

Seats are limited, and we strongly encourage registering early: https://cdscanadaconnectjune2026.eventbrite.com

Meet CDS® Hope Pearse!

A Legacy of Real Estate Expertise
Real estate is more than a career for Hope—it is a lifelong passion. Raised in a real estate family, she developed an early, intuitive understanding of the emotional and financial layers involved in every transaction. Today, with decades of industry experience and a deep family legacy, she provides the steady guidance, work ethic, and profound expertise that clients need when navigating major life transitions.

Strategic Marketing & Problem Solving
Before entering real estate full-time, Hope excelled as an award-winning marketing executive. In that high-stakes corporate environment, she mastered the art of strategic positioning and complex problem-solving. This unique background gives her a distinct competitive edge in the modern housing market. She masterfully packages and positions properties to maximize market impact, ensuring her sellers achieve the best possible results.

Specialized, Compassionate Guidance
As a Certified Divorce Specialist, Hope brings a calm, informed, and highly structured approach to one of the most sensitive areas of real estate. She understands that tight timelines and emotional weight require a rare blend of empathy and sharp business acumen. Rooted in absolute discretion, clear communication, and practical strategy, Hope’s approach simplifies complex decisions so her clients can move forward with total clarity and confidence.

Your Advocate Every Step of the Way
Whether assisting clients through a divorce, finding a next home, or positioning a property for a premium sale, Hope is committed to making the process seamless and supportive. Above all, she focuses on protecting her clients’ financial and personal interests, serving as a fierce advocate from the initial consultation to the closing table.