CDA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CDA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. If a divorced spouse qualifies for both their own Social Security retirement benefit and a divorced spouse benefit, Social Security will pay: → Whichever amount is higher
2. What does 'marital property' typically include? → Assets acquired during marriage
3. What challenge is most commonly encountered in tax implications of divorce within Certified Divorce Advisor practice? → Resistance to change and difficulty maintaining consistency across stakeholders
4. What legal document initiates a divorce proceeding? → Divorce petition
5. A divorced spouse survivor benefit can be as high as what percentage of the deceased ex-spouse's benefit? → 100%
6. How does a divorced spouse collecting benefits on an ex-spouse's Social Security record affect the ex-spouse's own benefit? → Does not affect it at all
7. When implementing insurance & benefits in divorce practices, what should CDA professionals prioritize? → Alignment with professional standards, stakeholder needs, and organizational goals
8. What is the minimum marriage duration required for a divorced spouse to receive Social Security survivor benefits on a deceased ex-spouse's record? → 10 years
9. In a community property state, how is marital debt generally treated in a divorce? → All marital debt is divided equally (50/50) between the spouses
10. What is a key principle of retirement & pension division in Certified Divorce Advisor practice? → Applying structured methodologies based on evidence and best practices
11. What should be included in a financial disclosure statement? → Income, debts, assets, and expenses
12. What is the maximum Social Security divorced spouse benefit as a percentage of the ex-spouse's full retirement benefit? → 50%
13. How should CDA professionals measure success in tax implications of divorce? → Using defined metrics, benchmarks, and regular evaluation against established goals
14. How should CDA professionals measure success in insurance & benefits in divorce? → Using defined metrics, benchmarks, and regular evaluation against established goals
15. Which federal benefit is NOT divisible as marital property in a divorce proceeding? → Social Security retirement benefits
16. How can a mediator handle a deadlock in negotiation? → Use techniques to reframe and encourage understanding
17. How does insurance & benefits in divorce contribute to professional excellence in CDA certification? → It enhances competency, improves outcomes, and supports continuous professional growth
18. What is 'mediation' in the context of divorce? → Negotiation with a neutral mediator
19. What is a key benefit of mediation over litigation? → It is less adversarial and more cost-effective
20. How does real estate & asset division contribute to professional excellence in CDA certification? → It enhances competency, improves outcomes, and supports continuous professional growth
21. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a divorced spouse to collect Social Security on an ex-spouse's record? → The ex-spouse must have filed for their own benefits
22. What challenge is most commonly encountered in insurance & benefits in divorce within Certified Divorce Advisor practice? → Resistance to change and difficulty maintaining consistency across stakeholders
23. How can unresolved emotional issues impact divorce outcomes? → They may complicate and prolong the process
24. What is a common coping strategy after divorce? → Seeking social support
25. When implementing real estate & asset division practices, what should CDA professionals prioritize? → Alignment with professional standards, stakeholder needs, and organizational goals
26. How can a CDA help clients manage stress? → By providing support and resources
27. Under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA), military retirement pay in a divorce can be: → Treated as marital property divisible by state courts
28. What challenge is most commonly encountered in real estate & asset division within Certified Divorce Advisor practice? → Resistance to change and difficulty maintaining consistency across stakeholders
29. What is a 'custody evaluation'? → A psychological evaluation of parents and children
30. A divorced surviving spouse can begin receiving reduced Social Security survivor benefits as early as age: → 60 (or 50 if disabled)