CDS Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which document formally initiates divorce proceedings in most U.S. states? → Petition for dissolution of marriage
2. Ambiguous loss in the context of divorce most commonly refers to: → Grieving a spouse who is still physically present but emotionally absent
3. Somatic symptoms commonly associated with divorce-related stress include all of the following EXCEPT: → Improved immune function
4. What is a common psychological issue faced by individuals after divorce? → Loneliness and depression
5. Research on gender differences in post-divorce adjustment indicates that compared to divorced women, divorced men are more likely to: → Remarry quickly and have larger social support networks
6. What is a 'marital settlement agreement' (MSA)? → A written contract between divorcing spouses resolving all issues of their divorce
7. Which of the following best describes 'parental alienation syndrome' concerns in a divorce context? → A pattern where one parent manipulates the child to reject the other parent
8. What is the significance of peer review in case documentation & evidence management for CDS professionals? → It promotes accountability, knowledge sharing, and quality improvement
9. What is the significance of peer review in interview techniques & communication for CDS professionals? → It promotes accountability, knowledge sharing, and quality improvement
10. Why is financial stability important during a divorce? → It can help alleviate anxiety about the future
11. What ethical consideration is most relevant to ethical obligations & professional conduct in CDS practice? → Maintaining confidentiality and acting in the best interest of stakeholders
12. Which of the following is typically NOT a ground for fault-based divorce in U.S. states that still recognize fault? → Career incompatibility
13. Which documentation practice is most important for legal frameworks & regulatory standards in the CDS field? → Maintaining complete, accurate, and timely records
14. A client who insists on litigating every minor divorce issue despite high costs is most likely driven by: → Unresolved grief and a need for control or continued connection
15. After a divorce is finalized, which beneficiary designations should be reviewed and updated immediately? → Life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and any payable-on-death accounts
16. Under IRC Section 1041, what is the tax consequence when one spouse transfers appreciated property to the other spouse incident to divorce? → No gain or loss is recognized by the transferor
17. What is the purpose of a 'survival clause' in a divorce settlement agreement? → It ensures the agreement remains valid even after the death of one party
18. In Certified Divorce Specialist, what role does ethical obligations & professional conduct play in ensuring client/stakeholder satisfaction? → It builds trust through demonstrated competence and consistency
19. A Certified Divorce Specialist is asked to mediate between two attorneys representing their clients. This is known as: → Representative mediation
20. Which concept requires a spouse to have lived in a state for a minimum period before that state's courts can grant a divorce? → Residency requirement
21. What is a 'QDRO' (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) used for in divorce? → Dividing retirement plan benefits between divorcing spouses without tax penalties
22. Which technology trend is most likely to impact ethical obligations & professional conduct in the CDS field in coming years? → Digital tools for enhanced data collection, analysis, and reporting
23. How can the emotional well-being of a spouse be maintained during a divorce? → Seeking professional counseling or support groups
24. How should a CDS professional handle a situation where case documentation & evidence management protocols conflict with practical constraints? → Document the conflict and seek guidance from appropriate authorities
25. Under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), which state typically has jurisdiction over a child custody case? → The child's home state, where the child has lived for at least six months
26. How does continuing education relate to legal frameworks & regulatory standards for CDS certified professionals? → It ensures professionals stay current with evolving standards and best practices
27. What is a common challenge professionals face when applying ethical obligations & professional conduct principles in Certified Divorce Specialist? → Balancing theoretical knowledge with practical application
28. In a parenting plan, what does a 'right of first refusal' clause typically require? → A parent to offer the other parent childcare before using a third party
29. What is the role of a lawyer during mediation? → To provide legal advice and ensure the client's rights are protected.
30. When property is transferred between divorcing spouses under IRC Section 1041, what tax basis does the recipient (transferee) take in the property? → The transferor's adjusted basis (carryover basis)