What It Means: Divorce Coaching As a Recognized Dispute-Resolution Process

Dispute resolution isn’t just for lawsuits, mediation, or arbitration. According to the American Bar Association’s own “Dispute Resolution Overview,” divorce coaching is included among the formal processes designed to help people navigate conflict and transition. As the ABA puts it:

“Divorce coaching is a flexible, goal-oriented process designed to support, motivate, and guide people going through divorce to help them make the best possible decisions for their future, based on their particular interests, needs, and concerns.” (American Bar Association)

That recognition matters – for clients, it means divorce coaching is not a fringe concept, but a legitimate and respected approach to divorce support. For CDC Certified Divorce Coaches®, it means you are entering a field acknowledged at the highest professional level as a viable dispute-resolution path. In practical terms, this recognition shapes how coaching is perceived, utilized, and respected across legal and support networks.

A Broader Definition: What Is Dispute Resolution?

The ABA defines “dispute resolution” broadly: a set of processes—outside traditional courtroom litigation—used to resolve conflicts, disputes, or claims across many arenas: family, business, employment, environment, and more.

Dispute resolution processes are often preferred because they can be:

• Quicker and more flexible than court litigation.
• Less formal and less adversarial, allowing for more personal input and control over outcomes.
• More focused on the unique needs, needs and interests of individuals – not a one-size-fits-all judgment.

By recognizing divorce coaching as one of these processes, the ABA underscores that coaching can play a legitimate and supportive role – whatever legal or mediation structure a divorcing couple chooses.

What This Means for Clients & Coaches

For Clients: More Options, More Empowerment

• Access to a safe guiding hand: Divorce coaching offers a nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their values, priorities, boundaries, and what a healthy future might look like.
• Greater control over process and outcome: Because dispute-resolution methods tend to be more flexible, clients have more say in how, when, and with whom they resolve their issues.
• Support across different divorce paths: Whether clients choose litigation, mediation, collaborative divorce, or a hybrid approach, a divorce coach can support emotional clarity and realistic decision-making.
• A buffer between stress and action: Divorce often brings intense emotions. A divorce coach helps clients manage overwhelm before stepping into meetings, negotiations, or legal proceedings – enabling better decisions under pressure.

For A CDC Certified Divorce Coach®: A Credible, Vital Role

• Legitimacy: With the ABA’s recognition, coaches aren’t fringe actors – they are legitimate professionals in the dispute-resolution ecosystem.
• Collaboration-friendly: Coaches can work alongside attorneys, mediators, financial planners, therapists, and other professionals without conflict. The client gets a full team of support.
• Ethical clarity: Because divorce coaching is defined as a process supporting decision-making (not providing legal advice or litigation strategy), it complements – rather than competes with – traditional legal or mental-health services.
• Purpose-driven work: Coaches guide clients toward healthy, sustainable outcomes – helping families emerge stronger, more stable, and more peaceful.

Why It Matters – Especially Now

As divorce rates and divorce-related stress continue to affect families across the country and around the world, the need for compassionate, professional support is more pressing than ever. Divorce coaching provides an avenue that’s not just about contract division or custody – it’s about people, families, healing, and hope.

Because the ABA recognizes divorce coaching as a dispute resolution process, it becomes easier for attorneys, mediators, and mental-health professionals to recommend coaching – and for clients to access it without stigma or confusion.

For the team at CDC Certified Divorce Coach®, this recognition is a powerful validation of our mission: to empower coaches to help clients navigate divorce with dignity, clarity, and compassion.

Ready to Be Part of the Solution?

If you believe in helping people find peaceful, thoughtful resolution during one of life’s most challenging transitions, becoming a CDC Certified Divorce Coach® may be the calling you’re looking for. With our training program, you’ll be prepared to support clients in mediation, collaborative divorce, litigation prep, or wherever their journey leads – always grounded in respect, clarity, and empathy.

Learn more and schedule a free call with one of our founders: certifieddivorcecoach.com

Let’s work together to bring clarity, calm, and compassion to divorce – the kind of dispute resolution that truly puts people first.

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