This is a consequence of chord symbols being attached to beats, not to entries.

It is nice that you can attach chord symbols to all four beats in a measure that only has a whole note, but you get the problem of overlapping chord symbols.

I am sure there will be a fix in a later Finale version, but for now you can try these two steps:

1) Document Options - Music Spacing

Select the Chords check box.

2) In the measure with the whole note, add four quarter rests.

You can add the quarter rests in Voice 2 of the same layer, or in another layer - it does not matter.

Hide the quarter rests.

Apply Music Spacing.

Update Layout.

I tried 1); it didn't help.

2) is the "good old" work-around (before you could add chords to beats; just notes) and it sort-of works as a work-around; but it is not perfect.

I hope for a fix in a future version!

I agree: if Finale has an avoid collisions (particularly one that includes a "chords" checkbox) it should actually avoid chord collisions (barring someone having locked the system of course).

… I tried 1); it didn't help …

You need to do both the two steps.

- Also, in Document Options - Music Spacing, you must select Hidden Notes.