We Chat Divorce Podcast

Most people would never start a cross-country trip without a map — yet that’s exactly how divorce begins for millions of people every year. In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan break down the concept almost no one talks about early enough: the financial divorce roadmap. Divorce is not just emotional — it is one of the largest financial transactions most people will ever make. Without a clear financial roadmap, decisions get made from fear, pressure, and incomplete information — and those decisions can cost you tens of thousands of dollars over time. Karen and Catherine explain what a real financial roadmap looks like, how it reduces conflict and legal fees, and why clarity — not speed — leads to better outcomes. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, rushed, or pressured to “just get it done,” this episode will help you pause, regain control, and make decisions that actually protect your future. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why divorce requires a financial roadmap, not just legal steps The most common “detours” that quietly destroy long-term financial security Why settling before accounts are verified is one of the biggest mistakes people make How emotions like fear, guilt, and urgency drive bad financial decisions The difference between reacting and negotiating with confidence Why most divorce conflict is actually about uncertainty, not money How a roadmap allows you to pivot when things change — without panicking Key Takeaways Divorce without verified financial information is gambling with your future Legal progress does not equal financial protection A roadmap is a decision tool, not a spreadsheet Preparation reduces conflict, legal fees, and regret You have the right to pause when information is missing Red Flags You’re Divorcing Without a Map You’re negotiating without seeing full statements You’re keeping expensive assets without knowing the true monthly cost You’re relying on verbal numbers or assumptions You don’t know what you need to live each month Your plan is “I just hope this works out” At My Divorce Solution, we call this roadmap the MDS Financial Portrait™ — a verified, structured view of your full financial landscape before permanent decisions are made. Because fear is expensive. Clarity is not. This episode is educational only and does not provide legal or tax advice. Always consult your professional team for guidance specific to your situation. Start with clarity: take the free Divorce Financial Assessment Share this episode with someone who’s starting divorce without realizing they need a map Join the MDS Community for expert guidance and live Q&A support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The holidays are supposed to be joyful — but when you’re navigating divorce, they can feel emotionally overwhelming, financially stressful, and deeply isolating. In this episode of Divorce Explored on the We Chat Divorce Podcast, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan have an honest, grounding conversation about how to survive the holiday season without falling apart — emotionally or financially. This is not a parenting episode. This is a human episode. Karen and Catherine normalize the reality that joy and grief often coexist during divorce — and explain why boundaries around money, time, energy, and expectations are essential right now. You’ll hear practical guidance, real personal stories, and clear permission to do the holidays differently this year. Why it’s normal to feel grateful and gutted at the same time How holiday expectations quietly increase financial stress during divorce The most important money boundaries to set before you say yes to anything Why “keeping up appearances” can cost you far more than you realize How to avoid holiday debt that follows you into January Thoughtful gift strategies that don’t require overspending Why co-parenting during the holidays is not a competition Time and energy boundaries that protect your nervous system How to say no — without guilt — to events that drain you Navigating the holidays with: Younger children, Adult children, or No children How forgiveness can be a gift to yourself, not a pass for others Why different holidays don’t mean bad holidays — just new ones How the financial and emotional choices you make in December show up in January You are not failing because the holidays feel heavy. Boundaries are not selfish — they protect your future and your stability. You don’t need to explain or defend your divorce to anyone. January will come, and preparation now creates confidence later. Choose one financial boundary and one emotional boundary to honor this season. Write them down. Keep them visible. That’s enough. At My Divorce Solution, we help you replace financial fear with clarity. Our process begins with a Lifestyle Analysis — real numbers, real insight, and a clear understanding of what you can afford before decisions are made. Learn how the MDS Financial Portrait™ gives you verified numbers, expert guidance, and a personalized roadmap to protect your financial future. 👉 Visit MyDivorceSolution.com We also invite you to join the MDS Community — a free, supportive space with live Q&As, expert guidance, and conversations with people who truly understand what you’re going through. You don’t have to do this alone. If this episode resonated with you, please like, follow, share, and leave a comment. Your experience may be exactly what someone else needs to hear. Take a breath. Protect your peace — and your wallet. Let knowledge be your power. In this episode, we cover:Key truths we want you to remember:Your simple holiday assignment:Need help navigating the financial side of divorce?Join the MDS Community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Narcissistic partners don’t just manipulate emotions — they manipulate money, security, and your sense of stability. In divorce, that mix is dangerous: fear clouds judgment, and confusion gets expensive. In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew (Legal Liaison) and Catherine Shanahan (Certified Divorce Financial Analyst) sit down with Dr. Onalee, an expert in narcissistic relationship dynamics, to break down what actually helps you recover — emotionally and financially — when you’re dealing with gaslighting, coercion, and high-conflict behavior. You’ll learn Dr. Onalee’s DONE framework (a 4-step recovery process), why “trying to win” arguments backfires with narcissistic personalities, and how verified financial clarity becomes the backbone that helps you stop reacting and start leading. How narcissistic dynamics show up as financial control, dependency, and fear Why people stay: the real role of financial paralysis (even when there’s money) The love-bombing → withdrawal cycle and why it keeps people hooked The counterintuitive strategy that protects your peace: neutrality, not engagement Why you don’t need to prove, protect, or defend your story to “flying monkeys” A practical mindset shift for long marriages: you’re not “too late” — you’re waking up A crucial divorce truth: you may not need to defend yourself socially, but you do need to prove assets with documents What to do if you’re afraid to ask for financial records or worried your spouse will find out you’re preparing Why “lawyering up” too early can pour gasoline on the fire — and what to do first instead Dr. Onalee teaches a simple framework to move from stuck to stable: D — Decide you’re done O — Look at the origin (the wound/pattern being triggered) N — No more (boundaries + detachment from proving yourself) E — Enjoy your life (rebuild identity, peace, and future) If you’re dealing with a high-conflict, narcissistic-leaning spouse, clarity is your leverage. When you know the numbers and have documents to support them, you stop negotiating from fear — and start making decisions that protect your future. Dr. Onalee specializes in helping people recover from narcissistic relationship patterns, rebuild self-worth, and create healthier relationships after high-control dynamics. She’s also the host of Coming Home with Dr. Onalee. Find Dr. Onalee: Instagram: @Dr.Onalee In this episode, we cover:Dr. Onalee’s DONE Method (the 4 steps)Key takeawayAbout Dr. OnaleeYouTube/Podcast: Coming Home with Dr. Onalee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen and Catherine sit down with Susan Guthrie—one of the nation’s leading family law attorneys, top divorce mediators, and a recent guest on the Oprah podcast—to break down the realities of navigating divorce in today’s turbulent economic climate. With inflation, job uncertainty, rising debt, and shrinking safety nets affecting families across the country, divorce has become more complicated, more expensive, and more emotionally overwhelming. Susan brings 35 years of experience to this conversation and explains why fear and confusion escalate when people attempt to negotiate or compromise without verified financial information. Together, Karen, Catherine, and Susan expose some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding mediation, financial disclosures, attorney roles, and the belief that a net-worth statement or Excel spreadsheet is “good enough.” They outline the critical need for accurate, neutral financial clarity—something the MDS Financial Portrait™ uniquely provides—to prevent stalled negotiations, runaway legal fees, and emotionally driven decisions that people regret later. Whether you’re considering divorce, preparing for mediation, or already working with an attorney, this conversation offers the actionable guidance needed to move forward with confidence, strategy, and peace of mind. Connect with Susan Guthrie Explore her podcast and resources: DivorceAndBeyondPod.com Use her new AI-powered episode search tool to find topics like alimony, gray divorce, co-parenting, and more. Resources Mentioned MDS Financial Portrait™⁠ — the gold-standard tool for financial clarity in divorce Free Financial Assessment — learn where you stand and what steps make sense MDS Community — expert-led Live Q&A events and support Ready to Take the Next Step? Whether you're just beginning the divorce process or have been stuck in uncertainty for years, financial clarity is your strongest advantage. Start with the Free Financial Assessment, explore the Divorce Financial Portrait™, and step into mediation or legal discussions with confidence—not fear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down with high-conflict divorce coach and post-separation abuse strategist Jackie Miller to talk about what it really looks like to divorce a narcissist, survive Crazy Town, and protect yourself from financial abuse during and after divorce. Jackie shares her story of a 16+ year emotionally and financially abusive marriage, how post-separation abuse showed up through the legal and court system, and why so many smart, successful women still feel “crazy” and powerless when trying to leave a controlling or narcissistic spouse. Together, we unpack how manipulation, false narratives, financial control, and threats of litigation are used to keep you spinning — and how nervous system regulation, financial clarity, and the right support team can help you reclaim your power, make smart financial decisions, and move forward. If you’re feeling stuck in a high-conflict divorce, being gaslit about money, or overwhelmed by attorneys, forensics, and financial documents, this episode will give you language, validation, and a roadmap for your next steps. About Our Guest – Jackie Miller Jackie Miller is a high-conflict divorce coach and post-separation abuse strategist who helps women and out-spouses disentangle from toxic relationships, reclaim their energy, and stop reacting to narcissistic manipulation — especially inside the family court system. A survivor of a 16.5-year emotionally and financially abusive marriage followed by a high-conflict divorce, Jackie blends lived experience, neuroscience, and practical strategy in her work. She is also the host of the podcast “Out of Crazy Town: Your Guide to Divorcing a Narcissist,” where she speaks directly to those navigating the chaos of narcissistic and high-conflict divorce. Connect with Jackie: Website: jackiemillercoaching.com Podcast: Out of Crazy Town – Your Guide to Divorcing a Narcissist (available on major podcast platforms) Instagram & YouTube: @outofcrazytown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The holidays can magnify every stress you’re carrying—especially if you’re quietly preparing for a separation, navigating financial uncertainty, or simply trying to hold things together one more season. In this special Thanksgiving episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan break down how to manage holiday emotions and protect your financial stability when divorce is on your mind or already underway. With decades of combined legal and financial expertise, the co-founders of My Divorce Solution (MDS) help you understand what really matters right now: ✔ Staying grounded ✔ Avoiding financial mistakes that follow you into the new year ✔ Keeping perspective when emotions run high ✔ Knowing what spending today means for your marital estate tomorrow This episode delivers clear, actionable insights to help you move from stress to strategy—because clarity is power, especially during the holidays. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your brain isn’t wired to make you happy — it’s wired to keep you safe. During divorce, that “safety system” often looks like fear, guilt, second-guessing, and staying stuck in situations that no longer serve you. In this powerful episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down with neuropsychologist and therapist Isabelle Ulenaers, creator of the UNTAMED™ Framework, to unpack how your brain and nervous system respond to divorce — and how you can rewire fear so you can move from survival mode into self-trust. Isabelle explains why your brain treats divorce like a “lion attack,” how the amygdala, fight-flight-freeze response, and window of tolerance affect your decisions, and why so many women feel guilty for wanting to leave a relationship that “looks fine on paper.” Together, they explore silent divorce, gray divorce, burnout, numbness, and the subtle ways we abandon ourselves to keep the peace. You’ll also hear how daily grounding practices, nervous-system regulation, and practical financial clarity can calm your brain’s alarm system so you can prepare for divorce with a clear mind — instead of letting fear, urgency, or guilt drive the process. This episode is a roadmap for anyone who feels stuck, scared, or unsure whether they’re “allowed” to want more from their life, love, and money story. Resources Connect with Isabelle Ulenaers to learn more about her work, the UNTAMED™ Framework, and how she supports ambitious women through divorce and major life transitions. https://www.isabelleulenaers.com/ https://www.instagram.com/isabelle.ulenaers/ Turn Fear into Financial Facts with My Divorce Solution Visit MyDivorceSolution.com to learn how the MDS Financial Portrait™ gives you a verified, complete view of your marital estate so you can calm financial fear with facts and make confident settlement decisions. https://mydivorcesolution.com/ Join the Free MDS Community: https://community.mydivorcesolution.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rebranding Divorce: The Post-Divorce Growth Cycle—Radical Self-Care, Money Confidence, and Community Founders Mimi Sullivan and Carolyn Bilyak of Rebranding Divorce join Karen and Catherine to unpack the Post-Divorce Growth Cycle—a practical framework that helps women move from survival to confidence through radical self-care, money clarity, and healthy relationships. We discuss why community accelerates healing, how nervous-system awareness changes your money story, and why clear financial data—not emotion—drives better post-divorce decisions. Key Takeaways Clarity compounds: build confidence in one pillar (money or self-care) and the others strengthen. Regulate, then calculate: calm the nervous system so you can actually work the numbers. Community beats isolation: safe spaces prevent ruminating, revenge-energy, and rushed decisions. Data protects you: verified financials reduce mistakes, regrets, and legal costs. Growth is cyclical: each pass through the cycle allows deeper work (from budgeting → investing, from rest → purpose). If you’re thinking about divorce—or already in it—and want fact-based financial clarity, start with our Free Financial Assessment. Then use the MDS Financial Portrait™ to see verified numbers, disclosures, and your settlement options so you can move forward with confidence. Have a question for Karen & Catherine? Email: wechat@ck11.net Resources & Links Rebranding Divorce — ⁠rebrandingdivorce.com⁠ Free MDS Financial Assessment — ⁠https://myfinancialportrait.com/⁠  MDS Community (Free) —⁠ https://community.mydivorcesolution.com/⁠ MDS Financial Portrait™ — a verified, flat-fee roadmap to divorce financial clarity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thinking about divorce mediation? Before you walk into the room, ask yourself one question: What exactly are you mediating if you don’t even know what you have? In this episode of Divorce Explored, Karen Chellew (Legal Liaison) and Catherine Shanahan, CDFA® (Certified Divorce Financial Analyst) from My Divorce Solution reveal the most common — and most costly — mistake they see every week: people going into mediation without complete, verified financial information. They’ll show you why financial clarity is the strategy, and why mediation is just a tool. What You’ll Learn: ✅ Why “just mediating to get it over with” can cost you thousands later ✅ The real difference between asset division and spousal support ✅ How a “55/45 split” can be misleading (and not actually in your favor) ✅ How to avoid the pressure of signing after 10+ hours at the table ✅ When to say “I’m not ready” — and why that’s your legal right ✅ How the MDS Financial Portrait™ prepares you for mediation with facts, not fear. Before You Mediate: 1) Verify all assets and debts (not just what someone says out loud) 2) Confirm income for both parties 3) Know your realistic support range 4) Review property division scenarios 5) Identify your non-negotiables 6) Get your MDS Financial Portrait™ to organize it all About My Divorce Solution: Founded by Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan, CDFA®, My Divorce Solution has helped over 15,000 families navigate divorce with financial confidence and clarity, saving over $1M in legal costs using their signature process — the MDS Financial Portrait™ Start with their free Financial Assessment, then get your verified Financial Portrait™ to walk into mediation empowered, informed, and prepared. 🌐 Website: https://mydivorcesolution.com 👥 Join our free Divorce support community: https://community.mydivorcesolution.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down once again with the inspiring Jessica Frew—wife, ex-wife, mom, stepmom, podcast host, and now author of Shove Your Shoulds. Jessica shares how her unique journey through divorce, co-parenting, and remarriage has shaped her mission to help women step out of overthinking and into powerful decision-making. Jessica opens up about: Navigating divorce after discovering her husband was gay—and why she chose to stay married for several years after knowing. How she and her ex built a co-parenting relationship rooted in respect and friendship, putting their daughter first. Why letting go of “shoulds” frees us from shame and judgment, allowing space for clarity and confidence. The power of informed, intentional choices—whether staying, leaving, or rebuilding life after divorce. Why confidence comes not from having all the answers, but from taking action, one step at a time. Karen, Catherine, and Jessica also discuss how financial clarity—through tools like the MDS Financial Portrait™—helps women face uncertainty with strength, whether they decide to stay married or divorce. Knowledge is power – facing your reality (financial and personal) allows you to make empowered decisions. Be willing to pivot – life may not go as planned, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still be good. Let go of the shoulds – true confidence comes from action, not perfection. Learn more about Jessica and grab her new book Shove Your Shoulds: shoveyourshoulds.com Follow Jessica on Instagram: @heyjessicafrew Explore the MDS Financial Portrait™: mydivorcesolution.com We Chat Divorce is brought to you by My Divorce Solution, the #1 resource for financial clarity during divorce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Divorce Explored episode of We Chat Divorce, MDS co-founders Catherine Shanahan, CDFA®, and Karen Chellew, Legal Liaison, reveal how common financial shortcuts can cost divorcing couples thousands—sometimes hundreds of thousands—of dollars. From so-called “honesty policies” that skip verification, to misclassifying home-sale proceeds as income, to cashing out retirement accounts too soon, Catherine and Karen unpack the real impact of assumptions, missing documents, and misunderstood advice. They’ll show you why verified data—not verbal promises—is the only way to protect your financial future. Whether you’re preparing for mediation, negotiating a settlement, or already divorced, this episode will help you spot red flags before they turn into regret. You’ll Learn How To: Identify the red flags that signal financial shortcuts in divorce Understand when assets ≠ income in support calculations Avoid costly mistakes when dividing or liquidating retirement accounts Confirm accurate valuation dates and tax implications Use the MDS Financial Portrait™ to model real cash flow before you sign Resources Mentioned Free MDS Financial Assessment – discover your starting point The Divorce Financial Portrait™ – verified data = financial clarity MDS Community – connect for support and education Listen & Subscribe - Follow We Chat Divorce on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for weekly financial divorce insights that turn fear into focus, focus into knowledge, and knowledge into power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What really happens behind the scenes at a divorce law firm? In this eye-opening episode of We Chat Divorce, co-founders Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down with Attorney Kirk Stange, Founding Partner of Stange Law Firm, to uncover the truth about how family law really works—from the attorney’s side of the table. Kirk has guided clients through divorce for more than 20 years, leading a firm with offices across 30 states. He joins Karen and Catherine for a candid conversation about what makes a great divorce attorney, why so many clients lose trust in the legal process, and how preparation and financial clarity can change everything. Together, they discuss: What makes a lawyer truly good at family law Why some attorneys avoid going to trial (and what that means for you) How judges pressure lawyers to settle cases The real story behind billable hours and “winning” in divorce Why financially prepared clients make better decisions If you’ve ever felt frustrated or confused by your attorney—or just want to know how to work smarter with one—this episode will change the way you see the legal side of divorce. 👉 Learn how the MDS Financial Portrait™ gives you the clarity and confidence to protect your future and collaborate effectively with your attorney. mydivorcesolution.com Hosts: Karen Chellew, Legal Liaison & Co-Founder of My Divorce Solution -and- Catherine Shanahan, CDFA®, Divorce Financial Specialist & Co-Founder of My Divorce Solution Guest: Kirk C. Stange, Founding Partner & President, Stange Law Firm 🌐familylawrepresentation.com | stangelawfirm.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re over 50 and quietly wondering whether to stay or go, you’re not alone. In this episode of We Chat Divorce: Divorce Explored, My Divorce Solution co-founders Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan, CDFA®, break down the real truths behind gray divorce—and why so many couples live in a silent divorce long before they ever make a decision. They share personal stories, client experiences, and the financial insights that can help you stop the emotional bleed and start building a plan. Whether you’re thinking about divorce, living in financial fog, or simply craving clarity, this conversation will help you move from confusion to confidence. You’ll learn: What a silent divorce really looks like—and how to recognize if you’re in one The biggest financial mistakes people make in gray divorce Why clarity—not conflict—should guide your next steps How to use the MDS Financial Portrait™ to see your complete financial picture Why Step Zero (getting organized) is the most important part of your divorce journey About We Chat Divorce Hosted by Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan, CDFA®, co-founders of My Divorce Solution, We Chat Divorce explores the financial, emotional, and practical sides of divorce so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Learn more about The MDS Financial Portrait™:https://mydivorcesolution.com/financial-portrait  Join the MDS Community for guidance, resources, and support:https://mydivorcesolution.com/community Listen to more episodes: https://mydivorcesolution.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🚨 The Hidden Cost of Toxic Love 🚨 Why is it so hard to leave someone who hurts you? And how do trauma bonds show up in divorce — emotionally and financially? In this episode of We Chat Divorce, hosts Catherine Shanahan, CDFA® and Karen Chellew, Legal Liaison, sit down with Dr. Nadine Macaluso — therapist, author of Run Like Hell, and survivor of one of the most infamous toxic marriages in modern history. Dr. Nadine was once married to the real-life “Wolf of Wall Street,” a chapter of her life portrayed in the blockbuster film. Together we explore: 💔 What a trauma bond really is (and why it’s so hard to break) 💰 How toxic love often comes with financial abuse and control 🚩 Red flags to spot early in relationships 🔥 Why leaving can feel like pulling the fire alarm 🌱 How to protect yourself — emotionally and financially — in divorce Dr. Nadine shares her story of survival and transformation, and how she now helps others break free from trauma bonds and reclaim their power. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Nadine: Website: drnadine.com Instagram: @TheRealDrNadine Book: Run Like Hell Resources from My Divorce Solution: Learn about the MDS Financial Portrait™ → https://mydivorcesolution.com/ Join our supportive Community → https://community.mydivorcesolution.com/ ✅ Subscribe for weekly episodes of We Chat Divorce — the #1 podcast for financial divorce preparation and empowerment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make — but what happens when that decision collides with divorce? In this episode of We Chat Divorce, co-founders Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan dive into the risks, timing, and financial implications of purchasing real estate during divorce. They share a real client story where a “protective clause” in a sales contract turned out to be anything but protective, highlighting how emotions, timing, and the wrong assumptions can create long-term financial consequences. You’ll learn: Why feeling “protected” isn’t the same as being legally and financially protected The hidden risks of using retirement accounts or insurance loans to fund a property purchase How buying too soon can complicate your divorce settlement and negotiations Why waiting (even when it’s hard) can sometimes be your best financial strategy How the MDS Financial Portrait™ helps you make confident, informed decisions before signing any major contract Whether you’re tempted to buy a new home right now, or just want to understand how real estate fits into the divorce process, this episode offers the clarity you need to move forward wisely. Share them with us — we’d love to hear your story. Know someone navigating these same challenges? Send them this episode. Have questions about real estate decisions during divorce?  Email us WeChat@CK11.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Karen and Catherine talk with Tina Keyes, a Florida Supreme Court certified family mediator and divorce coach. Tina shares how her own family experiences led her to create a Kids First mediation model, designed to reduce conflict and keep the focus on families—not legal battles. We cover what pro se mediation really means, how to know if it’s the right fit, and why coming prepared—both financially and emotionally—is the key to success. Key Takeaways What pro se mediation is and who it works best for Why Tina avoids 8-hour “marathon” sessions and instead uses short, focused meetings How to prepare for mediation: from parenting plans to verified financial data The importance of putting kids first throughout the process Why making decisions based on facts, not emotions, leads to better long-term outcomes About Our Guest Tina Keyes is a Florida Supreme Court certified family mediator, certified divorce coach, and co-parenting specialist. She is also certified in trauma-informed practice, special needs divorce, and high-conflict co-parenting. Through her Kids First Mediation framework, Tina helps families reduce stress, save money, and make child-focused decisions. Learn more: floridadivorcemediation.com Kids First program: kidsfirstmediation.com Resources Prepare for mediation with the MDS Financial Portrait™: mydivorcesolution.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful and timely episode, Karen and Catherine discuss what really happens when you’re blindsided by divorce—whether through infidelity, unexpected papers, or emotional betrayal—and why your first step should not be calling a lawyer, but gaining financial clarity. They break down the emotional chaos that can follow the shock of divorce and offer a different approach: one grounded in calm, informed decision-making. Drawing from their personal experiences and years of professional insight, Karen and Catherine explore how the MDS Financial Portrait™ can provide structure and security in the most destabilizing moments. What You’ll Learn: The emotional toll of being blindsided—and how to pause before reacting Why rushing to a lawyer can be financially dangerous without preparation How the MDS Financial Portrait™ gives you clarity on what you own, owe, and deserve Real-life examples of how emotional decisions in divorce can backfire financially Why understanding the scope of professionals like forensic accountants or attorneys is critical How to regain control and create a smart, sustainable path forward—even in crisis If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or caught off guard by divorce—this episode is for you. Get the clarity you need to make empowered decisions. Visit mydivorcesolution.com to learn more about how we help you prepare financially for divorce with confidence and peace of mind. Loved this episode? Share it with a friend, subscribe for weekly insights, and leave us a review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Divorce isn’t just a legal or financial process—it’s an emotional one. In this powerful episode, Karen and Catherine are joined by Virginia Gilbert, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and author of Transcending High Conflict Divorce, to talk about a topic most people don’t expect to encounter during divorce: grief. Together, they explore: The emotional toll of divorce grief—even if you’re the one initiating it Why grief can leave you feeling financially stuck or frozen The real reason some spouses feel guilt or shame about asking for financial clarity How emotional reactivity can sabotage financial decisions The pressure many women feel to hold on to the family home The myths and realities of “nesting” after divorce How to move from emotional reactivity to radical acceptance—and why it matters Virginia also shares her own story of navigating a high-conflict divorce, how that experience reshaped her career, and why she believes divorce can be a transformative experience—if you're willing to do the inner work. Divorce grief is real—and it’s not linear. Expect to cycle through denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance (aka “DABDA”). High-conflict dynamics often carry over from the marriage into the divorce. Learning to disengage emotionally is essential. Financial empowerment starts with overcoming emotional roadblocks and becoming an active participant in your own decision-making. Letting go of control, identity, or even the family home can be one of the hardest—but most liberating—parts of healing. Radical acceptance doesn’t mean indifference. It means understanding what you can’t change and choosing how you’ll respond next. About Our Guest: Virginia is a licensed marriage and family therapist practicing in California, North Carolina, and Florida via telehealth. She specializes in helping people disengage from high-conflict exes and take their power back. She’s the author of Transcending High Conflict Divorce and leads therapeutic divorce groups for men and women navigating emotional entanglement and reactivity. Learn more: virginiagilbertmft.com At My Divorce Solution, we help clients move from emotional overwhelm to financial clarity. If you're navigating divorce grief, remember: your healing starts with knowing. And your financial empowerment begins with preparation. Explore the MDS Financial Portrait™, our verified divorce preparation tool, at MyDivorceSolution.com Key Takeaways: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re wrapping up Divorce Summer School with real-world examples from the divorce frontlines. In this episode, Karen and Catherine walk through true-to-life financial case studies to show how preparation, clarity, and the right support can completely transform the divorce experience. You’ll hear what went right, what went wrong, and what you can do differently—so you don’t become a cautionary tale. What You’ll Learn: Why “simple” divorces can still go financially off the rails The cost of emotional decision-making (and how to avoid it) Real examples of how the MDS Financial Portrait™ changes outcomes How one couple saved thousands by getting clarity before hiring professionals The questions that could have saved others months—and tens of thousands of dollars Send us your story or question: wechat@ck11.net. We may share lessons from it in a future episode. Get your Financial Portrait™ started at mydivorcesolution.com Join our community for tools, support, and real-life insights Thank you for joining us for Divorce Summer School! Catch up on all 6 episodes and begin your journey to financial clarity and smart decision-making in divorce. Free Resources: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week in Divorce Summer School, we’re breaking down a popular article: “7 Things to Do ASAP When Your Spouse Wants a Divorce” from MSN & Money Talks News—and giving you the MDS-approved version. Karen and Catherine go tip-by-tip to explain what advice holds up, what you should reconsider, and what most people get wrong when panic sets in. If you’re unsure how to respond when divorce is suddenly on the table, this episode will help you shift from reaction to strategy. Why hiring an attorney might not be your first step How to run a credit report (and why your score isn’t enough) What “entitled” really means in divorce—and why mindset matters How to protect your assets without escalating conflict Smart, emotionally aware ways to talk to your kids What financial clarity actually looks like (and why it changes everything) Start your financial assessment at mydivorcesolution.com Next Week on Divorce Summer School: “Real Life, Real Numbers – Unpacking Financial Case Studies in Divorce.” What You’ll Learn:Free Resources: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices