Divorce Dialogues

Divorce recovery isn't about getting over your marriage. It's about building something new after it.In this episode, Ronald Platt, CEO of the National Association for Single and Divorced Families (NASDF), talks about what actually happens once the paperwork is signed and the legal process ends.Most people prepare for the legal side of divorce for months, sometimes years. Almost no one prepares for what comes after. Ronald walks through the real challenges that show up once the ink dries: learning to live alone, coordinating a co-parenting relationship you never planned for, rebuilding a sense of community, and figuring out who you are outside the marriage. He also shares his own story of financial collapse and personal reinvention after his divorce, and what it taught him about getting through the hardest stretch of a life transition.Tune in for a grounded, hopeful conversation about why divorce is the start of a new chapter, not just the end of one, and what it actually takes to build a life you recognize as your own.In this episode, you'll learn:Why the hardest part of divorce often begins after the legal process ends;How to rebuild community and connection when isolation sets in;What healthy co-parenting requires that most people don't expect; andWhy rushing into a new relationship can keep you repeating old patternsHighlights:(00:00) Meet Ronald Platt(02:38) What people are least prepared for after divorce(03:52) Learning to live alone again(04:53) Why isolation hits men and women differently(06:22) Co-parenting and staying connected for your kids' sake(09:11) Why rushing into a new relationship can backfire(12:14) Rebuilding your finances after a shared household(14:42) Overcoming the fear of loneliness and putting yourself out there(19:18) Why this generation struggles to connect in person(20:08) What kids need most during the transition(22:07) The most common mistake: overcompensating instead of showing up(23:22) Finding hope when the future feels uncertain(27:25) The one belief about divorce recovery you need to let go ofAbout our guest, Ronald PlattWebsite: https://www.nasdf.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronald-platt-a6b49016/ About Divorce Dialogues and Miller Law GroupKatherine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ Miller Law Group: https://miller-law.com/More on her book “The Emotionally Savvy Divorce” at: https://katherinemiller.com/book/

Think the divorce was the hardest part? Wait until you hear this.In this episode, BF Empowerment CEO Barbara Parker, relationship coach, licensed mental health therapist, and author of A Powerful Divorce, walks through what it actually takes to rebuild after a marriage ends, not just the legal paperwork, but the identity, trust, and boundaries that have to be reconstructed from scratch.Barbara argues that divorce rarely announces itself as one clean decision. There's the legal process, yes, but underneath it sits an emotional, financial, and spiritual unraveling that most people don't see coming until they're in it.She talks openly about her own divorce, the mistakes she made assuming a low-cost dissolution would be enough, and how that experience shaped her work helping clients recognize the childhood patterns and blind spots that led them into unhealthy relationships in the first place.Tune in for a conversation about why healing after divorce isn't about getting back to who you were, but discovering who you're becoming, and why the people who thrive are usually the ones willing to reconnect with themselves first.In this episode, you'll learn:Why the legal process is often the easiest part of divorce, not the hardest;How childhood wounds and family patterns quietly shape who we choose to love;The financial and safety planning that has to happen before someone can safely leave; andWhat actually separates people who stay stuck from people who rebuildHighlights:(00:00) Meet Barbara Parker(02:50) What inspired Barbara to write A Powerful Divorce(05:04) The emotional, financial, and spiritual aftermath nobody warns you about(07:16) How family of origin creates blind spots in relationships(08;59) The financial realities of leaving, including safety planning for domestic violence(12:09) What separates the people who thrive from the people who stay stuck(20:50) The biggest boundary mistakes people make during and after divorce(26:05) The Reframe: why "I'll never love again" isn't true(27:09) A client's transformation from crisis to thrivingAbout our guest, Barbara ParkerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/queenblparker/ BF Empowerment Center: https://www.bfempowerment.comAbout Divorce Dialogues and Miller Law GroupKatherine's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/Miller Law Group: https://miller-law.com/More on her book "The Emotionally Savvy Divorce" at: https://katherinemiller.com/book/

Divorce is a financial restructuring, but most people only treat it as a legal battle.In this episode, Gabriella Martinelli, divorce financial strategist and founder of Ever After Wealth, sits down with Katherine and breaks down why financial decisions made during divorce are so hard to get right, and what it takes to make them well.Gabriella's central argument is deceptively simple: divorce is a high-stakes financial restructuring disguised as a legal event, constantly hijacked by emotions. The problem isn’t rooted in people being irrational; it's that they're being asked to make permanent financial decisions while living through temporary emotions.Tune in for a conversation about what financial clarity actually looks like during divorce, why money is a tool and not a prize, and how understanding your numbers can shift you from fear-driven decisions to ones that build toward the life you actually want.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why financial fear during divorce is rarely about the money itself;How emotions override even the most experienced, successful decision-makers;What to do first if you have no idea where your finances stand; andHow a clear financial plan changes the way you negotiate—and the outcome you walk away withHighlights:(00:00) Meet Gabriella Martinelli(03:00) Why divorce doesn't walk through the door alone(06:12) Permanent decisions, temporary emotions(09:58) What financial fear is really about(13:00) How information replaces anxiety(17:00) When emotions override business owners and executives(22:05) Where to start when you don't know your numbers(25:14) What separates people who feel empowered from those who stay stuck(26:01) A real case: from "just say yes" to a successful counter-offer(29:35) The mindset reframe that changes everything(31:15) What surprises Gabriella most after years in this workAbout our guest, Gabriella MartinelliWebsite: everafterwealth.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellamartinelli-divorce-financial-strategist/  About Divorce Dialogues and Miller Law GroupKatherine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ Miller Law Group: https://miller-law.com/More on her book “The Emotionally Savvy Divorce” at: https://katherinemiller.com/book/

Most divorce conversations center on paperwork, parenting plans, and finances. The loneliness fathers carry through that process rarely gets a seat at the table.In this episode, Andrew O'Brien, founder of Dad Tribes, talks openly about what men actually go through when a family separates — the silence of an empty house, the loss of a social life that was built around a relationship, and the quiet guilt of feeling like your needs shouldn't take up space. Andrew is living it in real time: he moved into a new home days before this conversation was recorded, six kids and a minivan's worth of belongings in tow.Together, Katherine and Andrew get into why so many fathers wait years — sometimes a decade — before leaving a relationship they know isn't working, why anger becomes the default emotion when men don't have community to process what's happening, and what it actually looks like when a dad finds his people again.This is a conversation about what fathers need to hear before, during, and after divorce — and why the support they build around themselves matters as much to their kids as it does to them.In this episode, you'll learn:Why "if my kids are happy, I'm happy" is a mindset that backfires — on the kids and the father;What happens emotionally when the social life a couple built together disappears overnight;Why men often stay in relationships far longer than they should, and what keeps them there;How to take the first steps toward rebuilding community after separation; andWhat children actually gain when their fathers stop pretending everything is fineHighlights: (00:00) Meet Andrew O’Brien and Dad Tribes(05:48) Rebuilding from Nothing: Andrew's Own Separation (08:26) Why Isolation Is the Biggest Hidden Struggle (13:12) When Men Are Treated Like an ATM (14:44) How Loneliness Shapes Parenting During Divorce (15:53) How to Start Rebuilding Community (18:21) A Father's Emotional Health and a Child's Wellbeing (20:11) Common Misconceptions About Divorced Fathers (23:12) What Every Father Should Know Before Divorce (24:25) Reframing Divorce as an Expansion, Not a Breaking (25:37) What Happens When Dads Finally Find Their PeopleAbout our guest, Andrew O’BrienWebsite: https://www.dadtribes.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-obrien-dad-tribes/ About Divorce Dialogues and Miller Law GroupKatherine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ Miller Law Group: https://miller-law.com/More on her book “The Emotionally Savvy Divorce” at: https://katherinemiller.com/book/

Your settlement agreement is signed, but what happens if the money stops coming?In this episode, divorce financial specialist Jeff Landers returns to break down one of the most overlooked risks in divorce: the fragility of alimony and child support. Death, disability, a job wiped out by a failing industry can make court-ordered support disappear overnight. And most settlement agreements offer no protection against any of them.Jeff has worked on over 1,000 divorce cases nationwide and rarely sees disability insurance included in a settlement. He explains why that gap exists, what it costs families when it goes unfilled, and how to think about financial protection before you sign, not after.The conversation moves beyond insurance mechanics into the real decisions people face: how to build a realistic post-divorce budget, why the receiving spouse should own the life insurance policy, when keeping the house actually works against you, and why rushing to finalize an agreement because you're emotionally exhausted is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make.Tune in for a practical, grounded conversation about securing the deal you worked so hard to negotiate and making sure it actually holds.In this episode, you'll learn:Why alimony and child support are far more fragile than most people assume;The difference between group disability insurance and the private coverage that actually protects support payments;How to calculate the right life insurance coverage amount — and why a made-up number in the settlement agreement doesn't cut it;What "present value" means and why it matters when protecting future financial obligations; andWhy the time to get insurance in place is during negotiations, not after the divorce is finalized.Highlights:(00:00) Meet Jeff Landers(02:31) How fragile is support, really?(05:19) Death, disability, and what the courts can and can't fix(07:53) The homeowners insurance analogy(09:55) Who carries the most risk (and why)(13:14) Get the policies before the divorce is final(13:23) Most common financial mistakes in divorce(19:04) Making life insurance less intimidating(20:43) How to calculate the right coverage amount(22:11) Understanding present value without the math panic(23:14) What people wish they'd known sooner(25:06) The reframe: financial protection as peace of mindAbout our guest, Jeff LandersJeff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefflanders/ Hello Monthly Income: https://hellomonthlyincome.com/ About Divorce Dialogues and Miller Law Group Katherine's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/Miller Law Group: https://miller-law.com/ More on her book The Emotionally Savvy Divorce at: https://katherinemiller.com/book/

Divorce is often framed as a battle, something to survive or endure. But what if it could be something you approach with intention, clarity, and respect? In this episode, Katherine Miller is joined by Karen McNenny, who not only is an advocate for Family Centered Divorce Reform, but is also an author, speaker, and the founder of The Good Divorce Academy. Together, they challenge the typical narrative of divorce and offer a fresh perspective: divorce as a tool of transformation. Through Karen's insights, explore how the mindset you bring to the divorce process can shape not just the outcome, but how you experience it. Karen shares her philosophy of a "good divorce"—one that honors both individuals, protects the family structure, and allows for a peaceful future, especially for those with children. They discuss how we can break away from adversarial thinking and instead focus on creating a positive, cooperative post-divorce life. If you’re navigating the complexities of divorce or know someone who is, this conversation provides clarity and actionable insights to approach this transition with intention and care. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How to approach divorce with intention rather than reaction; - The key difference between surviving and doing divorce well; - Why focusing on family before finances can lead to better outcomes; and - How to transform conflict into collaboration for the future of your family Highlights: (00:00) Meet Karen McNenny (02:45) What Is a Good Divorce? (07:30) Divorce as a Tool for Transformation (10:36) The Impact of Mindset on Divorce (15:11) The Importance of Communication Before the Legal Process (23:40) Preserving Family Integrity Post-Divorce (29:51) Managing Emotions and Staying Grounded During Divorce About our guest, Karen McNenny Website: https://www.karenmcnenny.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gooddivorcecoach/ Listen to the Good Divorce® Show: https://www.karenmcnenny.com/good-divorce-show/ About Divorce Dialogues and Miller Law Group Katherine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ Miller Law Group: https://miller-law.com/ More on her book “The Emotionally Savvy Divorce” at: https://katherinemiller.com/book/

Divorce can turn your financial world upside down, but it doesn't have to stay that way. In this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Katherine Miller is joined by Kimberly Palmer, a personal finance expert from NerdWallet and the author of “Smart Mom, Rich Mom.” Together, they dive deep into the financial challenges that come with divorce, offering practical advice to help you regain control of your finances. Kimberly offers a judgment-free approach, guiding individuals to build a sustainable, grounded financial future that supports their life and goals. She emphasizes taking small, manageable steps and aligning financial decisions with personal values, which is especially vital when dealing with the intense emotions of divorce. This empowers people to not only grasp the financial figures but also to establish a secure foundation. This conversation provides clarity, reassurance, and actionable steps to help you move forward with confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Practical steps to rebuild your finances after divorce and regain control over your money; - How to shift your mindset to confidently manage finances on your own, even if you weren’t previously involved; - The importance of aligning your financial decisions with your core values for long-term stability; and - Common mistakes to avoid and how to break down financial tasks into manageable steps for clarity and confidence. Highlights: (00:00) Meet Kimberly Palmer (02:29) How divorce disrupts women’s financial plans (04:44) The impact of historical money lessons on divorce (08:05) Creating a cashflow statement for financial clarity (09:55) Taking small steps to tackle financial overwhelm (11:27) Common financial mistakes during divorce (13:23) Balancing long-term goals with short-term financial stress (17:07) Building financial confidence after being less involved (19:03) Redefining financial identity after divorce (20:19) Overcoming money shame and seeking support (22:18) Rethinking budgeting to align with your values (23:52) Stories of women successfully rebuilding financially post-divorce About our guest, Kimberly Palmer Website: https://www.nerdwallet.com/ Download the app for resources from NerdWallet: https://tinyurl.com/2u3c9fhx LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyspalmer/ Kimberly Palmer is a personal finance expert at NerdWallet. She is also the author of three books about money: "Smart Mom, Rich Mom," "The Economy of You" and “Generation Earn.” About Divorce Dialogues and Miller Law Group Katherine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ Miller Law Group: https://miller-law.com/ More on her book “The Emotionally Savvy Divorce” at: https://katherinemiller.com/book/

"Kids have large antenna on their heads that you can't see, but they're always scanning for information, and that is information that is picked up very easily." - Lisa Herrick Dr. Lisa Herrick, a renowned family therapist and collaborative divorce coach, has nearly twenty years of experience guiding families in the Washington, D.C. area through the complex transition period of separation and divorce. She emphasizes that this transition varies greatly among individuals, depending on their resilience and specific circumstances, and underscores the importance of allowing adequate time for adjustment, adaptation, and recovery. Dr. Herrick advocates for honest and respectful communication between co-parents, particularly when introducing new partners to children, to minimize confusion and build trust. Drawing from personal experience, she highlights the intricate dynamics involved in shared family activities post-divorce, such as spending holidays together, and the necessity of preparing new partners for their roles within a blended family to foster a healthy and harmonious environment. Key Takeaways: ->The period of time required for individuals and families to adjust, adapt, and recover from separation and divorce is crucial. ->Nesting during divorce involves sharing living space, household responsibilities, and potential implications for future relationships. ->It is important to go slow when introducing children to new romantic partners after divorce. Lisa Herrick emphasizes the importance of preparing new partners for interactions with children and ex-spouses in blended families. ->Lisa and Katherine emphasize the benefits of waiting for the right moment to introduce shared holidays and dinners in a blended family. Connect with Lisa Herrick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-herrick-009a6128/ https://lisaherrick.com/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/