The Divorced Girl Smiling Podcast

Are you in divorce litigation that you think might end up going to trial? If so, this is a great episode for you. My guest is divorce attorney, Richard Lebovitz, who gives us a look into what happens during a divorce trial. He also offers tips on preparing for trial and what you should and shouldn't do during the actual trial. 

It can feel so hurtful and painful when your ex starts dating someone so quickly after you separate--even if you are the one who wanted the divorce. My guest in this episode is Karen Covy, Divorce and Decision Coach, and we talk about what you might be feeling and how you can cope-especially how you can get your mindset to a place where you still make good decisions in the divorce.

Why would someone fear their spouse in a divorce? Possible reasons include: increased conflict, the spouse is acting like a bully, or he or she could get physical. My guest in this episode is high conflict divorce coach, Cherie Morris, and we talk through all of these possible reasons, and then offer advice on how to handle your fears. Read the article Cherie wrote on this topic here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/im-afraid-of-my-husband-particularly-who-he-might-become-in-the-divorce/

Do you feel like your ex might be hiding money in the divorce? If so, you might be considering hiring a forensic accountant. My guests in this episode are Catherine Shanahan, CDFA® and Karen Chellew, Co-founders of My Divorce Solution, who explain what exactly a forensic accountant does, and talk about when and when you don't need one. 

Financial advisors and CDFAs, Pete Mullins and Lauren Connelly share 4 questions they get asked often when working with people facing divorce. This episode will empower you and help you understand how financial planning can help you get a better divorce outcome and feel more in control of your money. 

Have you ever gotten an email and you just don't know how to take the tone of it? Is the person angry? Written communication can be tricky, especially when it comes to divorce. My guest in this episode is divorce mediator, Brian James, who offers tips for writing emails and sending texts to your ex during and after divorce. These might be game changers for the outcome of your divorce, and for your co-parenting relationship.

Every divorce is hard. But what happens when your faith community doesn't support your decision to end your marriage? That's what happened to author, Alisha Roth, a young mother with 4 children at the time. Alisha is our guest, and she shares her story, along with tips for those in this situation. By the way, the book is called "Courageous Divorce" and I read it in 3 days! 

The financial aspect of a divorce can be the most stressful part of this major life transition. Who better than to offer money management tips than my guest, Financial Divorce Coach, Hirsch Serman? These are game changers in helping you feel more calm and organized. 

If you are considering divorce, you have probably been thinking about it for a long time-months or even years. Making the decision to divorce takes time and a lot of thought. But there's something else that might help you make the best decisions for you and your kids: planning. My guest in this episode is NY based divorce attorney, Andrea Friedman, who talks specifically about the kind of planning that will help you make those really important decisions--everything from financial and real estate to parenting plans and lifestyle.

Parenting plans can be tricky. You don't want to have everything set in stone, yet you need to make sure there is structure. My guest in this episode is divorce mediator, Erik Feig, who offers tips on creating healthy parenting plans to benefit both parents and kids. 

Want to know the key to being successful in divorce mediation? According to my guest in this episode, the answer is: setting goals. David Louis is a divorce mediator, who talks about the importance of both the mediator and the participants in setting goals before each session. David also offers tips on how to determine the goals. 

Gray divorce continues to be on the rise. Why? We tell you in this episode. My guest is Divorce, Relationships and Life Coach, Michèle Heffron and we get into what to expect in a gray divorce, as well as tips for those in it or who are about to be in it. Read Michèle's article on the subject here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/gray-divorce-what-it-is-why-its-different-and-how-to-move-through-it-well/

Are you going through a divorce with teens, college-age kids or young adults? If so, this is a great episode for you, as my guest, Therapist, Fabianna Laby gives us a look into what these kids might be feeling, and how you can make things easier for both them and yourself. 

Financial decisions are so important in divorce, and oftentimes, people make mistakes for two reasons: they make the decisions with their emotions and they don't have the support they need to help them make decisions. My guest in this episode is Julia Shteynberg, Money Coach, who lists the three biggest mistakes she sees divorcing women make, and offers advice on how to correct them. 

Dating is hard for everyone. But it can be even more challenging if you are a high-achieving woman. We are talking about successful, driven, happy, healthy women who are constantly saying how hard it is to meet someone. My guest is Relationship Coach and Hypnotherapist, Mina Yang who has a lot to say to high-achievers on the subject of dating! And hypnotherapy? It's not what you think at all! Follow Mina on Substack: https://minayangtrue.substack.com/

The marriage of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce has everyone excited and happy, but while we hope their marriage lasts forever, the reality is, what happens if it doesn't? My guest is Divorce Attorney, Jeffrey Lance Abood, who talks about prenups, and the importance of mediation in a high-profile, high-asset divorce.  

Sometimes after going through a divorce, people lose sight of what a healthy relationship looks like. Maybe you've been treated so poorly in your marriage, you don't even remember what it feels like to be in a relationship free of toxicity. My guest in this episode is divorce recovery therapist, Juli Walton, LCPC, and she offers a look into what "healthy" is in relationships. We also offer tips for your for your next relationship. Read Juli's article on this subject here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/healthy-vs-unhealthy-relationships-how-to-recognize-the-difference/

This episode is a comprehensive discussion about child support and the issues that can come up in a divorce case. My guest is divorce attorney, Debbie Cohen, who answers so many questions you might have. Read Debbie's article on this subject here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/child-support-what-every-divorcing-parent-needs-to-know/

A divorce could be going relatively well, but the dynamics can dramatically change when one person gets into a relationship. This happens often, and we want to help you manage your feelings and make good divorce decisions, despite the hurt you are going through. My guest is Divorce Attorney, Sandra Fava, who has advice both for the person who is in the new relationship and the person whose ex just got involved with someone new. Read Sandra's article on this subject here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/when-a-new-relationship-during-divorce-changes-everything/

Marriage isn't easy. But how do you know if divorce is the right option or if you are just so exhausted that you don't feel capable of making that decision? Maybe it can work if the two of you get some help. Or, maybe divorce is the best solution at this point. My guest in this episode is Dr. Ginny Wright, Discernment Counselor Master Practitioner, who offers advice on how to figure out what's really best. Read the article on this topic here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/am-i-truly-done-with-this-marriage-or-just-exhausted/

"Who am I now?" "What am I supposed to do?" These questions are often asked by those facing divorce and after divorce. My guest in this episode is Women's Empowerment Coach, Shannon McGorry, who helps women figure out a path to a happy, healthy life forward. We talk about values and choices that will help you shape what you want and how you live your life from this day forward. 

When going through a divorce, it's really easy to think about yourself since you are in so much pain. It's also easy to not realize the pain your kids are in, as well. My guest in this episode is Divorce Mediator, Michael Cohen, and we are coming from the kids' perspective in this episode, and highlight what they want from their parents in the divorce. Read Michael's article on this subject here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/what-your-children-want-from-your-divorce/

If you are intimidated by finances, and/or have never managed money, or even if you have, but you have no idea what your life is going to look like after divorce, this is a great episode for you! My guest is Financial Advisor, Amanda Campbell, and we are all about empowering you, helping you feel worthy of your wealth, and making financial decisions that lead to a happy, healthy post-divorce life! Read the article on this subject here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/financial-empowerment-female-power-and-universal-truths-about-women-and-money/

Want to know what a huge mistake in divorce looks like? Go into mediation without planning your strategy. I did that and it wasn't good. My guest in this episode is divorce attorney and author, Katherine Miller. Katherine explains what a divorce strategy looks like, and offers tips on how to build yours. 

Going back to work during or after divorce can feel scary, especially if you haven't worked in awhile or are getting into a new field. My guest in this episode is Financial Advisor and Divorced Mom, Joanne Litman, and Jo and I have both walked the walk! We stayed home and went back to work when our kids were older. We share our stories and the benefits we saw when going back to work, and we offer tips on job searching. 

What's the difference between a getting a really good divorce outcome, and not getting the outcome you wanted? According to my guest, the difference lies in whether or not you have a divorce team. My guest is Luke Sauter, a personal financial specialist, and we talk about what a divorce team specifically does, and why your lawyer can do his/her job better with one. We also talk some "fast ones" your ex might try to pull during the divorce, as well as gray divorce. 

How many times have you heard someone say, "Change your mindset?" I actually love these words, and believe mindset is responsible for a happier, healthier life.  My guest is David Fletes, a divorced dad and CA based real estate professional, who has tips for changing your mindset during and after divorce. If you want to be inspired and feel like you have control over your happiness and success, this is a great episode for you.

Two words that can send anyone into a panic attack: budgeting and investing. My guest in this episode is Leah Hadley, a divorce mediator and financial counselor who specializes in helping women become empowered financially during and after divorce. Leah breaks these two words down and offers tips to help you understand what you need to do to feel calm and confident when it comes to your money. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/budgeting-and-investing-for-divorced-women/

Feeling like you don't know who you are anymore? My guest in this episode is Gaynor Mielke, a life, parenting and business coach, who says the reason this happens is because people don't realize how intertwined love, family and business are. Gaynor and I talk about the benefits of taking ownership of who you were meant to be, and how to combine love, family and business in your everyday life. 

There are countless decisions to be made during divorce, and oftentimes, people feel indecisive because of emotions like fear, anger and stress. My guest in this episode is Trina Nudson, who is the founder of BeH20, a coparenting program and BeAligned, an app, both which are tools to help you coparent better and make better decisions during the process. 

In divorce, do you know what the biggest advantage you can have is? EDUCATION. My guest in this episode is Kimberly Miller, JD, who is the founder of PartWise, her divorce education platform. Kimberly lists the 5 most searched questions on PartWise, and then gives the answers, along with tips for a better divorce outcome. Read the article Kimberly wrote on this subject here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/5-divorce-questions-people-are-asking-right-now/

Taxes stress everyone out, but what if you are getting divorced and there are tax issues involved? Double the stress! My guest in this episode is Patrick Wanzer, CPA and Tax Representation Consultant, who talks about tax issues that can arise in divorce and what you can do. 

When going through a divorce, it's easy to suffer when it comes to self-worth, joy and peace. My guest in this episode is Energetic Wellness Coach, Lauri Stern, who talks about how to get these three things back. Her tips are practical and inspiring!

"Sneaky divorce tactics" is a heavily searched term, which is why we decided to address it in this episode. My guest is Orange county based divorce attorney, Marc Garelick, and Marc reveals 5 sneaky divorce tactics he's seen in his lengthy legal career. You might be shocked when you hear the things people try to get away with, so we hope we can help you be aware and handle it if it happens to you! Read the article Marc wrote on this subject here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/4-sneaky-divorce-tactics-in-a-high-conflict-case/

What are "the firsts" in divorce? The first holiday you spend without your ex, your first birthday divorced, the first time you meet his new girlfriend, etc. My guest in this episode is divorce coach, Mardi Winder, and Mardi and I talk about the firsts, what you might be feeling and how to handle it. 

Have you read "Strangers" by Bell Burden yet? My guest in this episode, divorce coach, Jenine Marie Powell has read it and so have I, and we are discussing it in this episode. We are particularly talking about trauma and betrayal that can happen in divorce. Read Jenine's article about this, too!: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/what-the-viral-memoir-strangers-by-belle-burden-teaches-us-about-divorce-trauma/

This episode is all about filing for divorce. What does it actually mean when you file? Are there benefits to filing first? Should you tell your spouse you are planning to file? Colleen Breems, divorce attorney and partner at Beermann is my guest in this episode and she answers these questions and so many others you might have. Read the article she wrote on this subject here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/filing-for-divorce-what-women-need-to-know-beforehand/

In this episode we are celebrating the awesomeness of single parents! My guest is Ron Platt, co-Founder of the National Association for Single and Divorced Families (the NASDF) and we talk about the challenges and benefits of being a single parent, as well as tell our own personal stories.

This episode is dedicated completely to gray divorce-divorce over 50. My guest is Florida divorce attorney and mediator, Anthony Diaz, and we talk about the issues in a gray divorce, and how to set yourself up for the best possible post-divorce life. 

Are your wedding rings sitting in a drawer? Why? What do you plan to do with them? If nothing, that's OK. But we're going to give you some options and some things to think about. My guest is Anne Gabel, co-Founder of MJ Gabel diamond and jewelry buyers, the company I sold my rings to in 2011. Anne tells some really good stories and offers advice to those who just don't know what to do with their rings or how to go about selling.

If you are getting divorced and you have kids, this is such an important episode. My guest, Tiffany Hughes, is a divorce attorney, a GAL, and a mom, who gives us a look into what your kids might be thinking and how to handle it. Read the article on this subject here!

If you have cryptocurrency (or you suspect your soon to be ex has it), telling your divorce attorney about it is good, but not enough. Ryan Settle is the founder of his cryptocurrency auditing and valuation firm, and he says he's seen divorce attorneys make mistakes involving finding and valuating crypto in a divorce case. He's here to talk about it and offer advice!

She stayed with her partner too long, and tragically, he murdered her. This is the Chicago domestic violence case everyone is talking about. My guest is Divorce Attorney, Liz Felt Wakeman, and we discuss the case, along with tips for those facing domestic violence.

It's one of the most common questions people ask a divorce attorney in their initial consultation: How much is this going to cost? My guest in this episode is Divorce Attorney, Catherine Becker Good and we are breaking this down by talking about all the factors that go into the cost of divorce.

This episode is dedicated specifically to the topic of divorce litigation. My guest is Virginia Divorce Attorney, Lu Aloupas, and we are diving into the divorce process, explaining what exactly happens, who it's for, who it's not for, and of course, the positives and negatives. 

I can't imagine how difficult it would be to figure out a custody schedule for a dog in the divorce! Karis Nafte's career is dedicated to finding solutions for pet owners going through a divorce. We discuss some different custody options in this episode.

Are you divorcing a narcissist? Even if the person isn't a true narcissist (meaning he/she has been diagnosed), people getting divorced can show narcissistic tendencies, given the stressful, scary situation. My guest in this episode is divorce attorney and partner, Renee Read, who talks about divorcing a narcissist from the legal perspective. Renee offers some great tips to help minimize costs and get the best possible outcome.

As everyone gets older, I'm starting to see posts on Facebook and other social media outlets about an ex passing away. This has got to be so painful, so my guest and I decided to address it in this episode. My guest is high conflict divorce coach, Cherie Morris, and Cherie and I talk about what people might be feeling and thinking, and things you can do to help yourself and of course, your kids.

It's one of the biggest issues in so many divorce cases: Should I or can I afford to keep the house? Stacey Ellison is a CDLP® and a Divorce Mortgage Planner, who lists 5 myths about keeping the house in your divorce. 

That first Mother's Day during divorce can be so emotional! That's why my guests and I (we are all divorced moms) decided to talk about the emotions you might be feeling as the day approaches. My guests are Mimi Sullivan and Carolyn Bilyak, co-founders of Rebranding Divorce-The Ready for More Community, and we have so many wonderful nuggets of advice that will help you feel less stressed and even excited for Mother's Day and other holidays during and after divorce.