The Divorced Girl Smiling Podcast

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.

It's really hard. You go from being married to acting like strangers, or even worse, enemies. Ever wonder why your ex is being so cold and mean? My guest in this episode is divorce attorney turned divorce and decision coach, Karen Covy. We address the reasons he/she is acting the way they are and we offer advice on what to do.

Every divorce is difficult, but when you add infidelity into the mix, things can get more heated. That means legally, as well. My guest in this episode is Texas based divorce attorney, David Heiman, who explains how an affair can impact a divorce case. David also offers advice to those who are in this situation.

It's a pretty scary thought: You're thinking about divorce or going through one, and you're not sure if you will have to split your inheritance. That's what this episode is all about. My guest is New Orleans based divorce attorney, Zara Zeringue, who offers a look into this very important aspect of divorce and offers advice on keeping what you feel is yours!

When it comes to divorce, one of the most stressful aspects is the house: should we sell it? Should we rent? should we buy a new place? Realtor, Real Estate Collaboration Specialist-Divorce, and Certified Divorce Specialist, Megan Sullivan is our guest, and she explains some of the mistakes she's seen divorcing couples make in a divorce and how to avoid making them. 

Is my ex hiding cryptocurrency? That's a question divorcing people are asking more and more lately, as crypto investments continue to grow. My guest in this episode has been a crypto expert for over a decade. His name is Chris Groshong and he's the founder of her company, Coinstructure. Chris offers advice on finding crypto, as well as the importance of making sure it's valued accurately. 

"The 5 Love Languages" is a famous book by Gary Chapman. In this episode, my guest, Divorce Coach, Justin Milrad and I talk about the 5 love languages, as they pertain to your divorce. Our discussion might help you feel validated, and understand what went wrong, and what you can do to make your future relationships better!

We all want the same things for our kids: we want them to be self-confident, loving, and emotionally healthy, right? My guest in this episode is divorce attorney, Sharon Oberst DeFala, who has been working with divorcing families for decades. Sharon shares her wisdom and insight about how to ensure your kids grow up healthy and happy, even during divorce and of course, after divorce.

Feeling like your kids are blaming you for the divorce? Feel like they think Dad can do no wrong? My guest in this episode is Kristen Noel, Divorce Coach and Co-founder of The Intuitive Divorce. We talk about how you might be feeling and what you can do. 

Emotional support is so important during and after divorce. That might mean many things, including therapy, friends, family, or a divorce coach. Debra Alper is a Divorce and Recovery therapist, who says support groups are the way to go to have an overall much better divorce experience, and to have a happy, healthy life after. Learn more by listening or read the article on this subject here!

If you are thinking about divorce or going through one, this episode will help you see mistakes others have made both in the mediation and litigation processes. My guest is divorce attorney, Megan Beck, who offers her expertise based on former clients. We hope it will help prevent you from making these mistakes! 

Divorce can feel stressful, sad and scary. But have you ever thought about the upside of this huge life transition? Brian James is a divorce mediator, and our discussion focuses on the opportunities divorce creates to rediscover yourself. We also offer tips on how to create a life you love after divorce.

What is an amicable divorce? People often think if you are in a financially complex divorce that it's impossible to be amicable in the process, but that's actually not true. My guest is Erin Bodendorfer, divorce attorney and partner at Katz & Stefani, and she offers us a look at amicable divorce: what that means, what it looks like, and tips if you want to try to have one.

When you finally get to the place where you have a divorce agreement, it can feel like a huge relief. But before you sign on the dotted line, there are certain things you shouldn't overlook. My guest is Karen Chellew of My Divorce Solution, the well-known financial preparation platform for divorce, and Karen offers 5 things you should not overlook. 

This is a comprehensive discussion about child support and spousal support, also known as Alimony, or Maintenance. My guest is  Minnesota based divorce attorney, Kathryn Murphy, who explains what these are and answers questions you might have.

If you have questions related to the financial aspect of your divorce, you are going to love this episode! Financial Divorce Advocate and CDFA®, Sue Plisch lists some common questions people getting divorced have, and then offers her advice on each one. Our goal is to empower you financially!

Are you going through a divorce and menopause or perimenopause at the same time? Oftentimes, this is the case, and women don't know if a change in hormones might be the cause of their unhappiness in the marriage, or if the marriage is causing the unhappiness in their life. My guest in this episode is Brittany Baker, LCSW and therapist, who talks about menopause and perimenopause, and how hormone changes can affect a marriage and contribute to divorce. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/divorce-menopause-or-perimenopause-when-life-transitions-collide/

Every divorce is difficult, but can you imagine getting divorced as a celebrity or someone who is in the public eye? It brings a whole new set of issues to the table. My guest in this episode is Jeff Abood, a divorce attorney who has represented many high-profile clients. He talks about what the issues are, and how to handle them. Also included: the benefits of mediation for high-profile divorce. 

Going back to work after divorce? Or, are you going to start dating soon? Perhaps you just feel like you need a makeover for your closet. This is such a fun and interesting conversation about the power of what you wear, and how it can help your self-confidence and make you feel beautiful, especially after divorce. My guest is Suzanne Bernie, a personal stylist who has worked with Rod Stewart and Elizabeth Hurley!