Divorce Confidential

Learn the secrets of tax-efficient wealth growth with our expert guest, Brian Evans, CPA/PFS, the visionary behind Madrona Financial Services and Bauer Evans CPAs!   Join us on the latest episode of Divorce Confidential as Michele, Amy, and Brian explore 'Tax Strategies for Growing & Maintaining Your Wealth.'   Learn from a leading wealth planner and senior portfolio manager about maximizing your financial potential through savvy tax planning. Grab this chance to gain invaluable insights into enhancing your financial health and securing a prosperous future.    #TaxEfficiency #WealthGrowth #DellinoFamilyLawGroup #SmartFinance #DivorceConfidential #InvestmentInsights #PodcastInsights

Unlock the secrets to financial growth with 1031 Exchanges & DSTs!

Traveling with your children after divorce can be a challenge, but it's also an opportunity to create new memories and experiences. Our hosts, Michelle and Amy, are here to provide you tips and insights to help make your trip more memorable and stress-free.   Divorce can make it challenging to travel with your children, but it's still possible to have a great time by following a parenting plan and communicating effectively with your co-parent.   If you're planning a trip with your children, tune in to this episode for helpful tips and advice!   #podcast #divorce #coparenting #familydynamics #coparentingplan #FamilyLaw #Seattle #Washington #separation #divorceattorney #DivorceSeason #FamilyCourt #Travelingwithkids

Moving on after divorce can be a challenging journey, but our hosts, Michelle and Amy, are here to provide invaluable insights.   Discover the best time to introduce a new partner into the household, tips for adjusting to a new family system, and how to navigate this emotional process with grace and resilience.   Whether you're contemplating a new relationship or seeking ways to adjust to changes, our podcast has the stories, situations, and advice you need.   Tune in for all the information and insight on healing and finding happiness after divorce!   #podcast #divorce #movingon #relationshipadvice #familydynamics #divorcetips #divorceadvice #FamilyLaw #Seattle #Washington #separation #divorceattorney #DivorceSeason #FamilyCourt #DivorceSupport #EmotionalHealing #Resilience

In this episode, Michelle and Amy delve into the importance of mediation as a peaceful and collaborative alternative to traditional litigation. Discover how Mediation empowers couples to make informed decisions, find common ground, and create customized solutions for their unique circumstances. Learn about the different types of mediation, its benefits, and how it can help navigate complex issues such as child custody, asset division, and spousal support. Gain practical insights and expert advice on how to maximize the effectiveness of mediation for a smoother divorce process.   Whether you are considering divorce, going through one, or simply interested in alternative dispute resolution methods, this episode is a must-listen.   Tune in now on our podcast platform or visit the link in our bio to access the episode. Don't forget to subscribe and share with anyone who may find this information valuable.

In this episode, Michelle and Amy sit down to shed light on the role of CPS, their responsibilities, and the legal considerations involved. Explore common misconceptions, discuss the process of investigations, and provide practical advice on how to navigate CPS involvement effectively.   Whether you're a parent, guardian, or simply interested in understanding the complexities of child protection, this episode is a must-listen.

Divorce can bring about various financial considerations, especially when it comes to supporting your children. In this episode, Michelle and Amy dive into the intricacies of child support in Washington State, covering topics such as calculation methods, modification processes, enforcement, and more. Whether you're seeking guidance on establishing child support or exploring options for modification, this episode is a valuable resource to help you navigate all of the complexities. Tune in to our podcast to gain insight, tips, and real-life stories that might be useful for you!

Tune in for our conversation with licensed therapist, and founder of Better You Seattle, Melissa Rosenberg, LICSW. We met with Melissa to discuss the challenges and complexities of navigating the divorce process.   Divorce can be a highly emotional and stressful experience, but with the right guidance and support, you can make it through to the other side. Whether you're just starting out or in the middle of the process, we cover everything from deciding whether you want to pursue divorce, setting up a support system, and how to handle the grief from separation.   Our goal is to demystify the divorce process and empower you with the knowledge and resources you need to make informed decisions and protect your peace. Listen to this episode for practical tips and more info.    Learn more about Melissa and connect with her by visiting the Better You Seattle website. Melissa focuses on working with clients who are experiencing emotional distress, adjustment challenges, or communication difficulties. With over 15 years working in mental health, she offers an abundance of experience and a strengths-based, solution-focused perspective to her work with clients.

Going through a divorce can be tough, and things can get even more complicated when there are children involved. Parenting plans are designed to outline custody arrangements and responsibilities for each parent, but sometimes, modifications are necessary due to changes in circumstances. In this episode, Michelle and Amy discuss the process of modifying parenting plans, including when and how to do it, what factors the court considers, and how to ensure your child's best interests are protected. If you think you need to modify your parenting plan, or just want to learn more about the topic, tune in to our podcast to gain insight, tips, and real-life stories that might be useful for you! #podcast #divorce #parentingplans #modifyingparentingplans #familylaw #familycourt #coparenting #divorcewithchildren #custodyarrangements #childcustody #childsupport #legaltips #divorcesupport #parentingtips #podcasting #coparenting101

Michelle and Amy sit down for a conversation about the day-today stresses you can encounter while in the middle of a high conflict divorce. Divorce is never easy and navigating a high-conflict divorce can often feel like an endless battle. If you are struggling to manage the day-to-day stress, know that you are not alone. Michelle and Amy are here to help you find the tools and support you need to get through this challenging time. Join them as they delve into coping strategies, co-parenting tips, and insights to help you not just survive, but thrive. Explore how to let go of what's not within our control, prioritize self-care, and build a brighter future for you and your family. Tune in, and get all the information, insight, and more!

Michelle and Amy sit down for a conversation about community property and demystify some concepts and misunderstandings some of you may have about it. Going through a divorce can be a difficult and emotional process, and understanding community property laws can add to the stress. In community property states, any assets or debts acquired during the marriage are considered joint property and must be divided fairly in the divorce settlement. It's important to understand that community property laws don't necessarily mean that everything will be split down the middle. Rather, the goal is to reach a fair and equitable division of assets and debts. Factors such as income, earning potential, and contributions to the marriage will be considered when determining how property will be divided. If you have any questions or concerns about how community property laws apply to your specific situation, it's important to consult with a lawyer who can provide guidance and help protect your rights. Listen to the different stories, situations, and tips that might be useful for you! Tune in, and get all the information, insight, and more

Michelle and Amy sit down for a conversation about feeling unsafe during a divorce process and what you can do to protect yourself and your family from potential harm.    Going through divorce is stressful enough, but when you are faced with harassment and potential danger, this can hinder you from having peace of mind that you deserve during this time and can eventually affect your everyday life. Find out what signs to look for and how you can avoid escalating the situation. Listen to the different stories, situations, and tips that might be useful for you!    Tune in, and get all the information, insight, and more! 

Michelle and Amy sit down for a conversation about different types of divorce. Nobody wants to go through a divorce. But if you're seeing yourself heading towards one, it would be best to know what type of procedure would you want to be in, what you can expect from that, and what you should do when you find yourself in certain situations. Listen to the different stories, situations, and tips that they have for you! Tune in to learn more about what you need to prepare for family court and what you can expect. Get all the information, insight, and more!

Michelle and Amy sit down for a conversation about what happens when stories and facts get mixed up during family court settlements.   What happens when someone lies in family court, whether it's in your divorce or a parenting plan action that might be post-divorce. Listen to the different stories, situations, and tips that these experts have for you!   Tune in to learn more about what you need to prepare for family court and what you can expect.   Get all the information, insight, and more!

Michelle and Amy sit down for a conversation about high conflict divorce and how to deal with difficult parties during your settlement.   When it gets to a point where you have to know you have to end it, but feel like the other party will make it difficult for you, remember that it is very much possible and doable to leave a high-conflict marriage. Listen to the different stories, situations, and tips that these experts have for you! If you want to get the best case out of the situation, you want to make sure that you and your legal team outline what you want to achieve in your divorce settlement post-divorce. Bring in professionals to help you, prepare your resources, and get yourself ready. Tune in to learn more about what what you need to prepare for high conflict situations and what you can expect. Get all the information, insight, and more!

Michelle and Amy sit down for a conversation about how to deal with shared property as an unmarried couple. Whether you are in a long- or short-term relationship, unmarried people should only purchase property together when they have an agreement in place, and it's important to understand why! A Committed Intimate Relationship (CIR) in Washington State means something different than it does in other states. You may have property rights even if you are not married. So, when a CIR dissolves you need to know what to do next and how to deal with shared property. The easiest way to avoid messy situations down the road is to define the terms with a cohabitation agreement. In this episode, learn about when you should contact a family law attorney to draft an agreement, and why it is necessary to specify the terms up front to help save yourself from a contentious argument later on. Tune in to learn more about what happens when you buy property as an unmarried couple, and how to prepare yourself if the relationship dissolves. Get all the information, insight, and more!

Michelle and Amy sit down for a conversation to kick off the new year about divorce season and understanding the current housing market. The first quarter is called "Divorce Season" because more divorces are filed in this timeframe than are filed all year. It's important to understand why and what to do next. Maybe you've made it through the holidays but are thinking about taking action in moving on from your relationship. It's important to be deliberate with your choices and talk to someone about the needs of your circumstances. Or perhaps you've been served with divorce papers. If so, don't panic! Talk to an attorney right away and get a game plan together.  January is also a great time to bring your home to market, and now is a great time to buy! Interest rates are still up from where they were last year, but prices have gone down a bit. The frenzied market is over and things are getting back to a more balanced state. With less competition out there, now is a good time to invest. The market will always fluctuate, so talk to your real estate agent to understand what makes the most sense for your life choices. Tune in to learn more about Divorce Season and dive deeper into the current state of the housing market. Get all the information, insight, and more!  

Tune in for our conversation about how to manage your cash flow when you are going through a divorce. Michelle and Amy are joined by divorce cash flow strategist, and founder of Get Priorities Straight (GPS), Doug Peterson. Now is the time to take control of your money! Hear about all the things you need to consider to create cash flow clarity, and learn how to develop innovative spending and saving habits to gain financial peace of mind. Plus, get the tools and insight you need to take control, reduce stress, and gain insight into your financial situation so your funds support the priorities and values that drive you. Learn more about Doug and connect with him by visiting the Get Priorities Straight website (getprioritiesstraight.com). Get Priorities Straight (GPS) partners with you to create cash flow clarity, develop innovative personal goals. You can also schedule a meeting with Doug directly at schedulewithdoug.com.

Tune in for our conversation about second marriages, and the importance of talking about finances before getting married. Michelle and Amy are joined by founder of Sephton Financial, Donna Kendrick, CFP®, CDFA®. With interest rates on the rise, inflation at an all-time high, and in an uncertain economy, the role of financial planning is more important than ever! Hear about all the things you need to consider from a financial perspective before getting married. Plus, learn how families in transition can get clarity on their new financial picture and develop a plan that connects their future goals with their day-to-day life so that they can move forward confidently. Learn more about Donna and connect with her team by visiting the Sephton Financial website (sephtonfinancial.com). Donna focuses her practice on financial planning for families in transition. She is also a published author, and hosts her own podcast called Widow, Wisdom & Wealth™ with Donna Kendrick, where she covers all angles of financial planning.

Tune in for our conversation about Committed Intimate Relationships (CIR). Michelle and Amy sit down to discuss what happens when unmarried couples purchase real property and talk about everything you need to know! Learn about the ever-changing landscape of the housing market and what that means for unmarried couples that purchase property together. Get more information about cohabitation agreements and property rights. And understand why living together in Washington State means something different than it might mean in a different state.

Tune in to learn about our MeetUp Group - The Do's & Don'ts of Separation & Divorce. In this episode, Michelle and Amy discuss their monthly divorce MeetUp group and the different ways you can get involved.  The MeetUp events are either held in-person or virtually, and are a round table discussion / Q&A with our certified divorce advisory team! These events allow us to discuss different topics related to separation and divorce and offer participants the tools to navigate their way through those transitions in the best way possible. Every month we offer a place for you to get your questions answered in a safe, private environment.   Join our Do's & Don'ts of Separation and Divorce MeetUp group, check out the upcoming schedule of events, and learn more online here.

Tune in for our conversation with attorney Sarah J. Perez, Managing Partner of Perez & Perez Law PLLC. Michelle and Amy met with Sarah to discuss personal injury and victim representation, and learned about her fantastic all female team!    Sarah is part of the management team at Perez & Perez Law PLLC, and she represents personal injury and crime victims as well as business entity formation representation for real estate investors.   You can reach out to Sarah and connect with her by visiting Perez & Perez Law PLLC online here, or by emailing sarah@perezandperezlaw.com.

Don't miss this Divorce Confidential drop with business coach Brooke Ramstad discussing helping women get on their feet or take the next steps forward in business, life, and finding financial freedom. Brooke Ramstad is a Certified Professional Business Coach and Certified Exit Planner Advisor in Boise and works virtually serving clients everywhere. You can find her online and connect with her here.   To learn more about the books mentioned in this episode, click below. The Far Traveler, by Nancy Marie Brown.  The Price of Motherhood, by Ann Crittenden.

Don't miss this Divorce Confidential drop! This week Michelle and Amy met with Seattle attorney Ellery Johannessen of Johannessen Law PLLC to discuss important family law DON'Ts, valuing real estate in divorce cases, and Ellery and Michelle's current case involving a local celebrity and sex trafficking. So much in this episode!    Ellery is an east coast transplant and owner of a small firm in West Seattle.  His career has seen a steady blend of family and civil litigation, and his current practice features both of those areas.  His wife Stephanie also works with him doing estate planning. You can reach out to Ellery and connect with him by visiting Johannessen Law PLLC online here or emailing ellery@eaj-law.com

Don't miss this Divorce Confidential drop with attorney Catherine “Cat” Clark, discussing the big mistakes that divorce lawyers often make with real property and divorce documents, real estate law, and her incredible mentoring for Division I athletes! Catherine Clark is an attorney with over 39 years of experience in Seattle practicing real estate, commercial litigation, and appeals. You can find her online, learn more about Cat, and get in touch here.  

Don't miss this Divorce Confidential drop with business attorney Keil Larsen, discussing things business owners and people involved with startups need to know, Keil's non-traditional path to becoming a lawyer, and more. Keil Larsen is an attorney and experienced businessman with a practice focused on working with entrepreneurs, start-up clients, protecting business and personal assets, and more. You can find out more about Keil and connect with him here.

Don't miss this Divorce Confidential drop with criminal defense and record clearing/expungement attorney Stefanie Dorn discussing clearing old mistakes from your criminal record, dealing with a criminal case and a family case at the same time, and other need to know info! Stefanie Dorn is a criminal defense and criminal record conviction and expungement attorney in Seattle. She has been helping her clients clear their records to remove past mistakes and defend against criminal charges for over a decade. You can find out more about Stephanie and connect with her online here (attorneydorn.com).

This week's pod talks about all 4 ways to approach a divorce, and why picking the right type of divorce is essential! It might seem like the amicable way to do it is to skip the attorney, save the money, and do it yourself is the best way. Think again... Listen to Michelle and Amy's insight and learn why the DIY divorce might not end up being the best way to divorce, and why investing in your divorce is actually the wise way to handle divorce! Consulting with a professional ensures that you understand what your options are and really decide what the fair division of assets (and debt) are for your divorce.

Usually, lenders come on board after the divorce is finalized, limiting how a lender can help you when you are looking for the next steps in your real estate. Speaking with a lender before your final divorce settlement is beneficial. Cindy Scobee, Loan Officer of Team Scobee with Evergreen Home Loans joined us today to talk about why talking with a lender before your divorce is finalized is so important. Too many people wait to evaluate their options until after they are divorced, and are not happy with the options they have. These outcomes are preventable, and just take conversations pre-divorce to set you up for success after your divorce is finalized. Whether you plan to buy your partner out of the family home, sell the house, purchase a new home, all of these scenarios will require education from a lender to ensure that your divorce settlement sets you up for success post-divorce. The truth is that most people don't know what life looks like post-divorce and are scared to meet with professionals and end up with settlements that are not beneficial for them long-term post-divorce. They're concerned that meeting with a lender or real estate agent means they must sell the house or will be forced down a path they're not ready for. That's not the case. Your lender should also be willing to talk with your attorney. You deserve to have a team that works together on your behalf to make sure everyone is on the same page, advocating for the same outcome for you. Letting your lender know what's going on is helpful, but the truth is that your home buying needs will be focused on you purchasing this home. A lender will run your credit and talk with you about your income and determine what may prevent you from moving forward independently. You might need to figure out who's responsible for what balance and who will assume which debt. Things like this will be taken back to your attorney to address these in the divorce settlement. You'll need to think of things like, “how do you qualify for a home if you don't have income?” Maybe you'll be receiving spousal maintenance or child support but don't have employment income. These things need to be considered. If your attorney knows these things, they can advocate for you to ensure your income is such that you will be able to qualify indecently for a home after your divorce is finalized. Your lender is there to educate you, talk about your options, and help to support you in moving forward. There is no commitment to having a conversation about what it will take for you to make the right decisions on your homeownership journey. Don't be afraid to ask questions and figure out the right settlement for you and your life post-divorce.

One of the most challenging aspects of divorce is finances. How much money is there? Who gets what? Who is responsible for paying for what both during and post-divorce? How do we split things fairly? Most people have a deep concern for knowing that they will be okay after the divorce is over and they're on their own. This is where a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) comes in. A CDFA® professional can forecast the long-term effects of the settlement and help you put together a budget for 1, 5, 10, 20 years, and beyond to ensure that your divorce's financial outcome will help sustain and support each party through the divorce and beyond. We were thrilled to have Kimberly Muska, CFP®, CPWA®, CDFA®, of Cascadia Collaborative Divorce on our podcast today to talk about the value of understanding your finances and leaning on a CDFA to ensure you're not leaving any money on the table. Understanding what you have and your entire financial picture is imperative to do pre-divorce. This will help eliminate a lot of time spent during your divorce mediation. (And we all know--time equals money!) Don't leave money on the table! A CDFA can work with you and your attorney to ensure that you will be okay post-divorce.

Parenting plans and finances are the top reasons for conflict during divorce. What happens if my ex drains our bank account? What happens if my ex spends our money? What if my ex shuts off my phone? What if my ex doesn't pay bills with my name on them? What happens if my ex takes me off of our insurance premiums? These are great questions and, sadly, things that come up every day! Listen to some crazy things that come up every day in divorce cases and how to protect yourself from these pitfalls!

Unmarried relationships, aka a Committed Intimate Relationship (CIR), come with all sorts of consequences just like a traditional marriage. Community property, finances, parenting plans, all of it. Just because you tie the knot does not mean that what's yours is yours and theirs is theirs. Nowadays, more and more, people are opting not to get married. However, they are still opting to live together. Many people opt to have children before marriage or even live together indefinitely with or without having children and never intend to be married. So, what happens in this case? How do you protect yourself, your finances, and ensure that you are prepared for the day nobody wants or plans for—a break-up? If you live in Washington State and are in a long-term relationship where you are living with your partner, it's quite possible you are viewed as a CIR. Washington courts recognize CIRs and want to ensure you have equal rights and will likely be treated as a married couple if you ever part ways and have to go in front of the court during your breakup It's likely that if your relationship ends, your assets and property will be split just like a traditional marriage. The same goes for 401ks, retirement, investments, and so on. It's all on the table and all your assets are subject to division. Especially the property acquired during the relationship while the couple lives together. It's important to know if you're in what Washington law considers a CIR so that you know how to handle your finances and protect yourself just in case things don't work out long-term. If are an unmarried couple who have questions, reach out to us at Dellino Law Group in Seattle and Bellevue, Washington. We can help provide legal advice and answer your questions to ensure you are protected in your relationship.

Let's face it, divorcing when you share children makes everything more complicated. Not just because of the logistical wishes, expectations, and agreements, but the heart component. Divorce is emotional enough for adults to wrap their heads and hearts around, let alone that idea of having to share with your children that the relationship is ending and everything they know is about to change. Queue the questions. How do I tell my kids we're getting a divorce? When do we tell the kids we're getting a divorce? How much should I tell my kids about the divorce? Should we wait to divorce until the kids are out of the house? The truth is that kids want parents to stay together, even if the relationship isn't good. But that's not often the best or healthiest decision for you and your partner. Modeling a healthy relationship for your children is really important! If they see their parents fighting all of the time, that's how they will think relationships are supposed to go. Or maybe you don't fight, but you don't have any real connection or interaction. Do you want that for your kids in their future relationships? The truth is that honesty is best, both with yourself and your children. It takes two to have a relationship, and if both parties aren't happy, it just won't work. When you decide to end your relationship or marriage, be honest with your kids. (But spare any icky details that might impact their impressions of a parent if that's the case.) Remind your kids the divorce is between you and your partner. Your dedication is still to provide a loving and healthy home for your kids. You are there to answer their questions and support them through the transition. But remember, you cannot be everything to them. You might have to enlist the help of a therapist as an outlet as they process this change and the new chapter ahead. At the end of it all, listen to your gut. If you and your partner are committed to what is in your child's best interest and keep them at the forefront of your minds, chances are it'll be ok. Hiccups will arise--take them one at a time. Divorce doesn't have to be hard or traumatizing; it can also be a beautiful story and a new and healthier beginning for everyone involved!

We are thrilled to have had Michael Moss, CPA, CVA, CFE, CDFA on the pod this week to pull back the curtain and talk about divorce and money. Most people have a lot of uncertainty regarding divorce and splitting property. Maybe you had a 401k before meeting your partner that you want to keep, perhaps you have stocks that you had before meeting your partner, the list goes on. Let's just put it this way; things get complicated regarding divorce and money. This is where people like Michael come in. Evaluating community property often takes an expert's guidance and support. Considering income, reasonable expenses, assets, hidden money (if one party suspects anyone is hiding money) takes a unique skill set. Listen to this podcast to learn more about the financial evaluation process that takes place during a divorce and how to best ensure you're getting every penny you're entitled to while protecting your individual property!

If you've found yourself wondering if you should end your relationship, you are not alone! It often takes years before someone decides to file for divorce or pause their marriage. With family, friends, societal pressure, and expectations this decision gets harder and harder. Join Melissa Rosenberg, LICSW, Michelle, and Amy as we discuss how to make that decision, and the road to deciding what the right path is for your relationship and self.

Self-care matters! Whether it's the holidays, single, mourning, or perfectly "normal", it's important to pay attention to your body and mind and what it needs. Join Michelle and Amy to hear more about how to avoid burnout!

Being a step-parent or bonus parent is no easy feat. Hear from Lisa Antoon, a Senior Paralegal at Dellino Law Firm, about her experience in a blended family. There are all kinds of dynamics with blended families. Michelle, Amy, and Lisa talk about how to have difficult conversations and conquer what otherwise be very awkward situations, and ease the tension for the children involved.

Let's be honest, when the insurance statement shows up in the mail, most of us open it up, our eyes glaze over, and toss it in the shred pile. Here's the problem, many times we forget to update a change in vehicle, valuable possession, or something of the sort that we are paying for coverage on! Especially when going through major life changes like divorce, it's important to reach out to your insurance agent to get the support you need and ensure you're getting the best rate possible! Amy and Michelle chat with Kristen Blosser of Sprague Israel Giles Insurance to learn all about tips and some major 'ah-hah' moments in the insurance world!