Podcasts about my divorce solution

In this episode, Karen and Catherine discuss the financial impact of starting divorce from the courtroom versus the kitchen table — and why preparation is everything, especially in high-conflict and high net worth cases. They break down costly mistakes, emotional traps, and the importance of data-driven decisions over emotional reactions. Mentioned in the Episode: AMG National Trust article on financial planning in divorce - https://www.amgnational.com/navigating-the-complex-terrain-of-a-high-net-worth-divorce/  The Divorce Financial Portrait™ by My Divorce Solution - https://mydivorcesolution.com/  Have questions? Email us at WeChat@CK11.NET – we'd love to hear from you! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with professionals in the relevant fields for personalized guidance. The WeChat Divorce podcast (hereinafter referred to as the “WCD”) represents the opinions of Catherine Shanahan, Karen Chellew, and their guests to the show. WCD should not be considered professional or legal advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Views and opinions expressed on WCD are our own and do not represent that of our places of work. WCD should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever. Listeners should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on WCD without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on WCD. Unless specifically stated otherwise, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on WCD, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced on WCD do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of Catherine Shanahan or Karen Chellew. WCD, CATHERINE SHANAHAN, AND KAREN CHELLEW EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. If you would like to obtain a typed transcript of this podcast episode, please email us at hello@mydivorcesolution.com. Please be sure to include the episode name in the transcript email request. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when three women-all divorce professionals who all happen to have gone through a divorce get together and talk divorce? A lot of: wisdom and tips, and a little bit of laughter. My guests in this episode are Catherine Shanahan, CDFA and Karen Chellew, who are the co-founders of their amazing divorce financial preparation process called My Divorce Solution. Learn more here: https://mydivorcesolution.com/

In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down with mortgage advisor Zach Taylor to tackle a significant topic for divorcing couples—navigating mortgage decisions during and after a divorce. From buying out a spouse to managing a marital home or rental property, Zach shares essential mortgage strategies to help you make informed financial decisions during this challenging transition. Episode Highlights The Importance of Early Financial Planning Zach emphasizes the value of reaching out to an experienced divorce mortgage advisor early in the process. Learn how a simple conversation can clarify your options for refinancing, mortgage assumptions, or buying a new home. Key Tips for Mortgage Assumptions Find out why timing and documentation are critical when exploring mortgage assumptions. Zach explains how to navigate the process with your loan servicer and what qualifications are necessary post-divorce. Avoiding Costly Mistakes Catherine and Karen discuss how the Divorce Financial Portrait™ helps clients evaluate their financial options, ensuring they don't negotiate away critical assets without understanding the full impact on their future. Maintaining Financial Clarity Zach shares actionable tips for managing support payments, running credit reports, and addressing joint debts. Learn how these steps can streamline the mortgage process and prevent delays. Customized Mortgage Scenarios Zach provides insights into tailoring mortgage strategies to your unique circumstances, offering worksheets to explore different financing scenarios and their impact on your post-divorce budget. Top Takeaways Plan Ahead: Engage with a divorce mortgage advisor early to explore your options before making critical decisions. Know Your Numbers: Understanding your post-divorce budget is crucial to determining whether you can afford to keep or refinance your home. Document Everything: Get written confirmations for approvals and ensure all financial agreements are clear and enforceable. Stay Consistent: Steady support payments are essential for mortgage qualification—avoid variances to prevent delays. Leverage Resources: Use tools like the Divorce Financial Portrait™ to gain financial clarity and align your decisions with your long-term goals. Resources Mentioned in This Episode AnnualCreditReport.com: Access your free credit report to identify joint debts, authorized users, and any discrepancies. Divorce Financial Portrait™: A comprehensive tool to prepare financially for your divorce journey. Learn more at My Divorce Solution. Zach Taylor's Website: Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with Zach to discuss your mortgage options. Connect with Zach Taylor Website: CrossCountry Mortgage Social Media: Search "Zach Mortgage" for reviews, insights, and resources. Phone: Zach is your go-to guy for direct conversations—reach out for personalized advice. Listener Questions Have questions about mortgages, divorce, or financial planning? Email us at wechat@ck11.net—we'd love to hear from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Divorce Explored, Karen and Catherine discuss why having "The Money Talk" before separating is essential. They explain how premature financial decisions can harm future negotiations and why understanding your full financial picture is critical. This conversation aims to empower listeners to make informed decisions during divorce by fostering financial transparency and clarity. Key Topics: Defining The Money Talk: It's more than saying, "I want the house" or "I won't touch your pension." It's about knowing and sharing verified financial documents, not just spreadsheets. Avoid Premature Agreements: Why early asset division conversations can be risky. The importance of understanding tax consequences before agreeing to asset splits. Transparency is Key: Both parties need full access to financial information. Being amicable means being open and honest about finances. Legal vs. Financial Perspectives: Courts handle property division differently than a net worth statement. Setting informal financial agreements without documentation can create future conflict. Managing Expenses: Understanding and defending your expenses is critical. Avoid making changes to your spending habits without proper documentation. The Role of Professionals: Attorneys, financial planners, and accountants need to work together. My Divorce Solution offers tools to bridge gaps between legal and financial support. Subscribe & Review: If you found this episode helpful, subscribe and leave a review to support the show! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with professionals in the relevant fields for personalized guidance. The WeChat Divorce podcast (hereinafter referred to as the “WCD”) represents the opinions of Catherine Shanahan, Karen Chellew, and their guests to the show. WCD should not be considered professional or legal advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Views and opinions expressed on WCD are our own and do not represent that of our places of work. WCD should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever. Listeners should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on WCD without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on WCD. Unless specifically stated otherwise, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on WCD, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced on WCD do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of Catherine Shanahan or Karen Chellew. WCD, CATHERINE SHANAHAN, AND KAREN CHELLEW EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. If you would like to obtain a typed transcript of this podcast episode, please email us at hello@mydivorcesolution.com. Please be sure to include the episode name in the transcript email request. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to We Chat Divorce, brought to you by My Divorce Solution! In this episode, co-hosts Karen Chellew, Legal Liaison, and Catherine Shanahan, CDFA®, dive into real-life divorce scenarios, unpacking the financial complexities that often arise during the process. What We Cover in This Episode: The Power of Financial Clarity: Why understanding your financial picture is critical to reducing stress and making informed decisions. Real-Life Case Studies: From a 37-year marriage transformed by transparency, leading to a postnup instead of a divorce to the challenges of valuing a family business and navigating marital estate divisions and more real stories. Overcoming Assumptions and Building Collaboration: Karen and Catherine discuss how encouraging spouses to participate can lead to unexpected cooperation, even in seemingly contentious situations. Balancing Emotions and Data: Learn how separating trauma from transaction empowers clients to make sound financial decisions while navigating the emotional challenges of divorce. Key Takeaways for Listeners: Understand the importance of financial data—numbers don't lie. Encourage participation from your spouse for a smoother process. Be prepared for mediation or litigation by knowing your best, worst, and middle-ground scenarios. Why You Should Listen: This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating divorce and its financial challenges. Packed with actionable insights and relatable stories, it offers practical advice to help you move forward with confidence.

Few things are scarier than finances and divorce. In this special Halloween episode, Susan welcomes back financial experts Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan of My Divorce Solution! Together they offer tips and insights for overcoming your spookiest financial fears during divorce. This episode dives into where financial fears come from, and how to overcome them and shares cautionary tales with powerful takeaways. You'll learn how taking control of your finances can help you conquer fear and uncertainty, and why it's essential to create a clear financial portrait to help you make important and difficult decisions. Featured Topics: The most common financial fears like the fear of letting go (of information, assets, or the financial life you were used to) Your financial portrait is the centerpiece—knowing the full picture is crucial Why a team approach to divorce leads to a quicker, smoother, more cost-effective process with less conflict The power of advocating for yourself and recognizing how your financial choices shape your future Golden nuggets: “Turn your fear into focus. That focus becomes on the knowledge that the financial portrait gives to you. That's invaluable and is a life-changing confidence builder.” “ Getting your financial portrait done ahead of time helps you understand what kind of attorney or what kind of mediator you will hire in the first place.” **************************************** About this week's special guests: Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan Karen Chellew, Legal Liaison: For over 30 years, Karen has worked in the legal field as a paralegal and business manager. During her career, she served as an affiliated member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and President Elect of the ALA (Association of Legal Administrators). Karen now serves clients and the professional team in her role as legal liaison. She is also a certified QDRO Administrator, Founder and President of Sisters U Foundation, and an Auditor of East Rockhill Township. As the mom of three children and two granddaughters, Karen is extremely passionate about helping women in all that she does. Catherine Shanahan, CDFA: After 30 years in the financial industry, having raised five children and endured her own experience with divorce, Catherine became a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) and trained mediator. A Professional Daily Money Manager (PDMM), Catherine is also a member of the Bucks County Collaborative Law Group, American Association of Daily Money Managers (AADMM) the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts, and the Association of Divorce Financial Planners (ADFP). My Divorce Solution: https://mydivorcesolution.com/ We Chat Divorce Podcast: https://mydivorcesolution.com/we-chat-divorce-podcast/ My Divorce Solution on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydivorcesolution My Divorce Solution on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mydivorcesolution/ **************************************** THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: TURNS OUT PODCAST Introducing Turns Out..., my brand-new podcast launching in the new year. This show is all about life's unexpected twists and turns—those aha moments that change everything. From career pivots to personal revelations, we'll explore the stories that prove life is full of surprises. Make sure to visit turnsoutpodcast.com and keep an eye out for our launch drop! You won't want to miss these inspiring stories, and you might even hear some familiar voices. Stay tuned, and remember, Turns Out... life has so much more in store than we ever imagined!  ========= PARACHUTE HOME Going through a divorce is tough, and self-care can easily get overlooked. Something that helped me was creating a cozy space to relax. I found Parachute Home—bedding and home goods that bring real comfort. Imagine ending your day wrapped in the softest sheets or a warm blanket. If you're looking to add a bit of peace to your home, visit divorcebeyond.com/parachute. When you shop through my link, it supports the podcast, and I appreciate it. ********************************************************************* SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE!  https://divorcebeyond.com/Sponsorship-Info ******************************************************************* MEET OUR CREATOR AND HOST: SUSAN GUTHRIE®, ESQ., the creator and host of The Divorce and Beyond® Podcast, is nationally recognized as one of the top family law and divorce mediation attorneys in the country.  Susan is the Vice Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution and is a sought-after keynote speaker, business and practice consultant, coach and trainer. You can find out more about Susan and her services here:  https://neon.page/susanguthrie Internationally renowned as one of the leading experts in online mediation, Susan created her Learn to Mediate Online® program and has trained more than 25,000 professionals in how to transition their practice online.  Susan recently partnered with legal and mediation legend, Forrest "Woody" Mosten to create the Mosten Guthrie Academy which provides gold-standard, fully online training for mediation and collaborative professionals at all stages of their careers.   Follow Susan Guthrie and THE DIVORCE AND BEYOND PODCAST on social media for updates and inside tips and information: Susan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susaneguthrie/ Susan on Instagram @susanguthrieesq ********************************************************************* We'd really appreciate it if you would give us a 5 Star Rating and tell us what you like about the show in a review - your feedback really matters to us!  You can get in touch with Susan at divorceandbeyondpod@gmail.com.  Don't forget to visit the webpage www.divorceandbeyondpod.com and sign up for the free NEWSLETTER to receive a special welcome video from Susan and more!! ********************************************************************* DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

We Chat Divorce Hosts: Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew Special Guest: Hubert Johnson, Tax Attorney, Law Professor, and Founder of Guardian Tax Law In this insightful episode of We Chat Divorce, hosts Catherine and Karen welcome tax attorney and law professor Hubert Johnson to discuss the complexities of taxes in divorce. With over a decade of experience, Hubert shares valuable insights on managing tax issues before, during, and after divorce. They cover essential topics, including filing statuses, innocent spouse relief, shared custody tax claims, and how to protect yourself from unexpected liabilities. Topics Covered: Common tax pitfalls to avoid in divorce The importance of reviewing tax liabilities before finalizing settlements Navigating innocent spouse relief and shared custody tax claims The financial implications of filing statuses and potential liabilities How Guardian Tax Law and My Divorce Solution can provide resources to support clients through these challenges Key Takeaways: Plan Ahead: Understanding tax implications early on can prevent costly mistakes. Innocent Spouse Relief: Know the requirements and limitations before assuming it applies. Protect Your Financial Standing: Consider the impacts of joint filings and tax settlements on long-term finances. Get Informed: Resources like My Divorce Solution's preparation platform and Guardian Tax Law's consultations are crucial for smart financial decisions. Resources Mentioned: Guardian Tax Law https://guardiantaxlaw.com/ Smart Money Culture https://smartmoneyculture.tv/ My Divorce Solution's Financial Portrait https://mydivorcesolution.com/financial-portrait/ Listen to the full episode for more expert tips and insights to help you navigate the often-overlooked tax implications of divorce. Subscribe & Listen: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts Follow Us: Instagram: @mydivorcesolution Facebook: @mydivorcesolution Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with professionals in the relevant fields for personalized guidance. The WeChat Divorce podcast (hereinafter referred to as the “WCD”) represents the opinions of Catherine Shanahan, Karen Chellew, and their guests to the show. WCD should not be considered professional or legal advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Views and opinions expressed on WCD are our own and do not represent that of our places of work. WCD should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever. Listeners should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on WCD without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on WCD. Unless specifically stated otherwise, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on WCD, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced on WCD do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of Catherine Shanahan or Karen Chellew. WCD, CATHERINE SHANAHAN, AND KAREN CHELLEW EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. If you would like to obtain a typed transcript of this podcast episode, please email us at hello@mydivorcesolution.com. Please be sure to include the episode name in the transcript email request. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every divorce situation is unique, but one thing I can say that everyone getting divorced has in common: we all want the best possible outcome. My guests in this episode are Catherine Shanahan, CDFA and Karen Chellew, co-Founders of My Divorce Solution. Catherine and Karen talk about 4 common mistakes people going through a divorce make, and how to avoid making these mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/4-mistakes-when-getting-divorced-and-how-to-avoid-making-them/

In this episode of My Divorce Solution, Karen and Catherine dive into a recent article published by MSN and Money Talks News, titled, “Seven Things to Do ASAP When Your Spouse Wants a Divorce.” Together, they unpack each recommendation, offering valuable insights and alternative approaches based on their own expertise in legal and financial guidance through the divorce process. From understanding why hiring an attorney shouldn't always be the first step to protecting your financial future with proper preparation, Karen and Catherine offer actionable advice to help you navigate this difficult time with confidence and clarity. They also cover essential topics like reviewing your credit report, managing joint accounts, keeping the divorce process amicable, and communicating with your children during this challenging transition. Topics Covered: ● Why hiring an attorney may not be the first step you need to take ● The importance of reviewing your credit report and financial accounts ● How to protect your savings and prevent unnecessary financial strain ● The power of keeping things amicable during divorce ● Why picking your battles is key to a smooth transition ● How to effectively communicate with your children about divorce ● The value of MDS's Financial Portrait in preparing for divorce Key Takeaways: 1. Financial Preparation: Know your assets and debts before you even think about hiring an attorney. 2. Keep Things Friendly: Avoid jumping into aggressive actions like closing joint accounts too early. 3. Talk to Your Children: Make sure both parents are on the same page before discussing the divorce with your kids. 4. Credit Awareness: Check your credit report—don't just rely on your credit score. 5. Avoid Premature Negotiations: Don't negotiate away important assets without knowing the full financial picture. Follow Us: ● Instagram: @mydivorcesolution ● Facebook: My Divorce Solution ● Twitter: @MyDivorceSolutn Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with professionals in the relevant fields for personalized guidance. The WeChat Divorce podcast (hereinafter referred to as the “WCD”) represents the opinions of Catherine Shanahan, Karen Chellew, and their guests to the show. WCD should not be considered professional or legal advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Views and opinions expressed on WCD are our own and do not represent that of our places of work. WCD should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever. Listeners should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on WCD without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on WCD. Unless specifically stated otherwise, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on WCD, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced on WCD do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of Catherine Shanahan or Karen Chellew. WCD, CATHERINE SHANAHAN, AND KAREN CHELLEW EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. If you would like to obtain a typed transcript of this podcast episode, please email us at hello@mydivorcesolution.com. Please be sure to include the episode name in the transcript email request. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Divorce Explored, co-hosts Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew are joined by special guest Cherie Morris to explore the critical role of clear communication and documentation in the divorce process. They discuss how misinterpretations of financial documents can lead to costly legal disputes, unnecessary stress, and delays in negotiations. They dive into real-life examples where miscommunication over simple details—like a number or a date—can escalate into arguments that end up costing couples thousands in attorney fees. They'll explain how My Divorce Solution's approach to maintaining an organized, accessible portal for both parties can prevent these misunderstandings, keeping the focus on productive discussions. Watch now to gain valuable insights on how having both emotional and financial clarity helps you negotiate from a place of confidence and control, ultimately leading to more informed decisions. Whether you're just starting the divorce process or deep in financial negotiations, this episode is packed with helpful advice to help you avoid common pitfalls. Tune in to the full episode to learn how clear communication can save you time, money, and stress. Connect with us on social media: FaceBook.com/MyDivorceSolution Instagram.com/MyDivorceSolution TikTok.com/@MyDivorceSolution youtube.com/@WeChatDivorceByMyDivorceSo3552 Listen to more podcast episodes, read our divorce blog, and join our free divorce support group at MyDivorceSolution.com ........................................................... Cherie Morris practices as a Divorce Coach and Parent Coordinator. She is trained as a lawyer, yoga teacher and is also an author and mother. Cherie's legal training makes her approach to issues logical and reasoned. She began exploring alternate dispute resolution and mediation in order to understand how to change the nature of conflict and improve dynamics when conflict occurs, in litigation and otherwise, when a solely rational approach may not succeed. Her approach to conflict now is that rational thinking must be accompanied by the ability to empathize and compromise in order to achieve successful results. Website: https://deardivorcecoach.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deardivorcecoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DearDivorceCoach/ Twitter: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FDearDivorceTeam LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morrischerie/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jaime's joined by Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew, co-founders of My Divorce Solution, a divorce financial preparation service. They share how financial preparedness can make or break a divorce settlement, highlighting the importance of financial clarity and separating emotions from financial decisions. Learn how their innovative approach empowers individuals to make informed decisions and negotiate confidently for a smoother, more strategic divorce process.Need help from Catherine and Karen? Contact them by visiting www.mydivorcesolution.com.If you are in need of legal assistance in North Carolina, contact us at Gailor Hunt by visiting www.divorceistough.com.Like this show? Rate it here! While the information presented is intended to provide you with general information to navigate divorce without destruction, this podcast is not legal advice. This information is based on specific to navigating relocation by the law in North Carolina. If you have any questions before taking action, consult an attorney who is licensed in your state.

Send us a Text Message.Facing the financial unknown can be terrifying, especially when it comes to divorce. But what if you had a guide to lead you through the monetary maze of separation? Enter Catherine Shanahan from My Divorce Solution, our beacon of clarity in this episode. She joins us to debunk the myth that divorce is unaffordable and shines a light on the real cost of staying in an unhealthy marriage. With her deep financial acumen, Catherine delves into the essential realm of financial literacy, from dissecting tax returns to confronting the daunting task of substantiating financial claims against a narcissistic partner.When the division of assets looms large on the horizon of a divorce, being unprepared is not an option. Catherine walks us through the critical role of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders in splitting retirement assets, and how a specialized QDRO administrator can make all the difference. We also grapple with the thorny issue of asset dissipation and infidelity, stressing the importance of meticulous documentation and cost-benefit analysis. Catherine implores listeners to keep their emotions in check, to focus on the facts, and to understand that sometimes the fight for financial justice is worth the battle.Finally, we chart the course for financial recovery post-divorce, tackling the challenge of rebuilding credit with the same precision as a strategic game plan. Catherine offers sage advice on why it's vital to maintain a strong credit score and outlines the refinancing ropes for the family home. Her empowering message reinforces the value of education through My Divorce Solution's resources, equipping our listeners with the tools to take control of their financial futures. After all, knowledge isn't just power—it's peace of mind during life's most tumultuous transitions.

Send us a Text Message.Unlock the tools for a confident and knowledgeable approach to divorce with our enlightening chat featuring Karen and Catherine from My Divorce Solution. We delve into the empowering strategies that enable you to navigate the complexities of divorce, shining a light on the crucial interplay between legal preparedness and financial acumen. Our guests reveal how to assert your financial rights and strip away the myths that high-conflict ex-partners might use to their advantage, offering a fresh perspective on staying emotionally grounded while standing your ground legally.This episode is a beacon for anyone facing the tumultuous waters of family law disputes, guiding you to connect with an attorney that not only fits your legal needs but also supports you emotionally through the journey. We share stories of transformation as clients learn to make rational decisions—free from coercive control—bolstered by a newfound financial literacy. Discover how understanding your financial landscape is an essential step not just for a fair divorce settlement, but for ensuring long-term financial health and stability. Join us for an episode that promises to be both an eye-opener and a formidable ally in your quest for a balanced post-divorce future.

Karen and Catherine both personally experienced the anxiety that comes from finances during divorce and decided to do something about it. Taking Catherine's financial background and Karen's law background, they developed Divorce Solutions, and they are here to help you feel empowered as you navigate the financial ins and outs of divorce.Co-founding a fintech company that would revolutionize the divorce sector was not what either of us set out in life intending to do, but our experience, skills and life events turned out to leave us perfectly placed to set up this business together.Catherine was a financial planner who went through a painful divorce and vowed to help women understand their marital estate so they did not get taken advantage of at such a vulnerable time in their lives. As part of this bigger purpose, she took on further training to become a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst.She quickly realized that the problems with the divorce industry were much bigger than just financial awareness. In fact, she started to understand that there were systemic issues throughout the entire divorce process.Catherine had the expertise to tackle the financial element of the problem, but she needed someone who had experience with the legal process of divorce who would share her perspective and join her mission. Fortunately, around this time, a colleague introduced her to Karen, knowing that Karen also had a passion for helping empower women through her nonprofit. Catherine also learned that Karen had extensive professional experience as a paralegal and law firm business manager – and, like Catherine, she'd been through a divorce herself, and her experiences had convinced her that the system needed reform. With aligned incentives and joint commitment, Divorce U Solutions and My Divorce Solution was born in January 2016. Join Catherine, Karen, and Jess at the Power of Me Conference! https://goodthingsaregonnacome.com/power-of-me-2023/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydivorcesolution?igsh=MXhjM2hjcGIyYWQ0aw%3D%3D&utm_source=qrFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mydivorcesolutionYouTube:https://youtube.com/@wechatdivorcebymydivorceso3552?si=qBx4WHtobF0LKH4kWebsite: https://mydivorcesolution.com/ Join our Community! https://community.mydivorcesolution.com/landing?space_id=6831212Want to feel less alone in your journey as a stepmom today?! Sign up for the FREE Stepmom Summit happening in just a couple of weeks! https://jessica0821--stepfamilysolutions.thrivecart.com/2024-ultimate-access-pass-fast-action/61128c9ab5f26/Get your FREE call with Jessica today, and let's get you feeling like YOU again! https://theboldlogic.com/callHave a question for Steve, Matt, or Jessica? Ask it here, and we will be sure to answer it in an upcoming episode. https://forms.gle/pPGHz9QxcFEgiz9B6-------Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!--You can find the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts

On the latest episode of The Get Ready Money Podcast, I spoke with Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew, the founders of My Divorce Solution and the hosts of the We Chat Divorce Podcast about changing the way we think about money and divorce preparation.In this episode we discussed:The importance of being informed and financially prepared.Why you need to know what you want and why you want it. How financial clarity will give you more space and lead to better conversations.Why you should be intentional and aware without judgement. The importance of enjoying life and all the opportunities life brings you. Catherine Shanahan is the co-founder of My Divorce Solutions and co-host of the We Chat Divorce Podcast. After 25 years in the financial industry, having raised five children and endured her own experience with divorce, Catherine became a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), trained Mediator and Daily Money Manager (PDMM). Catherine is collaboratively trained and was a member of the Bucks County Collaborative Law Group. She is a member of the American Association of Daily Money Managers (AADMM) the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts, and the Association of Divorce Financial Planners (ADFP). Catherine is fully dedicated to helping clients understand and navigate all aspects of divorce including planning a secure financial future post-divorce.Karen Chellew is the co-founder of My Divorce Solutions and co-host of the We Chat Divorce Podcast.For over 30 years, Karen has worked in the legal field as a paralegal and business manager. During her career, she served as an affiliated member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and President-Elect of the ALA (Association of Legal Administrators). Karen now serves clients and the professional team in her role as legal liaison. She is an affiliate member of the American Bar Association (ABA) Dispute Resolution Committee, a certified QDRO Administrator, Founder and President of Sisters U Foundation, and an Auditor of East Rockhill Township. As the mom of three children and one granddaughter, Karen is extremely passionate about helping women in all that she does.Connect with Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew:Website: www.mydivorcesolution.comLinkedIn: Catherine Shanahan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-shanahan-1155a535/LinkedIn: Karen Chellew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-chellew/Podcast: We Chat Divorce Podcast: https://mydivorcesolution.com/we-chat-divorce-podcast/ and https://youtu.be/ournp7sTA-4?si=bs_4XyR7MSDADpGt

Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew are financial experts. They'll teach you everything you need to know about your finances—before and after you get married—so you can protect yourself and your assets. They have 30 years of experience in the financial and legal industries, they're the founders of My Divorce Solution and Divorce U, and the hosts of the We Chat Divorce podcast. They make sure women navigate their divorce with financial clarity, not fear. How? By making sure they have all the information they need to make the most well-informed decisions, shaping the future for them and their family. Connect with Catherine and Karen for insights and advice about how to prepare for divorce, protect your assets, and secure your wealth. Web: https://mydivorcesolution.com/FB: My Divorce SolutionIG: @mydivorcesolutionLI: My Divorce SolutionYT: We Chat DivorceX: @MyDivorceSolutionPinterest: @mydivorcesolution

Are you feeling abandoned by your soon-to-be spouse, either emotionally and/or financially? If so, my guests, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew, Co-founders of My Divorce Solution, have some wonderful advice for you. We get into practical solutions, as well as managing your emotions during what feels like a really lonely, scary time. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/feeling-abandoned-in-a-relationship-emotionally-and-financially/

About Our GuestsKaren Chellew is Co-founder of My Divorce Solution. With over 30 years of legal experience, Karen serves clients as a legal liaison – the central link that assures divorces are professionally executed as efficiently as possible. Karen is also a certified QDRO Administrator, Founder and President of Sisters U Foundation, advisory council of Support Pay, and an Auditor of East Rockhill Township. As a divorced mom of three, Karen knows what it's like to navigate the dark waters of divorce alone and in the dark. Karen cofounded My Divorce Solution as the company she wished had existed in her divorce. She's committed to helping families navigate divorce differently – with financial clarity – not fear – driving decisions and compromise. Catherine Shanahan is Co-founder of My Divorce Solution. With over 30 years of experience in the financial industry, Catherine serves clients as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) and trained mediator. A Professional Daily Money Manager, Catherine is also a former VP of the Bucks County Collaborative Law Group, American Association of Daily Money Managers, Institute of Women Business Financial Analysts (IDFA), National Association of Women Business Owners, advisory council of Support Pay, and the Association of Divorce Financial Planners.As a mom of five and financial expert, Catherine's experience with divorce left her wishing for better information, resources, and process for the financial separation that comes with divorce. As a result, Catherine co-founded My Divorce Solution – the company she needed in her divorce.  Notable Links:  Official website: https://mydivorcesolution.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mydivorcesolutionInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydivorcesolution/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-divorce-solution/   **********  "Women Winning Divorce" is a radio show and podcast hosted by Heather Quick: Attorney, Entrepreneur, Author and Founder of Florida Women's Law Group, the only divorce firm for women, by women. Each week Heather sits down with innovative professionals and leaders who are focused on how you can be your best self, before, during or after divorce. In these conversations, we are looking at how women can win at life.  With our guests, we enjoy the opportunity to explore ways all women can win and enhance their life, no matter where they are in their journey, because divorce is just point in life, not the end and not what defines you, rather it can be a catalyst for growth. Come join the conversation on social media, and join our Facebook group, Women Winning Divorce and send comments and suggestions, we want to bring you content that helps move your life forward.Women Winning Divorce Podcast Series https://www.womenwinningdivorce.com/Women Winning Divorce Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/685277376560289Florida Women's Law Group https://www.floridawomenslawgroup.com/Divorce 101 Online Course: https://heather-quick.mykajabi.com/   Thank you for listening. Please share the podcast with your friends and colleagues. Send your questions, comments, and feedback to marketing@4womenlaw.com Women Winning Divorce is supported by Florida Women's Law Group Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not an advertisement for legal services.  The information provided on this podcast is not intended to be legal advice.  You should not rely on what you hear on this podcast as legal advice. If you have a legal issue, please contact a lawyer.  The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely those of the individuals and do not represent the views or opinions of the firms or organizations with which they are affiliated or the views or opinions of this podcast's advertisers.  This podcast is available for private, non-commercial use only.  Any editing, reproduction, or redistribution of this podcast for commercial use or monetary gain without the expressed, written consent of the podcast's creator is prohibited.  

Karen and Catherine offer a service that they call "My Divorce Solution". It's an excellent method for gathering all pertinent information and uncovering all the facts you may need when going through a divorce. From their website at mydivorcesolution.com:"We specialize in supporting divorcing couples in effectively managing the division of their marital estate. We strive to demystify the complexities involved, ensuring our clients have a crystal-clear understanding of their financial situation. By providing comprehensive insights into the long-term impact of their choices, we empower individuals to make well-informed decisions that will shape their future and that of their family. Our goal is to help each client achieve the most favorable outcome, ensuring their financial security and peace of mind during this challenging time."

This episode will provide you with everything you need to know about discovery in the divorce process. My guests, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan, Co-founders of My Divorce Solution offer information and tips that will help you get divorced quicker and less expensively. Learn more: https://www.divorcedgirlsmiling.com/what-is-discovery-in-divorce-and-what-is-its-role-in-the-process/

Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew are financial experts. They'll teach you everything you need to know about your finances—before and after you get married—so you can protect yourself and your assets. They have 30 years of experience in the financial and legal industries, they're the founders of My Divorce Solution and Divorce U, and the hosts of the We Chat Divorce podcast. They make sure women navigate their divorce with financial clarity, not fear. How? By making sure they have all the information they need to make the most well-informed decisions, shaping the future for them and their family. Connect with Catherine and Karen for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you made the best decision.Web: https://mydivorcesolution.com/FB: My Divorce SolutionIG: @mydivorcesolutionLI: My Divorce SolutionYT: We Chat DivorceX: @MyDivorceSolutionPinterest: @mydivorcesolutionThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5507039/advertisement

Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew believe knowledge is power, and the more information you have during divorce, the better you can protect yourself and your assets. They have 30 years of experience in the financial and legal industries, and they're the founders of My Divorce Solution and Divorce U, and hosts of the We Chat Divorce podcast. They make sure women navigate their divorce with financial clarity, not fear. How? By making sure they have all the information they need to make the most well-informed decisions, shaping the future for them and their family. Connect with Catherine and Karen for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you made the best decision.Web: https://mydivorcesolution.com/FB: My Divorce SolutionIG: @mydivorcesolutionLI: My Divorce SolutionYT: We Chat DivorcePinterest: @mydivorcesolutionThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5507039/advertisement

Resources, Community, & Empowerment – Get the Help You Need! It's one thing to talk about empowerment, but it's another thing to move through the intimidation and fear to get the assistance, support, and education you need. Today's show features three special guests Karen Chellew, Legal Liaison, and Catherine Shanahan, CDFA, from My Divorce Solution, a company dedicated to helping divorcing couples to have clear picture of their full marital estate, so they can understand the long-term consequences of the choices they make when they're dividing money and reach the best outcome for themselves and their families, and Jasmine Rice, CPLC transformation coach and bestselling author. Together with Lora they share candidly about their divorce experiences, and what they wish they'd have known then. They will also share the details of their upcoming The Power of Me, women's empowerment conference. Top take-a-ways How to break free when you are too intimidated to start. The power of connecting with others, especially when you don't know what you don't know. Moving from fear to focus, and why you don't have to figure it all out now.   Learn more about The Power of Me Summit, hosted by Jasmine, Karen, and Catherine, and emceed by Lora at: https://goodthingsaregonnacome.com/power-of-me-2023/ We can't wait to meet you, support you, and spend a powerful weekend together!   Download your Sparkle After Betrayal Recovery Guide at www.BetrayalRecoveryGuide.com, a guide designed to help you take the first steps in feeling better, so you can reclaim your power, own your worth, and start putting yourself, and your life, back together again.   About Lora: Attorney, speaker and Burnout & Betrayal Recovery Coach, Lora Cheadle believes that betrayal uncovers the truth of what's possible when we stop focusing on what was done to us and start showing up unapologetically for ourselves. She helps women rebuild their identity and self-worth after infidelity so they can reclaim (or find for the very first time) their confidence, clarity, and connection to source and create their own kind of happily ever after. About Jasmine Rice, CPLC   As a successful transformation coach and best-selling author, Jasmine has helped numerous individuals and businesses navigate challenging transitions, ranging from personal setbacks to changes in leadership. Her nonprofit background and expertise in NLP have allowed her to empower her clients to thrive and overcome obstacles, transforming negative patterns into positive ones. Through one-on-one coaching sessions, keynote speaking engagements, and powerful coaching workshops and retreats, Jasmine has created a supportive and inspiring environment that helps her clients shift their mindset, build resilience, and reach their full potential. Her passion for empowering people is truly remarkable, and her impact on those she works with is nothing short of life-changing.   About Karen Chellew, Legal Liaison For over 30 years, Karen has worked in the legal field as a paralegal and business manager. During her career, she served as an affiliated member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and President Elect of the ALA (Association of Legal Administrators). Karen now serves clients and the professional team in her role as legal liaison. She is also a certified QDRO Administrator, Founder and President of Sisters U Foundation, and an Auditor of East Rockhill Township. As the mom of three children and two granddaughters, Karen is extremely passionate about helping women in all that she does. About Catherine Shanahan, CDFA After 30 years in the financial industry, having raised five children and endured her own experience with divorce, Catherine became a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) and trained mediator. A Professional Daily Money Manager (PDMM), Catherine is also a member of the Bucks County Collaborative Law Group, American Association of Daily Money Managers (AADMM) the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts, and the Association of Divorce Financial Planners (ADFP)     Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring this podcast! Take charge of your mental health and get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://BetterHelp.com/FLAUNT    Get the support you need to find your footing, begin making sense of it all, and feel better fast. As an attorney, betrayal recovery expert, and survivor of infidelity I can help you find the clarity and confidence to create a life that you love on the other side of betrayal. Book Your Session Here: https://calendly.com/loras-schedule/coaching-session  

Resources, Community, & Empowerment – Get the Help You Need! It's one thing to talk about empowerment, but it's another thing to move through the intimidation and fear to get the assistance, support, and education you need. Today's show features three special guests Karen Chellew, Legal Liaison, and Catherine Shanahan, CDFA, from My Divorce Solution, a company dedicated to helping divorcing couples to have clear picture of their full marital estate, so they can understand the long-term consequences of the choices they make when they're dividing money and reach the best outcome for themselves and their families, and Jasmine Rice, CPLC transformation coach and bestselling author. Together with Lora they share candidly about their divorce experiences, and what they wish they'd have known then. They will also share the details of their upcoming The Power of Me, women's empowerment conference. Top take-a-ways How to break free when you are too intimidated to start. The power of connecting with others, especially when you don't know what you don't know. Moving from fear to focus, and why you don't have to figure it all out now. Learn more about The Power of Me Summit, hosted by Jasmine, Karen, and Catherine, and emceed by Lora at: https://goodthingsaregonnacome.com/power-of-me-2023/ We can't wait to meet you, support you, and spend a powerful weekend together!  Get the support you need to find your footing, begin making sense of it all, and feel better fast. As an attorney, betrayal recovery expert, and survivor of infidelity I can help you find the clarity and confidence to create a life that you love on the other side of betrayal. Book Your Session Here: https://calendly.com/loras-schedule/coaching-session Download your Sparkle After Betrayal Recovery Guide at www.BetrayalRecoveryGuide.com, a guide designed to help you take the first steps in feeling better, so you can reclaim your power, own your worth, and start putting yourself, and your life, back together again. About Lora: Author, speaker and Burnout & Betrayal Recovery Coach, Lora Cheadle help women rebuild their identity and self-worth so they can find the courage to claim what's possible on the other side of betrayal. Untangle yourself from the past, reclaim your power, and own your worth so you can create a future you love on your own terms. All with a wink and a smile! Learn more at www.loracheadle.com and follow me across all social! Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring this podcast! Take charge of your mental health and get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://BetterHelp.com/FLAUNT 

Adopting a positive mindset towards divorce can have a profound impact on the outcome, your emotional recovery, and financial independence. I am delighted to be joined today by Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan, who will guide you in taking small but meaningful steps to achieve a better outcome while navigating a divorce with a narcissistic partner. Let's move past denial and begin the journey towards a brighter future. What you will learn in this episode: How to get what you're entitled to, not what your ex-narcissist thinks you're entitled to. Tactics to take emotions out of the divorce and approach negotiations with a well-thought-out strategy Why taking control of your divorce can rapidly improve your healing from the narcissist In this episode, Karen and Catherine will share their personal experiences of going through emotionally challenging divorces that centered around finances. These experiences have motivated them to assist others facing similar difficulties. Be sure to listen to the entire episode as they share valuable tips and strategies to help you navigate your own divorce smoothly and ensure that you receive what you deserve. Learn more about Karen, Catherine and My Divorce Solution here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydivorcesolution/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mydivorcesolution Website: https://mydivorcesolution.com/ MDS Financial Portrait Assessment: https://mydivorcesolution.com/financial-portrait/ MDS Community and Online Course Podcast Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson  My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/

Co-founding a finch company that would revolutionize the divorce sector was not what Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew, set out in life intending to do, but their experience, skillls and life events turned out to leave them perfectly placed to set up this business together. Catherine was a financial planner, who went through a painful divorce, and vowed to help women understand their marital estate, so they did not get taken advantage of at such a vulnerable time in their lives. As part of this bigger purpose, she took on further training to become a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. She quickly realized that the problems with the divorce industry were much bigger than just financial awareness. She started to understand that there were systemic issues throughout the entire divorce process Catherine had the expertise to tackle the financial element of the problem. Still, she needed someone with experience with the legal process of divorce who would share her perspective and join her mission. Fortunately, around this time, a colleague introduced her to Karen, knowing that Karen also had a passion for helping empower women through her nonprofit. Catherine also learned that Karen had extensive professional experience as a paralegal and law firm business manager – and, like Catherine, she'd been through a divorce herself, and her experiences had convinced her that the system needed reform. With aligned incentives and joint commitment, Divorce U Solutions and My Divorce Solution was born in January 2016. Catherine and Karen believe divorce doesn't need to be a contentious, expensive legal battle so created My Divorce Solution so families don't have to experience divorce alone, afraid, and uninformed. They help divorcing couples have a clear picture of their full marital estate. This means they can understand the long-term consequences of the choices they make when dividing money to reach the best outcome for themselves and their family. FREE DIVORCE CHECKLIST. Grab your copy by joining my Free Facebook Community and you will find it and many other valuable resources under the FILES section. Click below to join and access your free resources! https://www.facebook.com/groups/divorceredefinedexclusive/

Co-founding a finch company that would revolutionize the divorce sector was not what Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew, set out in life intending to do, but their experience, skillls and life events turned out to leave them perfectly placed to set up this business together. Catherine was a financial planner, who went through a painful divorce, and vowed to help women understand their marital estate, so they did not get taken advantage of at such a vulnerable time in their lives. As part of this bigger purpose, she took on further training to become a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. She quickly realized that the problems with the divorce industry were much bigger than just financial awareness. She started to understand that there were systemic issues throughout the entire divorce process Catherine had the expertise to tackle the financial element of the problem. Still, she needed someone with experience with the legal process of divorce who would share her perspective and join her mission. Fortunately, around this time, a colleague introduced her to Karen, knowing that Karen also had a passion for helping empower women through her nonprofit. Catherine also learned that Karen had extensive professional experience as a paralegal and law firm business manager – and, like Catherine, she'd been through a divorce herself, and her experiences had convinced her that the system needed reform. With aligned incentives and joint commitment, Divorce U Solutions and My Divorce Solution was born in January 2016. Catherine and Karen believe divorce doesn't need to be a contentious, expensive legal battle so created My Divorce Solution so families don't have to experience divorce alone, afraid, and uninformed. They help divorcing couples have a clear picture of their full marital estate. This means they can understand the long-term consequences of the choices they make when dividing money to reach the best outcome for themselves and their family. FREE DIVORCE CHECKLIST. Grab your copy by joining my Free Facebook Community and you will find it and many other valuable resources under the FILES section. Click below to join and access your free resources! https://www.facebook.com/groups/divorceredefinedexclusive/

Tax season is upon us and if this is your first-time filling taxes after divorcing you may not know where to start. This week, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan from My Divorce Solution join Michelle Dempsey-Multack to educate listeners on all things tax related. Karen and Catherine take a deep dive into: Empowering their clients with financial awareness and knowledge Who gets to claim the children on taxes How child support and alimony play a factor in taxes Understanding who can file "head of household" How to handle filling taxes when going through divorce AND MUCH MORE Karen Chellew, Legal Liaison For over 30 years, Karen has worked in the legal field as a paralegal and business manager. During her career, she served as an affiliated member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and President Elect of the ALA (Association of Legal Administrators). Karen now serves clients and the professional team in her role as legal liaison. She is also a certified QDRO Administrator, Founder and President of Sisters U Foundation, and an Auditor of East Rockhill Township. As the mom of three children and two granddaughters, Karen is extremely passionate about helping women in all that she does. Catherine Shanahan, CDFA After 30 years in the financial industry, having raised five children and endured her own experience with divorce, Catherine became a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) and trained mediator. A Professional Daily Money Manager (PDMM), Catherine is also a member of the Bucks County Collaborative Law Group, American Association of Daily Money Managers (AADMM) the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts, and the Association of Divorce Financial Planners (ADFP).   You can find My Divorce Solution at www.mydivorcesolution.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christina chats with Catherine, a seasoned stepmom who shares her story of becoming a young stepmom, giving it your all, learning the truth about the ex (this might surprise you), and how she eventually walked away. What feedback does she get from her step-kids 23 years later? What has she done differently now that she's remarried and a stepmom...again? Catherine keeps it real, shares her wisdom and leaves you feeling empowered! Listen in!  Meet My Guest: Catherine Shanahan is the Co-Founder of My Divorce Solution and mother and stepmother of seven. With over 30 years of experience in the financial industry, Catherine serves clients as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) and trained mediator. A Professional Daily Money Manager, Catherine is also former VP of the Buck County Collaborative Law Group, American Association of Daily Money Managers, Institute of Divorce Financial Analysts (IDFA) National Association of Women Business Owners, advisory council of Support Pay, and the Association of Divorce Financial Planners. As a mom and stepmom of seven and financial expert, Catherine's experience with divorce left her wishing for better information, resources, and process for the financial separation that comes with divorce. As a result, Catherine co-founded My Divorce Solution with her business partner, Karen Chellew – the company she needed in her divorce. You can find her here:  www.mydivorcesolution.com and @mydivorcesolution So much more than a podcast!!!  @radicalstepmomspodcast  Want to schedule a 1:1 session or become a Radical Member? Head to my website! www.radicalstepmomspodcast.com  **This episode is sponsored by StepMom Magazine. Use discount code: Radical20 to save 20% ** --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/radicalstepmoms/message

This week we're talking about marital finances, divorce, and how gaining clarity around your finances can help inform your decision about whether you should stay or go. Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan, founders of My Divorce Solution, join me to share some of the processes they utilize when working with clients to help them protect and secure their financial future in divorce. Karen and Catherine combine their legal and financial expertise to provide unparalleled financial clarity and divorce preparation – resulting in easier, faster, and less expensive divorces. Our hope is that through listening to this conversation you will have more power, more knowledge, and clarity about finances and divorce.  “Everybody is entitled to financial clarity.” Catherine Shanahan “If you decide to stay after working through your marital finances, you will be a different partner going forward.” Karen Chellew Show Highlights My Divorce Solution: what it is and why Karen and Catherine created it (3:51) What to say if you are trying to get financial information from a bank or accountant who is refusing to give it without your soon-to-be-ex's consent (10:06) Do you need a CFDA or resource such as My Divorce Solution if your finances are not high-net-worth? The short answer: Yes. (20:37) How working with a financial advisor or analyst can help inform your decision about whether or not you should get a divorce (27:31) If you are working with a financial analyst, you are not committing to a divorce. You are learning What can be the most difficult thing about working through your marital finances? (36:00) An important reminder to women about finances and worth: you are worth it! (43:30) Learn more about Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan: Karen Chellew, Legal Liaison: For over 30 years, Karen has worked in the legal field as a paralegal and business manager. During her career, she served as an affiliated member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and as President-Elect of the ALA (Association of Legal Administrators). Karen now serves clients and the professional team in her role as legal liaison. She is also a certified QDRO Administrator, Founder and President of Sisters U Foundation, and an Auditor of East Rockhill Township. As the mom of three children and two granddaughters, Karen is extremely passionate about helping women in all that she does.  Catherine Shanahan, CDFA: After 25 years in the financial industry, having raised five children and endured her own experience with divorce, Catherine became a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) and trained mediator. A Professional Daily Money Manager (PDMM), Catherine is also a member of the Bucks County Collaborative Law Group, American Association of Daily Money Managers (AADMM) the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts, and the Association of Divorce Financial Planners (ADFP).  Resources & Links:Information and links may also be found at: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/financial-clarity-and-your-divorce/ My Divorce Solution My Divorce Solution on Instagram My Divorce Solution on Twitter My Divorce Solution on Facebook My Divorce Solution on  LinkedIn  We Chat Divorce by My Divorce Solution on YouTube We Chat Divorce Podcast  DSG Listeners - Get 30 Days Free on My Divorce Solution's Online Divorce Course Get a free quote for your financial portrait from My Divorce Solution TODAY'S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY: SOBERLINK Proof. Protection. Peace of Mind. The Soberlink remote alcohol monitoring system consists of a portable breathalyzer with wireless technology for real-time results. With proven use as the leading choice in child custody cases since 2011, we are the only system that combines: Court admissibility in all 50 states Facial recognition Tamper detection Easy-to-read Advanced Reporting™ Trust the Experts in Remote Alcohol Monitoring Technology™ to support the best interests of the child in your Family Law cases. JOIN THE SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO FACEBOOK GROUP

Are you ready to hear some of the most memorable moments and juicy details from today's leading experts featured on the Divorce And Beyond podcast?  — August kicks off with a special two-part episode from Host and Top Divorce Attorney, Susan Guthrie.  A few weeks ago, she ran a post on Instagram that shared a recent Buzzfeed article that contained a bunch of divorce attorneys' craziest cases. The post was so popular that Susan decided to create a podcast episode devoted to some of the most memorable cases and experiences from past guest experts of the show. In this episode, experts and friends, such as Bill Eddy, Kate Anthony, and Dr. Elizabeth Cohen, share their most memorable cases or clients with us. They also share an important lesson or takeaway that they learned from the experience. There are some amazing insights for everyone, as well as some juicy stories too.  Many of our experts wanted to participate in this special series, so we produced a two-part episode to fit all their wisdom and experiences.  You'll hear Part One today and then tune in again on Thursday for Part Two. Some of the most memorable cases and topics include: Lessons learned from a stunning divorce case involving a husband and wife, spanning over ten years, as told by High Conflict Expert Bill Eddy A true example of “once a cheater, always a cheater…” is exposed as Eric Broder retells his most memorable divorce case moment The Divorce Doctor, Dr. Elizabeth Cohen reflects on a case with a challenging client and the slow process of excavating the client's experiences and feelings versus leaning into the story about her ex-partner “We make mistakes, but we are not a mistake.” Billion Dollar Divorce Attorney Beth McCormack shares her time as a child advocate of a young girl who was experiencing parental alienation, how she was able to help, and later watched the young girl grow up and succeed in life Plus, you'll hear insightful and astounding experiences shared by Kate Anthony, Tracy Malone, and Karen and Catherine of My Divorce Solution! Listen in to hear the amazing case details, takeaways, and wisdom from today's top divorce professionals!  ***************************************** This episode featured knowledge and wisdom from these special guests:  Bill Eddy Eric Broder Dr. Elizabeth Cohen Beth McCormack Kate Anthony     Tracy Malone Karen Chellew & Catherine Shanahan of My Divorce Solution Episodes mentioned: Divorce & Beyond May Headlines Round Up with Susan Guthrie and Special Guest, Beth McCormack GAL – AMC – OMG! Demystifying the Role of a Guardian ad Litem or Attorney for the Minor Child Part One with Leading Attorney, Beth McCormack  GAL – AMC – OMG! Demystifying the Role of a Guardian ad Litem or Attorney for the Minor Child Part Two with Leading Attorney, Beth McCormack Get Ready to BIFF Your High Conflict Ex with Bill Eddy  Yes, You CAN Mediate a High Conflict Divorce with Bill Eddy  Divorcing a Narcissist or Borderline? How to Protect Yourself with Bill Eddy  Thinking About Divorce?  Your Top 5 FAQs Answered by Leading Divorce Attorney, Eric Broder  Is it Over?  Should You Stay?  Should You Go?  Find out with Kate Anthony  What to Expect When Divorcing a Narcissist: If You Are Aware, Then You Can Prepare with Tracy Malone  Tackling the Top 5 Financial Roadblocks of Divorce Part Two with Karen Chellew & Catherine Shanahan of My Divorce Solution  Also mentioned: Buzzfeed article  The Light on the Other Side of Divorce, by Dr. Elizabeth Cohen The Divorce Survival Guide podcast from Kate Anthony Divorcing Your Narcissist: You Can't Make This Sh** Up!  by Tracy Malone ************************** THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: SOBERLINK Back-to-School season is coming up which can be difficult for those going through a divorce.  This is especially true when alcohol and child safety is a concern.  On Divorce & Beyond, my mission includes bringing you the latest insider knowledge and information from top experts with regard to your divorce, especially during these changing times.  That's why I've partnered with Soberlink to help create and offer resources to help you navigate the upcoming back-to-school season.  Soberlink is a remote alcohol monitoring technology created to help prove sobriety in custody cases. The system includes a high-tech breathalyzer device with facial recognition that allows you to receive real-time updates from monitored co-parents anytime, anywhere allowing for swift intervention for improved child safety.  They have helped hundreds of thousands of people document proof of sobriety in real-time for peace of mind in child custody cases.  Soberlink is currently offering free Back-to-School & Divorce packets that include an expert Q&A with me, Back to School Checklist, Communication tips, and more. Request your free packet today at www.soberlink.com/susan ******************************************************************* MEET OUR CREATOR AND HOST: SUSAN GUTHRIE®, ESQ., the creator and host of The Divorce and Beyond® Podcast, is nationally recognized as one of the top family law and divorce mediation attorneys in the country.  Susan is a member of the Executive Council of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution and is the Founder of Divorce in a Better Way® which provides a curated selection of resources and information for those facing divorce and other life changes.  Internationally renowned as one of the leading experts in online mediation, Susan created her Learn to Mediate Online® program and has trained more than 18,000 professionals in how to transition their practice online.  Susan recently partnered with legal and mediation legend, Forrest "Woody" Mosten to create the Mosten Guthrie Academy which provides gold standard, fully online training for mediation and collaborative professionals at all stages of their career.   ***************************************************************************** SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE! If you would like to sponsor the show please reach out to us at  divorceandbeyondpod@gmail.com for pricing and details!!! ********************************************************************* Remember to follow Susan Guthrie and THE DIVORCE AND BEYOND PODCAST on social media for updates and inside tips and information: Susan Guthrie on Facebook @susanguthrieesq Susan on Instagram @susanguthrieesq Susan on Twitter @guthrielaw If you want to see the video version of the podcast episodes they are available on The Divorce & Beyond YouTube Channel!  Make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode! Finally, we'd really appreciate it if you would  give us a 5 Star Rating and tell us what you like about the show in a review - your feedback really matters to us!  You can get in touch with Susan at divorceandbeyondpod@gmail.com.  Don't forget to visit the webpage www.divorceandbeyondpod.com and sign up for the free NEWSLETTER to receive a special welcome video from Susan and more!! ***************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM  

On this week's episode, Host, Susan Guthrie and Special Guest, Cindy Gunraj discuss the layered and nuanced topic of cultural norms as they relate to divorce and how your family's expectations and beliefs can make a difficult experience even harder. Cindy Gunraj is a brown woman who has tackled the difficult experience of divorce within a family construct and culture that prizes marriage and family above the individual.  Her experience brought her into direct conflict with her parents and extended family in a way that made her divorce feel like a failure not only on a personal level, but on a societal one as well.  The bright side is that Cindy persevered, worked to understand and appreciate the love while also challenging those cultural norms in a way that ultimately resulted in her receiving her family's support for her divorce and her parents' blessing.  Cindy shares her experience and her insights to help others who are facing a divorce that collides with their family, culture, religion and more in her book, Winning Your Parents' Approval for Divorce: 7 Practices to Leave Your Marriage with Their Blessing. Some topics that Cindy and Susan discuss: How Cindy's parents and extended family reacted to her announcement that she was getting a divorce The ways in which a brown woman's or man's self-image are tied to their cultural norms and challenged when those norms and broken Why boundary setting is a necessary part of seeking family approval and support in divorce Why "priming" is an essential tool for dealing with family get-togethers and events How self-care is at the core of finding a way to merge your own happiness with your family's expectations This episode is the essential starter guide for merging your family, culture and your need for personal happiness and growth - be sure to listen! GET A FREE E-COPY OF CINDY'S BOOK!:  It's easy, just send Cindy and email at cindy@stillnessblooms.com and mention "Divorce & Beyond!" Get Cindy's second book: Listen to Yourself: The Brown Girl's Guide to Trusting Your Intuition Find out more about Cindy and her coaching services:  www.stillnessblooms.com Check out the Costa Rica Retreat in August, 2022: https://stillnessblooms.com/retreat/ About this week's special guest: Cindy Gunraj Peeling away the veils of cultural taboos, Cindy Gunraj bravely left a stifling marriage and deepened bonds with her parents. She's an ICF credited coach and certified divorce coach helping women who are contemplating divorce and are deeply concerned about cultural pressures that come into play in divorce. Cindy's also the author of 1# Amazon bestseller,  “Winning Your Parents' Approval for Divorce. 7 Practices to Leave Your Marriage with Their Blessing.”  Her most recent book “Listen to Yourself: The Brown Girl's Guide to Trusting Your Intuition” was a 1# Amazon International Best Seller.  Cindy enjoys hiking and spending time with her corgi Joy and life partner David.  ****************************************************************************************************** THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: MY DIVORCE SOLUTION It's common to experience anxiety about your finances when it comes to divorce. To manage that anxiety, My Divorce Solution created The Divorce Financial Portrait, the ultimate divorce tool to avoid common financial pitfalls. Too often, spouses act prematurely or enter into a settlement agreement without knowing the financial impact.  Financial knowledge is essential when determining alimony, child support, and the division of assets and liabilities. And it makes a difficult situation better for everyone—especially for children.   Head on over to their website -mydivorcesolution.com to get more information. If you are thinking about divorce or in the middle of it, obtain your “Divorce Financial Portrait™” to make smart and confident financial decisions. Learn more at MyDivorceSolution.com. and don't forget to tell them that you heard about it on the Divorce & Beyond Podcast! Listen to the Founders of My Divorce Solution on the show in a special Two-Part Episode! Part One: Tackling the Top 5 Financial Roadblocks of Divorce with Karen Chellew & Catherine Shanahan of My Divorce Solution Part Two: Tackling the Top 5 Financial Roadblocks of Divorce with Karen Chellew & Catherine Shanahan of My Divorce Solution ******************************************************************* MEET OUR CREATOR AND HOST: SUSAN GUTHRIE®, ESQ., the creator and host of The Divorce and Beyond® Podcast, is nationally recognized as one of the top family law and divorce mediation attorneys in the country.  Susan is a member of the Executive Council of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution and is the Founder of Divorce in a Better Way® which provides a curated selection of resources and information for those facing divorce and other life changes.  Internationally renowned as one of the leading experts in online mediation, Susan created her Learn to Mediate Online® program and has trained more than 18,000 professionals in how to transition their practice online.  Susan recently partnered with legal and mediation legend, Forrest "Woody" Mosten to create the Mosten Guthrie Academy which provides gold standard, fully online training for mediation and collaborative professionals at all stages of their career.   ***************************************************************************** SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE! If you would like to sponsor the show please reach out to us at  divorceandbeyondpod@gmail.com for pricing and details!!! ********************************************************************* Remember to follow Susan Guthrie and THE DIVORCE AND BEYOND PODCAST on social media for updates and inside tips and information: Susan Guthrie on Facebook @susanguthrieesq Susan on Instagram @susanguthrieesq Susan on Twitter @guthrielaw If you want to see the video version of the podcast episodes they are available on The Divorce & Beyond YouTube Channel!  Make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode! Finally, we'd really appreciate it if you would  give us a 5 Star Rating and tell us what you like about the show in a review - your feedback really matters to us!  You can get in touch with Susan at divorceandbeyondpod@gmail.com.  Don't forget to visit the webpage www.divorceandbeyondpod.com and sign up for the free NEWSLETTER to receive a special welcome video from Susan and more!! ***************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM    

On this week's episode, Host, Susan Guthrie and Special Guest, Tracy Coenen, CPA, CFF, MAFF, one of the leading forensic accountants in the country, review the essential red flags you need to look for if you suspect financial abuse or infidelity in your divorce! According to the National Endowment for Financial Education, nearly one-third of U.S. couples filing for divorce engage in financial infidelity. Financial fraud in divorce commonly involves one spouse hiding or misrepresenting assets to tweak the divorce settlement in his or her favor.  This is the world that this week's guest, Tracy Coenen lives in.  Tracy is a CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CFF (Certified ForensicL and a MAFF (Master Analyst in Financial Forensics) and her entire career is based on uncovering fraud and financial deception in both divorce and business matters.   Although financial abuse is common, it can be very difficult to prove, especially when you don't know what to look for.  In this episode, Tracy shares her top RED FLAGS to look for to see if you can spot financial abuse in your relationship.   Tracy also has created the first ever financial program available to the public that will help people to analyze the martital finances to uncover the clues and evidence of financial abuse in a cost-effective manner.  Not everyone can afford the tens of thousands of dollars that it may cost to hire a forensic accountant like Tracy, so her Divorce Money Guide is the gamechanger you have been looking for! Take Tracy's FREE Quiz:  TAKE THE FREE DIVORCE FINANCIAL ASSESSMENT Take Tracy's FREE Financial Fraud Worshop: https://www.divorcemoneyguide.com/workshop#two-step   About this week's special guest: Tracy Coenen Tracy Coenen is known as a no nonsense forensic accountant who delivers the “real deal” to her clients. Let's face it: When your money is on the line, there is zero time to dance around an issue. Her passion lies in helping people find answers. Answers to questions like “Where did our money go?” After years of watching those who couldn't justify the cost of a forensic accountant lose thousands of dollars in their divorces, Tracy knew she had to create a solution. That's why she put her heart into creating the Divorce Money Guide.  Tracy has worked as a forensic account for more than 25 years, doing fraud investigations for people in divorce and companies whose employees have stolen from them. She is a CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CFF (Certified in Financial Forensics), and MAFF (Master Analyst in Financial Forensics). She testifies as an expert witness around the country. Follow the Divorce Money Guide on Instagram at @divorcemoneyguide Watch the video version of the episode on The Divorce & Beyond Podcast YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/_y9_A91R0Mc Don't forget to Like and SUBSCRIBE!! ****************************************************************************************************** THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR: MY DIVORCE SOLUTION It's common to experience anxiety about your finances when it comes to divorce. To manage that anxiety, My Divorce Solution created The Divorce Financial Portrait, the ultimate divorce tool to avoid common financial pitfalls. Too often, spouses act prematurely or enter into a settlement agreement without knowing the financial impact.  Financial knowledge is essential when determining alimony, child support, and the division of assets and liabilities. And it makes a difficult situation better for everyone—especially for children.   Head on over to their website -mydivorcesolution.com to get more information. If you are thinking about divorce or in the middle of it, obtain your “Divorce Financial Portrait™” to make smart and confident financial decisions. Learn more at MyDivorceSolution.com. and don't forget to tell them that you heard about it on the Divorce & Beyond Podcast! ******************************************************************* MEET OUR CREATOR AND HOST: SUSAN GUTHRIE®, ESQ., the creator and host of The Divorce and Beyond® Podcast, is nationally recognized as one of the top family law and divorce mediation attorneys in the country.  Susan is a member of the Executive Council of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution and is the Founder of Divorce in a Better Way® which provides a curated selection of resources and information for those facing divorce and other life changes.  Internationally renowned as one of the leading experts in online mediation, Susan created her Learn to Mediate Online® program and has trained more than 18,000 professionals in how to transition their practice online.  Susan recently partnered with legal and mediation legend, Forrest "Woody" Mosten to create the Mosten Guthrie Academy which provides gold standard, fully online training for mediation and collaborative professionals at all stages of their career.   ***************************************************************************** SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE! If you would like to sponsor the show please reach out to us at  divorceandbeyondpod@gmail.com for pricing and details!!! ********************************************************************* Remember to follow Susan Guthrie and THE DIVORCE AND BEYOND PODCAST on social media for updates and inside tips and information: Susan Guthrie on Facebook @susanguthrieesq Susan on Instagram @susanguthrieesq Susan on Twitter @guthrielaw If you want to see the video version of the podcast episodes they are available on The Divorce & Beyond YouTube Channel!  Make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode! Finally, we'd really appreciate it if you would  give us a 5 Star Rating and tell us what you like about the show in a review - your feedback really matters to us!  You can get in touch with Susan at divorceandbeyondpod@gmail.com.  Don't forget to visit the webpage www.divorceandbeyondpod.com and sign up for the free NEWSLETTER to receive a special welcome video from Susan and more!! ***************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM  

Of course, when it comes to getting your finances in order for divorce, there's a lot to know, but money mastermind Catherine Shanahan helps narrow down the basics in this episode of Moms Moving On. "It's all about knowing your financial ABC's, Catherine shares, which, in her experience, is the best way to understand what your financial future will look like after divorce. Listen to all of Catherine's trips and tips for finances and divorce in this episode of Moms Moving on. Catherine Shanahan is Co–Founder of My Divorce Solution. With over 30 years of experience in the financial industry, Catherine serves clients as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CFDA) and trained mediator. A Professional Daily Money Manager, Catherine is also a former VP of the Bucks County Collaborative Law Group, American Association of Daily Money Managers, Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts (IDFA), National Association of Women Business Owners, advisory council of Support Pay, and the Association of Divorce Financial Planners. As a mom of five and financial expert, Catherine's experience with divorce left her wishing for better information, resources, and process for the financial separation that comes with divorce. As a result, Catherine co–founded My Divorce Solution – the company she needed in her divorce. To get an extra $100 when you sell your engagement ring to Worthy by going to https://worthy.com/moms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan are the founders of My Divorce Solution, a divorce preparation platform team that includes a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) and Legal Liaison (LL). Having both experienced divorce, they combined their professional experiences in the financial and legal world to develop the MDS Financial Portrait™, which endeavors to erase the confusion and frustration you have been facing during the divorce process. Karen and Catherine share insights about their services - they talk about how they build each client's Portrait, how their process works, and how they help clients move on. During the divorce process, there is often a gap between financial analysis and legal requirements. Financials mostly focus on data, which is only helpful in litigation and in processing a divorce if you have the documentation to support it. Not knowing what you have, what you need, what you want, and what your options are is a detriment to yourself - you can't make smart decisions if you don't have the proper information. My Divorce Solution prides themselves on their symmetry in documentation - they have flowing communication with every professional involved in their client's divorce process, and share information so that things progress smoothly without any confusion, Divorce does not define who you are. It is a chapter in your story, and you get to define who you are moving forward.  Resources Karen Chellew on LinkedIn Catherine Shanahan on LinkedIn Phone: +215-486-8347 Email: hello@mydivorcesolution.com My Divorce Solution | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube We Chat Divorce Podcast Stacy Francis on LinkedIn | Twitter Email: stacy@francisfinancial.com FrancisFinancial.com Reach out to receive a complimentary consultation! Contact Francis Financial at +212-374-9008 or visit Francis Financial today!

Navigating Stressful Times in an ADHD DivorceResearch has shown people with ADHD are twice as likely to be divorced or have more than one marriage than those without. If you have ADHD, divorce can be extra messy and emotional. You owe it to yourself, and deserve the clarity, knowledge, and support needed to come out of a divorce knowing you got what you deserve.Learn about "My Divorce Solution"In this episode, I speak with Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan - who founded My Divorce Solution after their own experiences with divorce. Karen is a mother of three and has worked for over 30 years in the legal field as a paralegal and business manager. Catherine is a mother of five, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), a trained mediator, and has worked in the financial industry for 25 years.Know the Components of Your Marital EstateA marital estate includes assets, debts, income, and expenses. Debt and expenses are two different things, so it's essential to focus on your budget and clearly understand your expenses.Be aware of marital and non-marital components - and have them documented!Developing a Divorce Financial PortraitA divorce financial portrait is a very structured, step-by-step approach, educating a client through a 'launch meeting', which covers:•What is essential in their marital/non-marital estate•Developing and reviewing their budget•Using an online portal to organize a timeline and track the overall process•Access to a journal where you can message your advisor and where you can make notes to yourselfThe Benefits of Having a Financial SpecialistThe divorce financial portrait includes a net worth statement, the person's budget, the financial disclosure, the marital and non-marital demonstration of property, and a table of considerations, which takes every asset and debt and even some income and expenses.For example: When negotiating the division of the marital home...•Are you going to sell it or refinance it?•Which party is going to stay?• Who will be paying the expenses in the meantime?When you have the answers to these questions upfront, your attorney can advocate for you.The divorce financial portrait helps them discuss what they want very specific to their cash flow needs, the tax impact, and other financial considerations.Another benefit to having a financial specialist is not needing two attorneys to gather the same information, which streamlines the process and provides symmetry among the documentation.Asking Questions is Not Being QuestionedYou have a right to ask questions during your divorce. You deserve to have financial awareness because financial awareness will set you up for having freedom, moving on, and healthier relationships.If you're interested in more information about the divorce solution, visit https://mydivorcesolution.comWant to work with me?Check out my ADHD Planning & Coaching service.Help Me Out!If you enjoyed this podcast, the best way to help me is share it with a friend. Reviews and ratings are also appreciated:Click here to leave a review on AppleClick here to leave a review on my websiteGive me five stars on SpotifyHelping ADHD'ers unleash their financial potential through planning and coaching.DeWittCM.com/adhd to book free discovery session

There's no doubt that finances are one of the top concerns when going through a divorce, and often it's the biggest one. But if you have someone on your team that can help simplify what it all means, it may not be as scary or cause as much fear as you think. In this episode, you'll hear from the founders of the women-owned business, My Divorce Solution, on how they break down the details of your situation to give you the financial clarity and confidence to move on. (Guests: Karen Chellew & Catherine Shanahan, Co-Founders My Divorce Solution)

Divorce is more than just the legal side of things. There are other sides that are important such as your mental state, emotional wellbeing, physical health, financial wellness, spiritual foundation, self-identity, navigating co-parenting dynamics etc.... There are many areas outside of the courtroom that requires a person to reflect on in order to intentionally design a purposeful life going forward! Becoming your best self is indeed a journey after a relationship dissolves but a rewarding one managed deliberately! On this week's podcast episode, join me as I talk with Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew of My Divorce Solution, as we have a brief discussion around this topic and why they've decided to host a summit to help women navigate purposely from “Mrs to Me” Follow My Divorce Solution on Instagram: @mydivorcesolution Follow My Divorce Solution on Facebook: My Divorce Solution Interested in coming to the Mrs2Me Summit? Purchase your tickets here: Use code TONYACARTER for 20% off Click here to checkout a previous episode with My Divorce Solution about the importance of knowing your financial numbers when transitioning Order my book: "Divorce Your Story: A Woman's Guide to Heal & Thrive After Divorce" - http://www.divorceyourstorybook.com. Also available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QPWoCn Follow me on IG/Facebook - @mstonyaspeaks

This week we have Jennifer Warren Medwin on the podcast to share with us the Four Quadrants of Divorce as highlighted in her book “Strategies and Tips from a Divorce Coach: A Roadmap to Move Forward.” In this episode we hear about: The biggest issue that couples face in a relationship The four quadrants you need to know to be prepared for divorce Separating the different aspects of divorce for making clear decisions Jennifer is a Certified Divorce Coach, Supreme Court of Florida Family Mediator, and a Certified Marital Mediator. She's distilled her divorce coaching expertise into a new book and My Divorce Solution is featured on page 84!  To connect with Jennifer: Seeking Empowerment You can find blogs, articles, and more divorce resources on our website at mydivorcesolution.com. The We Chat Divorce podcast (hereinafter referred to as the “WCD”) represents the opinions of Catherine Shanahan, Karen Chellew, and their guests to the show. WCD should not be considered professional or legal advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Views and opinions expressed on WCD are our own and do not represent that of our places of work. WCD should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever. Listeners should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on WCD without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on WCD. Unless specifically stated otherwise, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on WCD, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced on WCD do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of Catherine Shanahan or Karen Chellew. WCD, CATHERINE SHANAHAN, AND KAREN CHELLEW EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. If you would like to obtain a typed transcript of this podcast episode, please email us at hello@mydivorcesolution.com. Please be sure to include the episode name in the transcript email request. Thank you!

After experiencing divorce and realizing what was missing from the divorce process, Catharine Baldwin and Karen Chalou collaboratively formed My Divorce Solution. Divorce has a long-term effect on individuals, second only to the death of a spouse. Catherine and Karen are available as liaisons to step in and bridge the gap between legal representation and financial clarity. My Divorce Solution offers divorcees education, resources, and guidance through the financial portion of divorce. Their flagship offer, The MDS Financial Portrait ™ consists of the information needed to assess which assets are marital and non-marital, what possible division scenarios might look like, what financial factors will be used in support calculations, and what the financial basis to your independent financial structure will entail. Financial division can be the toughest, most emotionally fuelled portion of the divorce process. This is especially difficult if you don't have access to information, or don't understand the information you have. Working with My Divorce Solutions gives you back your power. Not knowing everything about your finances is completely normal (12:05) The length of the process is generally a minimum of 3 months, but typically longer (13:28) How financial clarity can assist in determining if divorce is the right decision (14:05) Encouragement to ask questions and take a pause when making decisions (23:03) Having been through the process of divorce, Cathrine and Karen knew it was time to use their expertise to help others gain financial clarity through the divorce process. Please don't hesitate to contact them if you have any questions. My Divorce Solutions: https://mydivorcesolution.com/ https://www.facebook.com/mydivorcesolution/ Join Our Community: Instagram @The.Graceful.Exit Facebook @TheGracefulExit Pinterest @TheGracefulExitOfficial

Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan of My Divorce Solution join the show to discuss how they help take the mystery and mystique out of the money conversation for anyone going through the divorce process,More on Karen and Catherine at https://mydivorcesolution.com/Evan Schein is a partner with Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP and leads the firm's litigation practice. More info at www.berkbot.comGet your own show! pod617.com can produce a podcast for you. Get in touch with us now at www.pod617.com/contact

Divorce is painful and our upbringing can play a huge role in how our family and friends choose to respond to our pain. This week's podcast guest, Karen Chellew, shares her story of navigating divorce in a religious setting, and how she worked through her questions on her own and with her kids. The feelings we face during a divorce are complicated and it's easy to let guilt and shame convince us that we don't deserve what's ours in the negotiation process. People rarely talk about all the overwhelming legalities and financial decisions that need to be made in a divorce. What you want more than anything is a trusted guide who has your back and who understands what it's like to walk in your shoes.  Karen is a true gift to anyone going through this process. She is the Co-Founder of My Divorce Solution, a team that includes a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) who can develop your financial portrait, the quintessential financial document any couple needs to make clear financial decisions for their future. As a Legal Liaison, Karen helps support your legal team and facilitates connections with critical resources. With her team's combined professional and personal experience, they are uniquely qualified to assist clients through the divorce process.   Learn more about Karen Chellew by visiting her website at https://mydivorcesolution.com/  and following her on social media: Instagram - @mydivorcesolution Twitter - @mydivorcesolution Facebook Group - We Chat Divorce Financially Speaking - https://www.facebook.com/groups/mydivorcesolution/  Be sure to join her for the 2021 Mrs. to Me Summit held October 22, 2021 – October 24 at Hilton Head Island, SC. For more information visit https://mydivorcesolution.com/mrs2me-summit-2021/ 

The emotional overwhelm of going through a divorce can be very taxing on a person. There are many areas to consider when the dissolution of a marriage takes place and one of those areas is a person's finances. When you're unclear of your numbers, your decisions moving forward are unclear, the divorce process becomes more stressful than necessary and both parties involved aren't on the same financial page. On this week's podcast episode, join me as I talk with Catherine Shanahan of My Divorce Solution, as we discuss the severity of knowing your numbers and the impact it has on everyone involved. Follow My Divorce Solution on Instagram: @mydivorcesolution Follow My Divorce Solution on Facebook: My Divorce Solution My Divorce Solution's Website: https://mydivorcesolution.com/ Order my book: "Divorce Your Story: A Woman's Guide to Heal & Thrive After Divorce" - http://www.divorceyourstorybook.com. Also available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QPWoCn Follow me on IG/Facebook - @mstonyaspeaks Subscribe to my YouTube - Tonya Carter - MsTonya Speaks

In this episode of We Chat Divorce, we're joined by Shawna Woods to discuss the topic: Prenuptial and Post Nuptial Agreements. Here's an overview of Shawna's experience:   Shawna Woods is the Managing Partner of the Atlanta Divorce Law Group. She has been practicing exclusively in Family Law for 18 years. She is the host of the soon to be launched Happily Ever After Divorce Podcasts and regularly appears as a guest on the firm's Facebook Live.      Hosts, Karen, and Catherine sit down with Shawna Woods to discuss Prenup, Do They Help or Hurt? Learn More >>www.atlantadivorcelawgroup.com Connect with Shawna on LinkedIn >> @Shawna Woods   ----more---- The We Chat Divorce podcast (hereinafter referred to as the “WCD”) represents the opinions of Catherine Shanahan, Karen Chellew, and their guests to the show. WCD should not be considered professional or legal advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Views and opinions expressed on WCD are our own and do not represent that of our places of work. WCD should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever.  Listeners should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on WCD without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on WCD. Unless specifically stated otherwise, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on WCD, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced on WCD do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of Catherine Shanahan or Karen Chellew. WCD, CATHERINE SHANAHAN, AND KAREN CHELLEW EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST ----more---- Karen:  Welcome to We Chat Divorce. Catherine and I are so happy today to welcome Attorney Shawna Woods  to our podcast today. Welcome Shawna.  Shawna Woods:  Thanks for having me guys. I'm really happy to be here.  Catherine:  We're so excited.  Karen:  Yeah, we really are. And I'm very excited because in this episode, we're going to be discussing Prenups.  Do they help or hurt? How many times do we hear that from clients? But first, let me just take a few  minutes to introduce you, Shawna. Shawna is the managing partner of the Atlanta Divorce Law Group.  She's been practicing exclusively in family law for 18 years. You don't look old enough, Shawna, I have to  say. Shawna is the host of the soon to be launched Happily Ever After divorce podcast and regularly  appears as a guest on the firm's Facebook Lives. Check them out. We'll have a link on this podcast after  you listen to it. So welcome Shawna.  Shawna Woods:  Thank you. Thanks again. I'm really happy to be here.  Catherine:  It's so great, because we actually met through a mutual client.  Shawna Woods:  We did. Well, I had a client singing your praises and it was just serendipity that the attorney who was  representing her was not available the day to take the call and we got on and I've just had such a  wonderful time chatting with you and that you were so knowledgeable. And got to the point and we  could understand, yes, this is what we need to be recommending for the client. Financially, it was the  best thing for her. And I really did appreciate your approach to it.  Catherine:  Oh, and likewise. We appreciated yours. And we're so excited to meet you and have that conversation,  because when we can work together, as a team, and come together with all the information that we  need and the client is provided with the knowledge that they need, it just lets you do what you're  trained to do in a much better fashion for them. So you get to just use your legal expertise and help  them get what they should be getting.  Shawna Woods:  Absolutely. And I can't tell you how many times I've pulled up a client and go, you know what? My  Divorce Solution would be really good with them. Let's send them over there now.  Catherine: That's awesome. That's so awesome. Thank you so much for that. We really appreciate that. And today's  conversation really led through our conversation as well. When we were talking to you about what is  trending right now, we're getting a lot of people who are calling us, who are saying, you know what, we  think we should get a prenup, which is gathering all that same information for your financial portrait,  which has been great. But there are a lot of fears on what's the good, what's the bad, and what's the  ugly, and what's the pretty about it.  Shawna Woods:  Yeah. I think that people do have kind of a misconception that if your fiance, or even somebody where  you're talking getting married, and someone brings up a prenuptial agreement that they're looking and  thinking, oh, this isn't going to work down the road. And in fact it can be the exact opposite is that  someone's looking at it in a very realistic and loving manner saying, you know what, if this doesn't work  out, right, we're going to work really hard, because we all know marriage is work, right? It is not an easy  thing. If this does not work out, let's decide right now, while we're in a good space, why we're loving  each other, why we're really appreciative of each other, let's decide how we're going to divide things in  the event that it doesn't work out, instead of coming at it when you're hurt, and when you're emotional.  And when there's been a lot of baggage dragged into it when you're at that divorce state. So having a  prenuptial agreement, I think, is a really loving thing to do.  Karen:  I love that approach. And so many couples that come to us, and I'm sure to you as well, Shawna,  approaching divorce, had they had those conversations way back when they got married, they would be  better positioned to contemplate and make really good decisions for themselves instead of recreating  most of their married life after 20, 30, 10, 3 years even, it's very difficult. And to your point, emotional.  So, having those conversations is so important, and helpful, and loving. I love that you're using the word  loving.  Shawna Woods:  Yeah, I do think it can be. And I appreciate that. And I think that a lot of people again have that kind of  misconception, oh, this is to protect the wealthy one, or the person who has assets. And in fact, if you  are planning on having children, and your idea, and you both have discussed that, is that somebody  who's going to stay home and raise the children and give up a career, or the opportunity to build their  work, work history, then how does that look like if this doesn't work out once the children are grown,  right? And that can be a very good protection for people.  Catherine:  Yeah. So that leads me to a couple of questions, and what you and Karen were saying just a second ago,  it also can alleviate that. For all of us, who've been married when you were married 20 years, over those  20 years, you know your relationship's [not hard 00:05:26], but how many people throw out that threat   of divorce? I'm going to threaten you, and so once that word comes into the conversation, which is  never really very good, it can comes in continually. So if you had a prenup, maybe that word wouldn't be  thrown around so much, because it's not a threat any longer.  Shawna Woods:  Right, because you kind of know what's going to happen. You don't have that fear of the unknown. What  happens to me if I don't have the financial stability? What happens to, do I have to go out and get a job while I'm raising kids? How is that going to look? What does my future look like? You can really just  concentrate on what's going on in the marriage, right? And try to fix it without that then, what you said,  Catherine, is that threat, which we really hate, right? Because that's that controlling. That's that financial  control that we've seen so often in some marriages.  Karen:  Yeah. Who of us haven't done that 15 or more times anyway? It's just a natural response when you're an  argument. That's it, I'm done.  Shawna Woods:  I'm done.  Karen:  I'm done.  Catherine:  Yes. Exactly. Yeah.  Karen:  But when it goes up further than that, this is something that people should consider, and I think one of  the topics we're going to talk about is the prenup agreement for anyone and everyone? Are there cases  that it's better not to have one? Or would you recommend that everyone start their family, their  marriage with a prenup?  Shawna Woods:  I think prenups really are and should be for everyone, at least having that discussion. What does this  look like for us? One of the things I like about having prenuptial agreements, because I just had a case  yesterday where this lady had come in and said, "Well, he said, when we were getting married, he had  all this money." Turns out he didn't. With a prenuptial agreement, you both have to sign affidavits that  show, what are your assets? And what are your debts? Because that's an important part of it, is that  sometimes they walk into a marriage not knowing that the person they're getting married too has a big  tax step. Right? And they don't want to be sharing in that, maybe regardless, but definitely not in the  case of a divorce. So you have to be honest and open. That's one of the requirements of a prenuptial  agreement is you both have to sign affidavits and say, here are our assets and debts.  Shawna Woods:  Even if your assets and debts are my vehicle because I just graduated college, right? You want to say,  this is what we have, and what about this going forward? One of the things that we find is really helpful  for so many people want to start small businesses, right? And you have a business partner that is not  your marriage partner, and what happens in the event of a divorce, because your portion of the  business can be considered marital, right? And so, that's one of the things I think is really important as  we're starting out, the thinking about the future of these assets, do we want a small business to be  considered a marital asset or not? And it's an important conversation to have early on.  Karen: Right? And  Catherine:  Karen:  Go ahead, Catherine.  Catherine:  It's really important, as a matter of fact, Karen and I had this conversation because I just got remarried  two years ago. But when we talked about me having a prenup, I said to Karen, "Well, what about you  getting a postnup?" Because she's married, so it's a really interesting, we started business later in life,  the two of us together. So, we have the postnup and the prenup, and of course we can talk about a  postnup on another podcast, because it's so much to talk about. It's another great tool for people who  are just thinking about it, or rather stay married, but want a financial agreement.  Catherine:  I do want to ask you something that was the second question from what you said earlier, before I forget,  you talked about if you plan to have children and what's going to happen, you can lay that out in your  prenup. Well, what if things change while you're married, and now what you thought about in the  prenup, one of you, or both of you, don't agree with it. I guess if both of you, it doesn't matter, but what  if you now don't agree with that anticipation that you tried to plan out.  Shawna Woods:  So yeah, and I want to be very clear that you can't do child support or child custody in a prenuptial  agreement. That's not on the table. I think what we're both talking about, just want to be clear for the  people listening, what we're both talking about is what about spousal support, right? What is spousal  support look like if you both, let's assume that both parties have decided you're going to stay home with  the children until they're school age. Right? And then they get to be school age, and lo and behold,  there's a lot of other stuff that goes on with kids in school age too. There's running them back and forth  to extracurriculars, and picking them up. And gosh, look at all that aftercare you're going to have to  spend, if you go back to work. And that can be, maybe a renegotiation to a postnuptial agreement.  Right? And I do think that having those initial conversations, but if you do change your mind, if you have  to have that conversation with your spouse, right? Are we still on the same page? Do we still agree  here?  Karen:  Absolutely. I have a really good friend who just got married last year, and her husband already had a  business with third parties, plural. And he just happened to be mentioning that he was getting married  at a board meeting. And all of a sudden he got the news, you have to get a prenup, because any spouse  who's coming on board is not going to be an owner of this company. And that was news to both of  them. And so they had to negotiate a prenup. And to your point, she had to understand that if she was  going to be engaging, and participating, and supporting the business, that doesn't mean she would have  ownership. So can you talk a little bit about how those things play out, especially when a spouse is disqualified, for lack of a better word, before they're even married, due to the operating agreement or  the shareholder agreement?  Shawna Woods:  So those are very, very interesting topics. And again, there are so many people who are small business  owners now, or have a portion of the business. And the way it works, at least here in Georgia, is the  business, whether you own it a whole, or you own it with a partner, the growth on the business from  the date of the marriage until the date of the divorce is considered a marital asset, and a forensic  accountant comes in and helps us decide what the value of that business is. Right?  Shawna Woods:  Well, if the majority of the marital estate really is the value of that business, and the court wouldn't  order, oh, the spouse gets to now step into the business. What the court would order was the spouse  who has ownership in the business will then have to pay out to the other spouse. But if you have a small  business, right, you can't really deplete all the cash out of that and keep running that small business.  And that is one of the things I think people with small business and people who have partners who are  getting married, do want to have that discussion, because in the event of a divorce, is this business going  to tank because your spouse was coming after a portion of the assets of the business. Right? And that's  really what we look at, is not necessarily, because an operation agreement is not going to let the spouse  come in and run it. But a court could order, this person, this wife, this husband to say, you need to pay  them a hundred thousand dollars in 30 days, chop, chop. That can ruin a business really quickly.  Karen:  Right. Absolutely.  Catherine:  That's really a great point. Because again, this is about having all the details in your agreement, right? So  something that would be easily overlooked. Just saying, okay, I have this prenup, you don't get the  business, but really what about the growth of that business during your marriage?  Karen:  Right. Right.  Shawna Woods:  And you'd have to look at the investments. Another thing that I hear very commonly is somebody will  say, oh, I bought the house prior to marriage, it's mine. And I'll say...  Karen:  Partly.  Shawna Woods:  So true. If you purchased a house prior to marriage, yes there is some separate property asset there.  Here in Georgia, if you put your spouse's name on it, you just gifted the whole thing to the marriage, if  you don't, but you continue to pay on it during that marriage, that growth during the marriage is still considered marital. So if that is something that you both are looking at as, oh no, we see this as this one  spouse's separate property, you need to spell that out.  Catherine:  So what is the difference between, you mentioned earlier, and I'm well aware of the couples now  coming in getting into marriages, and they keep their accounts separate, and maybe have a joint  account. Is having those statements from date of marriage, keeping them on record, enough to protect  your premarital asset, or do they need to have the prenup?  Shawna Woods:  Oh, they definitely need to have the prenuptial agreement. Even in Georgia, it doesn't matter whose  name it's in. Right. They consider if I was married at the moment, they would consider my earnings,  marital earnings, and even if I put it in an account in just my name, that's still marital earnings. So just  having [inaudible 00:15:26], and I do, I hear that a lot too. Oh, don't worry, we kept everything separate.  Okay, but that's not enough. Right? You really do have to spell out, and I like to very well spell out, not  only what is separate property, but what is marital property? What are we going to specifically consider  marital property to be. If we buy a home together, and put it joint names, that's marital property. Okay.  Now how are we going to divide it? Is it going to be pro-rata, what we put into it? Or is it just going to be  50/50.  Karen:  Right. And Georgia is an equitable distribution state, different from the community property states.  Shawna Woods:  It is.  Karen:  Like California, Arizona, and so forth.  Shawna Woods:  Yeah. It almost works out to be the same thing a lot of times. I think it just adds argument,  unfortunately,  Catherine:  Exactly.  Shawna Woods:  Equitable, meaning what's fair. And equal, of course, meaning 50/50 and [inaudible 00:16:23]  community property states are. Georgia courts really start out with what's fair being 50/50, but they let  you argue why it's not in your particular case. And so it does open up a lot of doors for litigation if you  don't have that prenuptial agreement in place.  Karen: Absolutely. And Shawna, just to that point, can people come to us when they're considering a prenup, or  a divorce, that financial portrait that we built for them helps them collect all of that documentation. So,  you know when it's delivered to you, you're not only looking at a number on a report, you get to look at  the documents that support it. So you get to look at the operating agreements, and you get to look at all   of the different documents that would support your client's claim for whatever that may be or would  support the prenup disclosure. Is that what you call it? A disclosure for a prenup?  Shawna Woods:  Yeah. And a disclosure is a great, yeah. A great term for that. Absolutely. And that is so very helpful. And  it's not that our clients, I would say, are unsophisticated, but it does take nuance to get all of that stuff  together and look at what is a financial portrait.  Catherine:  Yeah, your attorneys are also intimidating for a lot of people. I mean, I love you. You're great, from the  minute I started talking to you, I find you very easy talk to you. I would go to lunch with you. I think  you're a fabulous, Karen felt the same way. But for a lot of people who are in this emotional state where  they're afraid to even talk about a prenup or anything, because you're talking about divorce before  you're married a lot of people feel like, going to the attorney almost puts them at a tense scenario,  right? When they come to us, what I loved about what we do now with the prenups is that, and  everything else, is we turn it into a financial exercise for our clients.  Catherine:  And so they're coming in at a really, you know, this is just an exercise. We're getting everything together  to deliver it to your attorney. And that's why we love working with attorneys like you, is because we just  make this transition for everyone so much smoother. And it can be more loving, if it's treated like an  exercise instead of something that's torture for somebody else. Because there's always one person that  doesn't want to do all the data collecting, or one person that doesn't want to talk about it, because they  just don't want to, or they're just agreeing to go there. So I find this to be really exciting for not only our  business, but for what we're doing, working with you, and the people who are really trying to be smart  about these decisions going into them.  Shawna Woods:  I absolutely agree. I can't tell you how many times I'll sit across from somebody and I start talking about  the disclosure. It was Karen who said the disclosure statement, and I get this kind of blank look on the  other side. And I'm like, okay, I need to walk them through this, but that's not what I do. Right? That's  that's not my forte, and I love having you guys, and I feel the same way about both of you. I was like, this  is such a fun connection. And it's great when I have, not only this wonderful company where I can send  clients, but it's like I really like them and you're going to love them too. And I do think that what you  guys do is so very important. People are waiting now a little bit later to get married, right? And they kind  of already started having 401ks, and maybe some assets, and helping them understand what their  financial position really is right now is important. And I really love that about you guys.  Catherine:  Yeah. And listen, we can talk all the legal stuff. I mean, you have to have really serious conversations  with these individuals. So if you have to mucky the waters by talking about their financials and get them  in this blank state, or get them in this, it's so nice when we send them over, and we don't have to get into those conversations. Everybody stays in their zone. And your conversations are more bearable  when everybody knows what they're dealing with because you bring up really great points about the  details.  Shawna Woods:  Yeah, I actually can give really good advice when I know what the details are.  Catherine:  I like that.  Karen:  I love that quote. That's the best quote.  Catherine:  We're going to have to do this, because I totally agree.  Karen:  Shawna, you talked about that a prenup cannot include child support, child custody discussions. Are  there other things that cannot be included in a prenup? And are there things that can be included in a  prenup that people may not think about?  Shawna Woods:  I think there are some clauses in there. I call them the penalty clause. And some of those things are  when you think about infidelity, if that has been an issue in their relationship, And they kind of want to  go forward saying, all right, we're both in this, but one partner has already experienced the other  partner having stepped outside of the relationship. There are times when they put, what I call the  penalty clauses in. It's like, all right, if this is the cause of the breakup, the marriage is that you're  stepping outside of the marriage, or if you're stepping outside the marriage, this is going to shift how we  separate things, or this is going to shift spousal support. And so, I think it's important for people who  may have those issues, not only to get a prenuptial agreement, but also to have had some pre-marriage  counseling, right? To ensure that these are the things that they're looking at important.  Shawna Woods:  Primarily not included in a prenuptial agreement is anything to do with the children, because all of  courts are going to tell you, it is the purview of the court to decide what's in the best interest of the  children, at the time. Not pre-planning it. And it makes sense, right? Because this unknown child, we  don't know who's going to end up being the primary parent. Or a default, we think it's going to be mom.  And sometimes it's really not, and same with child support. It's all determined, the needs of the child  based on calculators of where the parties are living at the time, because you have to do all that cost of  living things. So those are the things that can't be included in a prenuptial agreement.  Shawna Woods:  What you really look for is, is this prenuptial agreement so one-sided, right? Is it so one-sided that it's  just unconscionable, right? And those would be really those situations where you have somebody who's wealthy, and usually significantly older than the other party, and says, I get everything and you get  nothing. Those aren't really going to be held up in court.  Karen:  All right. And you mentioned the state, as it relates to the kids, where they're living at the time, if a  prenup is drafted in Georgia, and the couple moves to Utah, is it still enforced?  Shawna Woods:  It's still enforceable since we have full faith and credit with all of the states in the United States, and  even in the prenuptial agreement, and you've seen these in other contracts, I'm sure you guys have too.  It'll say if this has to be decided, it's to be decided on the laws based on Georgia. Right?  Karen:  Okay.  Shawna Woods:  So, we signed something for our car insurance that says something about Delaware, right? That's always  where they, so that's the same thing. It's a contract. And that's exactly what a prenuptial agreement is. I  think what people don't realize is that when they get married, yes, it is a wonderful, loving bond, but it's  also a contract, and it's a contract with you, your spouse, and the state. And the prenuptial agreement is  to say, no, no, we don't want the state deciding it, we're making those contracts ourselves.  Catherine:  Okay. I love that look at it. I never heard that before, said like that.  Karen:  Yeah.  Catherine:  Yeah.  Karen:  That's very good.  Catherine:  Yeah. That's very good.  Shawna Woods:  Yeah. Once you look at it that way, because people don't realize how much the state is going to get  involved in your marriage if this goes to a divorce, and for most people, we don't want them involved.  Catherine:  Right. Exactly. Karen:  So I've heard some, sorry Catherine, did I just cut you off?  Catherine:  No, go ahead.  Karen:  Shawna, I've heard some attorneys ask initially when a couple's going through divorce and they have a  prenup, they'll throw in the phrase to sunset. I think it's called the sunset clause. Have you heard of  that? Like it makes it non-valid after so many years, and maybe that's  Shawna Woods:  A sunset clause.  Karen:  I think it's called the sunset clause.  Shawna Woods:  I haven't heard of that in particular. I think what you're probably, it is like, oh, well that was so long ago.  There is certain ways to, what I call attack a prenuptial agreement. One would be the one I talked about  earlier, where it's simply unconscionable. You wrote it, or whoever wrote it was just written in a way it  was just really unfair to one person.  Shawna Woods:  A second way would be if you signed it like two weeks from a wedding, that's really frowned upon.  Right? Think about all of the things that we've got family coming in, we've got the flowers picked out,  we've got the cake coming. And all of a sudden here sign this prenuptial agreement. It's a little bit of a  duress, right? That's really unfair.  Karen:  And so many are.  Shawna Woods:  So many are. I do strongly suggest, is that at least two months prior to a wedding. One of the things with  what I think you're talking about Karen with a sunset clause is so much has changed. That's one way  they talk that, can we attack this? So much has changed from the time that we decided this prenuptial  agreement that it's no longer fair, right? Because there's always a fairness presumption to it. Those are  kind of rare, but they could happen, and give you maybe a 40 year marriage, say you had an idea that  you were both could have W2 jobs and somebody was going to stay home, but happens if you had a  special needs child who actually you have to stay home for 30 years with, right? What happens then? Or  what happens in those types of things? It's something so unusual happen that this is no longer a fair  prenuptial agreement. We try to kind of foresee certain things. Right? But those do happen on rare  occasion. Karen:  Right. And then that's all the way back to Catherine's point earlier where she asks questions that may  require a postnup agreement to make the amendments and so forth. Yeah.  Karen:  Another thing we see are people coming in, in this age of technology, so many people think, well, I can  just go get a form online. I can just go get divorced online, and our eyes get this big. And so they'll come  in and we'll say, well, we want both of you to go get this prenup interpreted, and come back to us so we  can help you get the documentation, because it's sometimes very clear that that form was just  downloaded from some random website. So can you talk about the importance of a professional,  helping to draft these prenups so that both parties are protected?  Shawna Woods:  Absolutely. I can actually kind of give an example of the danger zone. I had a gentleman come to me, he  has small business. Most of their asset was in the small business. He has put his life and soul into this  [inaudible 00:28:23], 12 hour days. We all know those things. And they had a 25 year marriage. He says,  well, I have a credential agreement. I said great, let me look at it. And I said, this isn't worth the paper  it's written on. And he was shocked. And well, what do you mean? Why not? I said, well, because the  prenuptial agreement is very statute-based. Okay? You pull it off the internet, now 25 years ago, I don't  think it was off the internet. I think he probably just like tried to copy someone else's, right? But it's very  statute-based and it's based on the state that you're going to be getting married in. Right? And they  have certain requirements that they're not necessarily going to be in this thing that you just pulled off  the internet. And if those requirements are not met, it's invalid. Immediately out the window.  Shawna Woods:  Secondly, how we attorneys, we speak that special little language. Everybody speaks a special language.  And I always use the example, my mechanic speaks a special language that I don't understand. Okay. I  speak a special language for the courts. And that's just the way we're trained. The courts are going to  read our language and know what it says. It doesn't always make common sense, y'all. We have to word  it in a certain way that the courts have told us, this is what this word or this phrase means, right?  Catherine:  Yeah. I don't speak that language. I get very frustrated reading it.  Karen:  That's why I call you all word assassins. But you have to be.  Shawna Woods:  I take it, I accept that. I understand. Yeah. But the same with divorce settlement agreements, people  come to me afterwards and say, "Hey, can you fix this?" I'm like, "No, you messed it up so much I can't  even fix it."  Karen: Oh, it's so true. It's so true. So what else would make a prenup or a postnup non-enforceable. Obviously  downloading an agreement, that's not, what do you call it? It's not according to statute, as you said, but  what would be another reason?  Shawna Woods:  A couple other reasons, one of the things, if you are addressing spousal support here in the State of  Georgia, at least, and of course, that's all I can speak to, but you have to have two witnesses in addition  to the notary, right? So if you don't have those, and you've addressed spousal support, again, that's out  the window. Not releasing your financials or defrauding on your financials, not completely saying what is  the value of something. One of the reasons I actually, with small business owners. I tell them, go get just  a really quick and dirty, but go get someone to value the business, and go with the highest value, right?  Because you don't want someone to come back and say, oh, they low balled me. I didn't really  understand that their business was worth three million dollars when we got married.  Shawna Woods:  And again, with small business owners, you're like, well, it's not worth that much. I can't take that much  out. No, but that's what it's worth. I'm putting that in quotations when the court puts a value on it.  Right. So definitely get evaluated. Use someone like, you know, use you guys, My Divorce Solution to  actually have your financials done. They're done and understanding, right? It's done, a professional has  done this. I don't have to write what I think my pension is worth, I actually know what my pension is  worth. And you guys know that's a big one.  Catherine:  Yeah, absolutely Shawna. I love that you say that.  Karen:  I know Catherine has to talk to a lot of people about why giving up that pension could be detrimental,  because they never really think about it from the perspective that they're from their retirement, they're  more afraid, or pensive because someone doesn't want to share the pension.  Shawna Woods:  Right.  Karen:  We go through that a lot.  Catherine:  How does a prenup hold up in the event of a death?  Shawna Woods:  So you're really looking at the last will and testament, as far as death, right? But I do say a prenuptial  and a last will and a testament should kind of mirror each other if that's what you want. A prenuptial  agreement's whole purpose is in the dissolution of a marriage. Right? But if you have a prenuptial  agreement, and this often comes into play, to your point, is when you have second or third marriages,  and you have grown children that you want to leave your wealth too. Right? And so if you have the last will and testament, that reads, here's what I want to leave to my children. And a prenuptial agreement  that says, we've already said that was separate property. Right? So that you don't have a spouse than  trying to make a claim on a will when you already have that prenuptial agreement. All right. You've got  two contracts.  Karen:  What if they don't agree? Which is the reigning document? Let's just say the prenup says...  Catherine:  If they're not aligned.  Karen:  Yeah. Yeah. So the prenup says, I keep my 401k, but the will says all of my assets go to my wife.  Shawna Woods:  Those two actually do agree.  Karen:  Okay.  Shawna Woods:  Because I keep my 401k. So when I die, I can say where it goes.  Karen:  Oh.  Catherine:  Wow.  Karen:  Wow. You're so smart.  Catherine:  That's a good one. Yeah.  Shawna Woods:  No, we just had that one come up a couple of times.  Catherine:  Can you just give me the data, and then you interpret it. [inaudible 00:34:20].  Karen: We could ask questions all day long, but I know what a lot of couples would want to ask you is, can we  both use the same attorney?  Shawna Woods:  Yeah. I mean, technically you can, but you should not. The reason being is you're going to get legal  advice coming in to see an attorney. You're going to get the legal advice of here's how we should word  it, right, to protect you. You should have your spouse, or your potential spouse, should have an attorney  representing them that says, okay, this is how we want them to word it, to protect them. Right? And it  doesn't mean it has to get contentious, you guys. It doesn't mean we're going to blow this up and it's  going to get super expensive. It's just that each one should have somebody who says, I have informed  my client, and we have an attorney affidavit. They're not required in the State of Georgia, but I think it's  good practice to have an attorney affidavit that says, I have explained to my client what this prenuptial  agreement means, and they understand it. Okay? That's another way to making sure that your prenup  [inaudible 00:35:34] agreement are being upheld. So both spouse, potential spouse, have these attorney  affidavits independently saying we have explained this, they understand, okay?  Shawna Woods:  It's just another way to protect yourself from this getting kicked out for being fraudulent. For myself, I  will tell you, I simply don't feel comfortable having two people in the office say, we want to do this  together. I appreciate that. Y'all go talk about it outside my office, and I will talk to one of you, and I will  get a recommendation from another very amicable attorney to represent the other party.  Karen:  Yeah. And you know what, Shawna, to your point of loving, it definitely sets the stage for really  constructive financial discussions moving forward, getting through that with two different advisors,  having just delivering perspective is really what you're doing. In doing this, this is what you're doing. I  think that's a great way to set the stage for continuing to have really good discussions about the  finances and each person's approach to them. And it balances out that relationship that, I'm going to  say, most marriages do not have. The balance of the financial management of the household.  Shawna Woods:  Absolutely. And I think it's so important to have that financial honesty with each other from the get-go.  Are you a spender? Are you a saver? That's another thing we talked about when we talk about  prenuptial agreements, if you're marrying someone who is a spender and you're concerned about their  credit card statements, well, you should be, because that's going to be your debt if you don't do  something about it from the get-go.  Catherine:  Yeah. It's all about expectations, having the conversations about what we expect from each other, and  what will happen with one of those expectations change. And remember everyone, divorce rates the  second time around for second marriages or more, is 62% or higher. So it's larger than the first time you  get married. So if you want to prevent some of that, and a lot of it comes from financial issues. Have  these discussions because you may want to decide even if it doesn't go right, if you should be marrying  that person the second time around.  Karen: That's great. Shawna, is there anything we should add before we conclude this episode? I know you've  been amazing at all this information and the details. It's incredible. But is there anything that you would  like to add that people need to know when considering a prenup?  Shawna Woods:  I just want to circle back, that I really do think it is the kindest way you can enter into a honest discussion  about finances. What your expert, to Catherine's point right now, what your expectations are moving  forward, balancing your finances, and planning for the future. It's a great time to talk about what do we  want our future to look about? Are we on the same page, right? And too many people don't get into  that discussion, and then they get married and realize, you have completely different financial goals.  And you want to be there together when you're saying I do.  Catherine:  Yeah.  Karen:  I love that.  Catherine:  [inaudible 00:38:59]. Yeah.  Karen:  I love that.  Catherine:  That's good.  Karen:  Thank you, Shawna.  Shawna Woods:  Thank you.  Karen:  And this concludes our episode on getting clear on prenups. Thank you Shawna, for a great  conversation.  Shawna Woods:  Thank you guys.

“You're stronger than you believe and you're worth it.” If you've kept up with The Divorce Doctor, you'll know that I often ask my guests what they would say to their pre-divorced self if they could go back and tell them something. I'm so often inspired by the responses I get, including this one one. So many of us feel powerless once we realize we need to end our marriage. But no matter what, you have the strength to get through it. You have power, you're worth it, and again, you will get through it. Catherine Shanahan is the co-founder of My Divorce Solution, a company whose mission is to transform an experience they know far too well from a difficult one into an empowering one. As an experienced certified divorce financial analyst (CDFA) and legal liaison, Catherine and her co-founder Karen stand strong by their commitment to ensure no one divorces without the opportunity of financial clarity. On this episode of The Divorce Doctor, Catherine and I go over the empowering lessons she's learned through her divorce, and how it inspires the work she does today. I'm so grateful to have had her as a guest on the show and thoroughly enjoyed our talk!   Learn more about Catherine by visiting her website at https://mydivorcesolution.com/

Divorce and money. Two topics not many of us are itching to talk about, but let's face it. Divorce can be really freaking stressful, a financial nightmare; and for many out there, going through a divorce or contemplating one can make you feel completely on your own with these feelings. Well, the good news is you are not alone! In this week's episode of The Stress Less Show, I brought on Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew of My Divorce Solution to talk about their top tips for managing a financially draining divorce from a place of strength and clarity. Key lessons from this episode: 04:32 - The importance of setting expectations 07:17 - Checking in with your goals 08:45 - Reframing your money mindset Learn more about our self-care accountability group here: https://stresslessco.com/selfcare Follow and learn more about My Divorce Solution! https://www.facebook.com/mydivorcesolution https://www.instagram.com/mydivorcesolution/ https://mydivorcesolution.com/