Divorce Dividends

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DD012 | Cost Cutting: How To Streamline Your Story to Save Lawyer Fees

In this episode of Divorce Dividends, Valeska Bacon shares invaluable advice on how to save money during legal consultations by making your backstory concise and relevant. She narrates a personal experience to illustrate the importance of providing only the necessary legal facts to your lawyer. Valeska outlines five key steps to prepare a streamlined and effective consultation story. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of pausing during conversations to stay focused and avoid unnecessary legal costs. Tune in for practical tips and a methodical approach to ensure your legal consultations are both efficient and cost-effective.

00:00 Introduction to Divorce Dividends
00:45 Saving on Legal Fees: The Importance of a Concise Backstory
03:10 Crafting a Lawyer-Friendly Divorce Story
04:31 Five Steps to Streamline Your Divorce Story
08:56 The Power of Pausing During Consultations
10:41 Final Thoughts and Resources

Get your Free 5 Step Prep Guide to Consultations Worksheet here!

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Where to Find Valeska: Instagram, Facebook & Divorce Prep - Divorce Assistance when pulling your financial information together seems overwhelming. www.Divorce-Prep.com

I am here solely for your entertainment & to share educational & informational resources. I am not a lawyer, accountant, or mental health expert. None of this information should be construed as or substituted for the professional advice of a physician, mental health expert, lawyer, accountant, tax preparation expert, or other qualified professional. Remember that your ultimate success or failure rests in the result of your own efforts & those of your personally hired professionals, your particular situation, & other circumstances beyond my knowledge & control. 

#DivorcePrep #Divorce #DivorcePodcast #DivorceDividends

©2025 Divorce Prep LLC

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How to Start in the Chaos: Starting with the Fundamentals

In this episode, Valeska is joined by Summer Howard, a seasoned divorce coach and founder of Parents Ever After and Boulder Divorce Mediation. While this episode presents information that includes families, you will find such useful information even if you don't have children. 

Summer shares her extensive experience in the family law field and offers invaluable advice on creating effective co-parenting plans during and after divorce. She emphasizes the importance of addressing the many layers of challenges in divorce, seeking professional help, and ensuring the well-being of children through thoughtful and cooperative planning. The discussion also touches on the complexities of financial arrangements, housing, and the dynamics of co-parenting both during and after a marriage.

Divorce Dividends | Summer Howard
01:37 Where to Start With It All 
04:26 The  Fundamentals
06:02 What if You're Not on the Same Page as Your Soon To Be Former Spouse
06:54 Coparenting Inside and Outside Of The Marriage
08:32 Where are we all going to live?  
10:16 Conflict and Your Kids
11:48 Who you are divorcing is not who you married.
13:40 How To Pay For It All: Child Support Calculations
21:01 The Role of Mediation

CONNECT WITH SUMMER HOWARD:

Summer Howard can be found at BoulderDivorceMediation.com. When you visit her website, you will find a free Divorce Mediation Checklist available for download among multiple other resources to help you get started in the chaos. 

Website: www.boulderdivorcemediation.com

CONNECT WITH VALESKA BACON:
Website: www.Divorce-Prep.com
Email: [email protected]
Podcast: Divorce Dividends

Instagram: @ValeskaBacon
Facebook: ValeskaBacon
LinkedIn: Valeska Bacon

#DivorceDividends #DivorcePrep #Divorce #DivorceSupport #LifeAfterDivorce #DivorceRecovery #DivorceCoach #DivorceCommunity #DivorceHealing #WomenAndDivorce #StartingOver #DivorceJourney #DivorceHelp #DivorceLife #DivorceWithDignity #RebuildingAfterDivorce

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Where to Find Valeska: Instagram, Facebook & Divorce Prep - Divorce Assistance when pulling your financial information together seems overwhelming. www.Divorce-Prep.com

I am here solely for your entertainment & to share educational & informational resources. I am not a lawyer, accountant, or mental health expert. None of this information should be construed as or substituted for the professional advice of a physician, mental health expert, lawyer, accountant, tax preparation expert, or other qualified professional. Remember that your ultimate success or failure rests in the result of your own efforts & those of your personally hired professionals, your particular situation, & other circumstances beyond my knowledge & control. 

#DivorcePrep #Divorce #DivorcePodcast #DivorceDividends

©2025 Divorce Prep LLC

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Journal Day 6: The Extremes of Always & Never 

In this episode of Divorce Dividends, Valeska Bacon shares the second part of a deeply personal journal entry written shortly after her former husband asked for a divorce. Valeska emphasizes the importance of finding a support system, expressing gratitude for friends who were there for her during tough times. She discusses a valuable exercise from her therapist to combat negative thinking and highlights the significance of having separate legal representation in divorce proceedings. The episode concludes with Valeska encouraging listeners to share their own stories to help others feel less alone.

talk of suicide 
03:00 EXTREMES OF THOUGHT (ALWAYS-NEVER) 1A
03:47 Tools From My Therapist: What's the worst thing that could happen? 

As promised, here is the link to the "Not the End of the World" Worksheet!

04:56 My Divorce Action Items
05:41 SIDEBAR: My Soon-To-Be-Ex's Lawyer
07:46 Thanks for sharing this time with me

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Where to Find Valeska: Instagram, Facebook & Divorce Prep - Divorce Assistance when pulling your financial information together seems overwhelming. www.Divorce-Prep.com

I am here solely for your entertainment & to share educational & informational resources. I am not a lawyer, accountant, or mental health expert. None of this information should be construed as or substituted for the professional advice of a physician, mental health expert, lawyer, accountant, tax preparation expert, or other qualified professional. Remember that your ultimate success or failure rests in the result of your own efforts & those of your personally hired professionals, your particular situation, & other circumstances beyond my knowledge & control. 

#DivorcePrep #Divorce #DivorcePodcast #DivorceDividends

©2025 Divorce Prep LLC

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Journal Day 6: It's Somewhere In The Middle [A Journey Through Divorce and Mental Health].     

In this episode of Divorce Dividends, Valeska explores a personal journal entry from October 2020, a month after her spouse asked for a divorce. She discusses the balance between extremes, the insights gained from therapy sessions, and the significance of perspective during challenging times. Valeska emphasizes the value of documenting one's journey and shares personal reflections on mental health. A content warning is provided due to the discussion of suicide. For those in need, resources such as the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) are mentioned for support.

03:33 JOURNAL ENTRY 10/20/2020 Number 1: There are 2 extremes

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Where to Find Valeska: Instagram, Facebook & Divorce Prep - Divorce Assistance when pulling your financial information together seems overwhelming. www.Divorce-Prep.com

I am here solely for your entertainment & to share educational & informational resources. I am not a lawyer, accountant, or mental health expert. None of this information should be construed as or substituted for the professional advice of a physician, mental health expert, lawyer, accountant, tax preparation expert, or other qualified professional. Remember that your ultimate success or failure rests in the result of your own efforts & those of your personally hired professionals, your particular situation, & other circumstances beyond my knowledge & control. 

#DivorcePrep #Divorce #DivorcePodcast #DivorceDividends

©2025 Divorce Prep LLC

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Journal Day 5b: Journaling to Combat Gaslighting

Understanding Gaslighting and the Power of Journaling

In this episode of Divorce Dividends, Valeska discusses the concept of gaslighting, how it affects people's perception of truth, and the role of journaling in reclaiming trust in oneself. Sharing personal experiences, she emphasizes the importance of documenting events as they happen to validate one's reality against the distortions of gaslighting. She also hints at valuable insights from therapy that will be shared in future episodes, and encourages listeners to share their own stories to support others.

02:41 GASLIGHTING COMMENTARY
03:49 JOURNAL 10/20/2020

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Where to Find Valeska: Instagram, Facebook & Divorce Prep - Divorce Assistance when pulling your financial information together seems overwhelming. www.Divorce-Prep.com

I am here solely for your entertainment & to share educational & informational resources. I am not a lawyer, accountant, or mental health expert. None of this information should be construed as or substituted for the professional advice of a physician, mental health expert, lawyer, accountant, tax preparation expert, or other qualified professional. Remember that your ultimate success or failure rests in the result of your own efforts & those of your personally hired professionals, your particular situation, & other circumstances beyond my knowledge & control. 

#DivorcePrep #Divorce #DivorcePodcast #DivorceDividends

©2025 Divorce Prep LLC

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[Preparing for Divorce: Five Essential Steps]

In this first content episode of Divorce Dividends, host Valeska Bacon discusses the crucial steps to take when preparing for a divorce. She provides practical advice to help ensure privacy and control during the divorce process. Valeska also emphasizes the importance of being prepared both financially and logistically, while reminding listeners to seek professional guidance for their unique situations. This episode aims to empower those going through a divorce by helping them take control of their lives and prepare for a smoother transition.

Get your free "First Steps Checklist"

00:00 Welcome to Divorce Dividends
01:36 The Importance of Preparation
03:06 Step 1: Set Up a Private Email
06:10 Step 2: Change Your Passwords
09:49 Step 3: Get a Post Office Box
11:35 Step 4: Open a Separate Bank Account
14:53 Step 5: Get a Credit Card in Your Name
16:55 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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Where to Find Valeska: Instagram, Facebook & Divorce Prep - Divorce Assistance when pulling your financial information together seems overwhelming. www.Divorce-Prep.com

I am here solely for your entertainment & to share educational & informational resources. I am not a lawyer, accountant, or mental health expert. None of this information should be construed as or substituted for the professional advice of a physician, mental health expert, lawyer, accountant, tax preparation expert, or other qualified professional. Remember that your ultimate success or failure rests in the result of your own efforts & those of your personally hired professionals, your particular situation, & other circumstances beyond my knowledge & control. 

#DivorcePrep #Divorce #DivorcePodcast #DivorceDividends

©2025 Divorce Prep LLC

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Journal Day 5: How am I the villain?

[Reflecting on Divorce: Raw Journal Entries and Personal Truths]

In this episode of Divorce Dividends, Valeska shares deeply personal journal entries from October 2020, detailing her emotional experiences during her divorce. She opens up about the stress of asset negotiations, the emotional burden on her children, and the challenges of maintaining her sanity. Valeska also highlights the transformative impact of Byron Katie's book 'Loving What Is' on her journey. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and processing one's own truth, while offering support and resources for listeners navigating similar experiences.

02:22 JOURNAL 10/15/2020
02:46 JOURNAL 10/16/2020
04:02 BYRON KATIE "INTERLUDE"
04:44 JOURNAL 10/17/202
05:46 EXPLANATION

Byron Katie's book Loving What is

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Where to Find Valeska: Instagram, Facebook & Divorce Prep - Divorce Assistance when pulling your financial information together seems overwhelming. www.Divorce-Prep.com

I am here solely for your entertainment & to share educational & informational resources. I am not a lawyer, accountant, or mental health expert. None of this information should be construed as or substituted for the professional advice of a physician, mental health expert, lawyer, accountant, tax preparation expert, or other qualified professional. Remember that your ultimate success or failure rests in the result of your own efforts & those of your personally hired professionals, your particular situation, & other circumstances beyond my knowledge & control. 

#DivorcePrep #Divorce #DivorcePodcast #DivorceDividends

©2025 Divorce Prep LLC

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Journal Day 4: & The Kids...

[Navigating Divorce: Raw Emotions and Reflections]

In this heartfelt episode, Valeska reads a deeply personal journal entry detailing an emotional experience involving her children and the complexities of co-parenting after divorce. She reflects on the turmoil, fears, and sadness she felt during the transition, touching on the importance of journaling as a means to process and understand her emotions. Valeska also shares valuable insights and coping strategies, aiming to provide support and understanding to listeners who might be facing similar challenges. She emphasizes the significance of being honest with oneself and seeks to foster a community of mutual support through shared experiences.

00:05 END OF ENTRY 10/20/2020
06:59 END OF JOURNAL ENTRY 10/5/2020

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Where to Find Valeska: Instagram, Facebook & Divorce Prep - Divorce Assistance when pulling your financial information together seems overwhelming. www.Divorce-Prep.com

I am here solely for your entertainment & to share educational & informational resources. I am not a lawyer, accountant, or mental health expert. None of this information should be construed as or substituted for the professional advice of a physician, mental health expert, lawyer, accountant, tax preparation expert, or other qualified professional. Remember that your ultimate success or failure rests in the result of your own efforts & those of your personally hired professionals, your particular situation, & other circumstances beyond my knowledge & control. 

#DivorcePrep #Divorce #DivorcePodcast #DivorceDividends

©2025 Divorce Prep LLC

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Journal Day 3: E + R = O

[Navigating Life's Events... Your Response Matters]

In this episode, Valeska discusses the concept of how events, often beyond our control, can be navigated by focusing on our response. The outcome of any situation is shaped by how we choose to respond. Valeska encourages listeners to try this approach when faced with challenges.

00:00 Introduction to E+R=O

00:04 Understanding the Event (E)

00:12 The Power of Response (R)

00:19 Shaping the Outcome (O)

00:19 Practical Application

00:20 Final Thoughts

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Where to Find Valeska: Instagram, Facebook & Divorce Prep - Divorce Assistance when pulling your financial information together seems overwhelming. www.Divorce-Prep.com

I am here solely for your entertainment & to share educational & informational resources. I am not a lawyer, accountant, or mental health expert. None of this information should be construed as or substituted for the professional advice of a physician, mental health expert, lawyer, accountant, tax preparation expert, or other qualified professional. Remember that your ultimate success or failure rests in the result of your own efforts & those of your personally hired professionals, your particular situation, & other circumstances beyond my knowledge & control. 

#DivorcePrep #Divorce #DivorcePodcast #DivorceDividends

©2025 Divorce Prep LLC

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In this episode, your host, Valeska Bacon, pivots to a deeply personal narrative, sharing raw and authentic reflections of a difficult time in her life. She recalls the events leading up to her divorce and the challenges she faced, including a cross-country trip to care for an ailing loved one during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode ends with a teaser for the next, where she will read a poignant journal entry from the day her former husband asked for a divorce. The host invites listeners to engage, reflect, and look forward to future episodes featuring various professionals.

Please ✅Subscribe... 🤲🏻Share, and… ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Review the show!

Where to Find Valeska: Instagram, Facebook & Divorce Prep - Divorce Assistance when pulling your financial information together seems overwhelming. www.Divorce-Prep.com

I am here solely for your entertainment & to share educational & informational resources. I am not a lawyer, accountant, or mental health expert. None of this information should be construed as or substituted for the professional advice of a physician, mental health expert, lawyer, accountant, tax preparation expert, or other qualified professional. Remember that your ultimate success or failure rests in the result of your own efforts & those of your personally hired professionals, your particular situation, & other circumstances beyond my knowledge & control. 

#DivorcePrep #Divorce #DivorcePodcast #DivorceDividends

©2025 Divorce Prep LLC