Divorce Source Radio

On this episode of DSR from Detroit, Kathey Batey returns to share wisdom on how managing your divorce better can lead to a happier post divorce life.

Kathey is a domestic mediator, author, speaker and corporate trainer on conflict communication. She is the author of the Suddenly Single series. She has worked with hundreds of individuals going through life transitions.

For more on Kathey, visit her website.

This week, Stacy is joined by attorney, social worker, and founder of DLM Divorce Mediation, Debra Mechanick. Debra clearly understands the clinical dynamic of family relationships, and will advise you on how to take a peaceful approach to separation and divorce. How does one make well-reasoned, logical financial decisions when in the midst of what, arguably, is one of the most emotionally-traumatic experiences a family can go through? In this episode, Stacy and Debra will provide you with tools for approaching the divorce process by separating emotions from rational decisions. You will gain insight on:

• Three big mistakes women make when rushing through the divorce process (6:29)
• Understanding new laws (12:31)
• How to separate emotions from the decision-making process (19:18)
• Techniques for avoiding unhealthy communication that may influence negotiation (23:10)
• How to compartmentalize the divorce process into 3 components (28:32)
• Taking care of yourself (36:41)

Whether you have decided to stay in your marital home or have found a new place to start over, this can be a fun and exciting time.

Our environment has a powerful and profound impact on our emotions and how we feel about our life. Today's guest, interior designer Jodi Topitz guides us in our home transformation from We to Me. She shares fun, easy and inexpensive ways to create spaces that make you 'feel good and heal good'.

Jodi's love of color, texture and design is contagious as she takes us room by room sharing best colors to consider, and simple ways to make a space feel bigger, warmer or more inviting. You certainly don't have to spend a fortune.

Repurpose your favorite items, add a few colorful throw pillows, a unique area rug or strategically placed lighting and your home can represent the new you while being a much desired oasis to soothe your spirits post divorce. Get ready to smile, expand your visionary horizon and begin creating a home that represents the new you!

For more on Journey Beyond Divorce Click Here.

Mali List Mayer, a single mother and solopreneur, who has launched her life independently, joins Stacy this week. Mali hones in on the importance of educating yourself financially from a young age. From learning how to budget to choosing the right adviser for you. Stacy and Mali provides savvy tips to get on top of your investments and not rely on your other half for help.

In this episode, you will gain insight on:

• Educating yourself on financial terminology and concepts – 8:17
• Choosing the right portfolio and adviser for you – 11:32
• Approaching your adviser in the most effective way – 15:23
• Understanding how advisers charge – 21:50
• Teaching the next generation about your values of money – 28:17

  Mali List Mayer, a single mother and solopreneur, who has launched her life independently, joins Stacy this week. Mali hones in on the importance of educating yourself financially from a young age. From learning how to budget to choosing the right adviser for you. Stacy and Mali provides savvy tips to get on top of your investments and not rely on your other half for help.

  In this episode, you will gain insight on:

  • Educating yourself on financial terminology and concepts – 8:17
  • Choosing the right portfolio and adviser for you – 11:32
  • Approaching your adviser in the most effective way – 15:23
  • Understanding how advisers charge – 21:50
  • Teaching the next generation about your values of money – 28:17

Stacy Francis | W: www.francisfinancial.com P: 212-374-9008 E: [email protected]

This week Stacy is joined by psychiatrist and author of Fulfilled for a valentine's day special about finding yourself before you find your soulmate. Fulfilled illustrates how the science of spirituality helps you live a happier, more meaningful life. In this episode Stacy and Anna provide you with real life examples and exercises focusing on four important points during a divorce: relinquishing victim mentality, having faith and giving/offering forgiveness, rising above indecision and owning your thoughts & feelings. You will gain insight on:

• What made Anna decide to write Fulfilled? (3:03)
• How to start healing yourself (5:38)
• The Mirror Principle (6:28)
• What are some of those tools that women can work through to start to find that nugget that might not be fully ready in themselves? (8:07)
• Harnessing your personal power (16:05)
• How do you move beyond feeling like a victim in a divorce? (16:48)
• Faith and forgiveness (18:29)
• What would Queen Elizabeth do in this situation? (24:06)

Stacy Francis | W: www.francisfinancial.com P: 212-374-9008 E: [email protected]

This week, Stacy is joined by Francis Financial's very own, Davon Barrett. Davon shares his personal story of growing up in a divorced family and how it's impacted him today. This powerful episode brings to light a child's perspective and provides key takeaways for what parents can be conscious of when bringing up their children in a split home. Stacy touches on the following questions:

• What worked well with your mom and dad? How did they try and make you feel comfortable at each of the new homes? (5:30)
• How did you deal with the compromise and change? (7:08)
• Did you notice any differences with regard to money? (11:14)
• Do you ever find yourself having to make uncomfortable decisions on who to spend time with? (13:30)
• Has your parent's relationship taught you lessons for when you might get married someday? (30:50)

This week, Stacy and matrimonial attorney, Randi Karmel, dive into the importance of preparing a divorce settlement that incorporates planning for your special needs child's financial future. Randi shares words of wisdom, pulling from her extensive experience, to ensure you are supporting your child, regardless of potential disagreements in parental decisions.

In this episode, Stacy and Randi focus on cases where divorcing parents must work collaboratively to do what's in the best interest of the child and find a middle ground, financially. You will gain insight on:

• Dealing with contradicting opinions for your child's treatment (05:10)
• What expenses need to be planned for (09:46)
• How to financially care for your adult children with special needs (14:59)
• Who becomes the trustee during a transition (18:18) (20:20)

Randi Karmel | W: www.randikarmel.com P: 212-755-0224 E: Upon request

Stacy Francis | W: www.francisfinancial.com P: 212-374-9008 E: [email protected]

Stacy is joined by Publisher and Editor in Chief of The New York Amsterdam News, Elinor Tatum. Elinor is a single mom to her 7 year old daughter, and has been divorced for 5 years, and in this episode, she talks about the importance of taking care of yourself and building your support team for life. There may be weeks where you need 24/7 support, and it is important to recognize how much stress you, personally, can take on, and who you should go to for the advice you need, whether it be your attorney, financial advisor, mental health professional, or friend.

Elinor and Stacy specifically touch on the following topics:

• Who does the most supportive team consist of (7:19)
• Finding the perfect attorney/ financial advisor/ mental health professional (9:50)(12:36)(13:25)
• How to not break the bank on legal costs (16:47)
• What to do when the relationship with your attorney isn't working (28:14)
• Top consideration for your mental health during the divorce process (33:04)

Elinor Tatum | W: www.amsterdamnews.com E:[email protected]

Stacy Francis | W: www.francisfinancial.com P: 212-374-9008 E: [email protected]

As you enter divorce negotiations it is imperative that you have a good handle on your financial picture and the value each asset represents. The fear and uncertainty of what your financial reality will be post-divorce plagues everyone.

Getting educated and enlisting professionals to support you in negotiating a win-win settlement is vital. Today's guest Jaime Goodman a CDFA (Certified Divorce Financial Analysts) shares the importance of managing your expectations, understanding the values of your assets and the tax implications inherent in each. Grab and pen and paper and listen in.

For more info on Journey Beyond Divorce Click Here.

Do you hate your ex-spouse more than you love your child? For this holiday episode, Stacy is joined by Shari Bornstein, Director of Parent Services at FamilyKind, to discuss how to put bitterness aside and prioritize your children when celebrating the holidays.

In this episode, you will gain insight on:

• How to prevent and prepare for possible conflict during the upcoming holidays (12:19)
• Finding middle ground when it comes to differing parenting styles (15:01)
• Scheduling your holiday sharing plan (15:47)
• Parenting techniques, such as the pizza delivery technique, and using buzzwords to avoid bitterness and conflict in front of the kids (17:46)
• How parents can avoid being "naughty" by coordinating traditions and not "out-gifting" each other (23:46)
• Tips on how to make the holidays less stressful for your children (30:22)

Holidays can be a stressful time for many, especially for divorced families whose children split their time between parents. FamilyKind is non-profit organization located in New York City that provides education and support services to families experiencing divorce and separation. If you have any questions or queries, you can contact Shari or visit the Family Kind website.

Shari Bornstein | W: www.familykind.org P: 860-302-2631 E: [email protected]

Stacy Francis | W: www.francisfinancial.com P: 212-374-9008 E: [email protected]