Should You Get a Prenup? How Legal Planning Can Strengthen (Not Sabotage) Your Marriage

Prenuptial agreements aren’t just for the rich and famous—they’re a powerful tool for protecting your marriage and your peace of mind. In this episode of Doing Life Different, attorney Melissa Miroslavich breaks down what a prenup is, why more couples should consider one, and how legal planning can actually reduce the chance of divorce.

Whether you're getting married, remarried, or just want to understand what you're committing to legally, this conversation will change the way you see prenuptial agreements. We also explore the emerging role of postnuptial agreements and the power of collaborative law to create respectful resolutions—even when emotions run high.

Melissa shares how couples can use prenups to clarify their financial values, communicate more openly, and avoid costly legal battles down the road. This episode is especially valuable if you're navigating divorce, thinking about marriage, or want to set your relationship up for long-term success.

(00:00) Quick intro: Why this turned into a two-part series

(01:10) Meet Melissa Miroslavich and her path to collaborative law

(04:42) What is collaborative law and why it matters

(08:00) How collaborative divorce protects families and kids

(11:33) The value of financial neutrals and family specialists

(14:25) What is a postnup? And how does it help married couples?

(15:10) Introduction to prenuptial agreements

(18:00) Why prenups are misunderstood—and how they strengthen marriage

(22:01) Financial transparency and setting expectations

(25:32) Are prenups enforceable in every state?

(27:50) Can prenups be challenged in court?

(32:05) Melissa’s advice for using prenups to reduce divorce conflict

(36:40) Why prenups are more about communication than control

(40:12) Final thoughts: Empowerment through legal clarity

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• A prenuptial agreement is a proactive tool—not a predictor of divorce
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• Collaborative law focuses on family-first solutions, not courtroom battles
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• Postnups can help already-married couples clarify finances and avoid conflict
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• Legal planning in advance helps reduce emotional and financial strain later
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• Prenups promote financial transparency, communication, and mutual respect
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Melissa Miroslavich is a Minnesota-based attorney specializing in collaborative law, prenuptial/postnuptial agreements, and estate planning. With a background in business and a passion for client-centered solutions, Melissa helps families navigate legal planning with empathy and integrity. She serves on the board of the Collaborative Law Institute of Minnesota and is dedicated to helping couples resolve issues without unnecessary conflict.

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• Melissa’s Website: https://www.miroslavichlaw.com/
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• Collaborative Law Institute of Minnesota: https://www.collaborativelaw.org
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• Find a Collaborative Attorney (IACP): https://www.collaborativepractice.com
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prenuptial agreement, postnuptial agreement, collaborative law, how to stay married, divorce prevention, legal planning for marriage, marriage and money, estate planning, women over 40, relationship advice, how to not get divorced, co-parenting, family law, peaceful divorce, conflict resolution, Lesa Koski podcast

After divorce and burnout, Kristina Ganow lost 70 pounds, rebuilt her health, and found purpose through fitness coaching. Discover how small changes can reshape your future.

In this episode of Doing Life Different with Lesa Koski Divorce, Love & Reinvention After 40, Lesa Koski sits down with health coach Kristina Ganow to unpack her inspiring story of post-divorce transformation. From emotional burnout to competing in powerlifting competitions at 40+, Kristina shares how focusing on simple nutrition, weight training, and habits of health helped her lose 70 pounds and rediscover joy.

This conversation is full of real-life tools and mindset shifts for any woman navigating a hard season—especially in midlife. Whether you’re dealing with divorce, parenting stress, or feeling stuck in your health journey, Kristina’s practical advice and authentic vulnerability will inspire you to start small and build a strong, sustainable life.

(00:00) Introduction to Kristina Ganow and her transformation journey

(04:45) Life after divorce: juggling motherhood, burnout, and big changes

(09:20) How Kristina lost 70 pounds and changed her mindset

(14:10) From car crash to coaching: rediscovering fitness after 40

(17:58) Why Kristina started lifting weights and joined a powerlifting team

(23:40) The truth about muscle loss, protein, and aging well

(29:18) Healthy habits: sleep, stress, and smart food swaps

(34:05) How community, coaching, and accountability changed everything

(40:25) Best tips for women going through divorce or life transitions

(47:02) How to connect with Kristina and start your health journey

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• Small, consistent changes—like increasing protein and walking—can transform health.
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• Women over 40 benefit most from lifting weights and building lean muscle for longevity.
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• Prioritizing sleep, managing stress, and joining a supportive community are essential.
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• You don't have to do it all at once—start with one habit and build momentum.
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• Coaching and accountability can help women rebuild confidence after divorce or loss.
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Kristina Ganow is a certified health coach, former social worker and teacher, and mom of four. After navigating divorce, motherhood, and burnout, she lost 70 pounds and found her passion for fitness. Now she coaches women 35+ in creating lasting health through nutrition, strength training, and community. Her mission is to help women feel strong, empowered, and ready for what’s next.

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• 🔗 Follow Kristina on Instagram
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• 📧 Email: [email protected]
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• 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkristinagetsfit/
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• 🛠️ Habits of Health by Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen
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• 💪 Lesa’s podcast and mindset resources: lesakoski.com
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Parenting Through Challenges: A Personal Story and Helpful Insights

In this episode of the Saddle Up segment, the Lesa shares a personal story about parenting differences with her husband, illustrating how each parent can contribute uniquely, even when approaches differ. She emphasizes that her podcast is for women facing various hardships, not just divorce. Reflecting on a past conversation with attorneys about parenting through divorce, she reassures listeners that having one healthy, caring parent is enough for children to thrive. The host also highlights the importance of not making situations scarier than they need to be and encourages listeners to live a happy, fun life while recapping her previous podcast episode.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:12 About the Podcast

00:29 Parenting Through Divorce

01:36 Personal Parenting Story

02:56 Parenting Differences and Advice

03:51 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

DIY Parenting Plan Course

in this episode, host Lesa Koskiis joined by matrimonial attorneys Morgan Mazor and Lauren Crane from New York City to discuss the complex topics of co-parenting and divorce. The discussion covers practical tips for managing summer custody arrangements, the importance of forward-thinking in divorce proceedings, and the need for creative and collaborative approaches to achieve the best outcomes for families. Both attorneys share their personal journeys into matrimonial law and emphasize the significance of controlling emotions and communication during divorce. They also provide insights into the lengthy divorce process in New York and stress the effectiveness of mediation and coaching to facilitate smoother divorces.

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties

00:33 Meet the Guests: Morgan Mazor and Lauren Crane

01:36 Lauren's Journey into Matrimonial Law

03:42 Morgan's Path and the Importance of Creativity in Law

08:06 The Challenges of Co-Parenting During Summer

12:01 The Importance of Mediation and Creative Solutions

20:31 The Lengthy Divorce Process in New York

25:59 The Role of Mediation in Resolving Cases

31:26 Conclusion and Contact Information

 Bender & Crane

DIY Parenting Plan Course

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In this week's Saddle Up segment, Lesa shares key takeaways from Tuesday's special episode. Despite being stood up by a guest for the first time on the podcast, Lesa reflects on her personal experiences, including her 34-year marriage and battle with stage one breast cancer, to discuss the importance of setting boundaries and reigniting passions from childhood. She emphasizes that self-sacrifice should not come at the cost of one's own well-being. The episode encourages listeners to take responsibility for their choices, set boundaries, and nurture self-love to better serve others.

00:00 Introduction and Recap of Tuesday's Episode

01:12 The Importance of Setting Boundaries

02:22 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned

02:39 Reigniting Passions and Self-Care

03:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this unique episode of 'Doing Divorce Different,' Lesa navigates an unexpected situation and shares profound insights on self-care and its importance in building stronger marriages. Drawing from her own experiences, including a 34-year marriage, a breast cancer journey, and personal growth, she discusses self-sacrifice, setting boundaries, and reconnecting with personal passions. Highlighting the significance of taking care of oneself to improve overall happiness and relationships, she offers practical advice and reflections aimed at both married and divorced listeners. This heartfelt and candid episode emphasizes the value of self-awareness, fun, and joy in life and relationships.

00:00 Introduction and Unexpected Situation

00:31 Reflecting on Personal Experiences

01:34 The Importance of Self-Care

03:03 Discovering Personal Joys

08:55 Setting Boundaries in Marriage

11:51 Building a Healthy Relationship

16:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Doing Divorce Different's Saddle Up Segment, Lesa welcomes relationship expert Laurie Gerber to discuss how to keep the fire burning in long-term marriages. The conversation covers personal realizations about prioritizing marriage, Laurie's journey from business coaching to relationship coaching, and practical advice for improving intimacy and connection with your partner. Listeners are encouraged to set relationship goals, self-reflect, and consider practical steps to strengthen their marriages. Lori also shares her personal experiences and strategies that have helped her maintain a strong, intimate connection with her husband.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:08 Laurie Gerber's Journey to Relationship Coaching

02:03 The Turning Point in Lori's Marriage

03:31 Communication Breakdown and Breakthrough

10:14 Writing Your Relationship Dream

11:52 Personal Accountability and Self-Improvement

12:56 Balancing Marriage and Personal Life

21:21 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information

DIY Parenting Plan Course

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In this episode, the Lesa greets a new guest, attorney and author Heidi Friedman, whose recent book, *Love Lessons 104 Dates, and the Stories That Led Me to True Love*, provides insightful wisdom on relationships. Heidi shares her journey post-divorce, her decade-long dating experiences, and the 11 core lessons she identified through research and personal development. These lessons include themes like the importance of self-improvement, staying open to opportunities, not settling, and finding a partner who helps you become your best self. The discussion dives deep into maintaining authentic relationships, mutual support in partnerships, and embracing personal growth both before and during a marriage.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:35 Heidi's Personal Journey and Divorce

02:05 Dating and Finding True Love

03:56 Writing the Book and Lessons for Her Kids

04:26 Impact of the Book on Readers

06:56 Discussing the 11 Lessons

10:44 Key Lessons: Putting Yourself Out There and Not Settling

15:57 The Importance of Mutual Support in Relationships

17:34 Starting the Day with Balance

17:54 Moving to California and the Bar Exam

18:31 Teamwork in Modern Marriages

19:42 Themes of Great Marriages

20:02 The Importance of Feeling Safe

21:35 Embracing Authenticity in Relationships

24:06 Supporting Each Other's Best Self

25:21 Valentine's Day and Self-Love

27:06 Navigating Dating and Relationships

29:06 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Heidi Friedman Bio

Heidi B. Friedman, formerly Goldstein and born Eisman, is a successful attorney and partner at a large law firm specializing in all areas of environmental law and environmental, social and governance (ESG) based counseling. Love Lessons is her first book, but Heidi has written regularly for Bloomberg, Law 360, and other publications related to her professional life and experience as a female lawyer.

Heidi lives in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, with her husband Will, and their joint baby, Felix, a cur mix they rescued. Will is Heidi's do-over after being single for almost 10 years and surviving 104 dates.

Heidi has four children. Two children she birthed, Morgan (25) and Zach (21) and two are her bonus children, Max (28) and Ben (26). Heidi and Will greatly enjoy traveling as well as spending time with friends. Heidi likes walks around Shaker Lakes, her time at yoga and Pilates, and date nights at a bar with Will. In her life, she has a strong network of amazing women who she treasures and who provide support, guidance and company for drinking wine.

https://heidifriedman.com

http://www.instagram.com/lovelessons104 

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Marrie Simpson’s Metabolic Reset

jjflizanes.com/lesa

This week's Saddle Up segment emphasizes the importance of amicable cooperation in divorce, especially when children are involved. Key takeaways from Tuesday's 'Doing Divorce' episode with Dr. Peggy Price, who is both an attorney and a mother of a special needs child, were discussed. The segment highlights the critical need for detailed parenting plans, particularly for special needs children, considering financial support and caregiving challenges. Dr. Peggy Price's book, available on Amazon, is recommended for further guidance. Listeners are encouraged to reach out for more information and to revisit the informative Tuesday episode.

00:00 Introduction to Saddle Up Segment

00:16 Key Takeaway: Amicable Divorce

00:34 Support Systems in Divorce

00:47 Focus on Children

01:13 Special Needs Children in Divorce

02:15 Financial Considerations

03:21 Parenting Plans and Flexibility

03:57 Conclusion and Resources

In this episode of Doing Divorce Different, host Lesa Koski welcomes Dr. Price—a trailblazing attorney, educator, and autism therapist—who shares her extraordinary journey of combining legal expertise with a deep commitment to justice and special needs advocacy.

With over 25 years of experience as a civil trial attorney and prosecutor, Dr. Price has served as an expert witness and consultant in more than 75 cases involving special needs issues. She brings a unique perspective to the table, highlighting the intersection of law, public service, and personal advocacy.

Now an esteemed professor and Academic Program Director at National University, Dr. Price continues to shape future leaders, drawing on her award-winning teaching skills and unparalleled dedication. She’s also trained in the Judevine method for autism therapy, providing an added layer of insight into the needs of individuals with special needs.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about breaking barriers, finding purpose, and leading with compassion.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:18 Peggy's Background and Personal Story

02:36 Challenges of Divorcing with Special Needs Children

07:11 Financial and Legal Considerations

11:22 Parenting Plans and Custody Arrangements

15:26 Support Systems and Resources

31:33 Conclusion and Resources Dr. Price’s legal background intersects with special needs advocacy

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