In this solo episode, Cary Jacobson breaks down how traditional hourly billing can increase anxiety, hesitation, and even conflict during negotiations. When every email and phone call adds to the bill, people often delay decisions or avoid asking important questions — and that uncertainty can slow progress.

Cary explains how flat-fee structures provide clarity, predictability, and financial transparency — and why that shift alone can reduce unnecessary tension and support a more cooperative process.

Divorce doesn’t have to be chaotic to be effective. With the right structure and support, it can be intentional, informed, and far less dramatic.

To learn more about our approach to mediation and flat-fee divorce services, visit jacobsonfamilylaw.com.

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What if the best way to avoid a high-conflict divorce starts long before the wedding day — with better conversations before marriage?

In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast, attorney and mediator Cary Jacobson sits down with Angel Thompson, MA, a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience in premarital and couples counseling, to explore how proactive relationship work can dramatically reduce future conflict.

Angel explains why premarital counseling isn’t just for couples in trouble — it’s one of the most effective tools for divorce prevention, healthier communication, and long-term relationship success, even for couples who feel deeply connected and aligned.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

In this conversation, Cary and Angel discuss:

• Why couples often avoid critical conversations before marriage — and the cost of waiting
• How communication styles, expectations, and conflict patterns shape long-term outcomes
• The most common issues couples fail to address before marriage, including finances, roles, boundaries, and family dynamics
• How a solution-focused, strength-based approach helps couples build practical skills instead of dwelling on blame
• How intentional premarital planning can reduce resentment, escalation, and high-conflict divorce later on

Angel also shares insights from her premarital workbook, I Do, I Don’t, a guided resource designed to help couples have honest, meaningful conversations before walking down the aisle.

Helpful Links & Resources

• 🎙️ Listen to the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast:
  https://jacobsonfamilylaw.com/podcast
  
  
• 👩‍⚖️ Learn more about mediation & proactive legal planning:
  https://jacobsonfamilylaw.com
  
  
• 📘 Angel Thompson’s premarital workbook I Do, I Don’t
  www.anangelstouch.org                                                                                                   
• 💬 Interested in premarital legal guidance or mediation options?
  Schedule a consultation:
  https://jacobsonfamilylaw.com/contact

Visit jacobsonworkshop.com to learn more.

What if the traditional divorce system actually makes things worse — not better?

In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast, host Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator at Jacobson Family Law, is joined by Regina DeAngelis, founder of Family Transitions® Divorce Coaching & Mediation and creator of the 21st Century Family Transition® program.

Regina is a former divorce attorney with decades of experience — yet her own painful, adversarial divorce revealed just how toxic the traditional system can be, especially for families already carrying emotional or medical challenges. That experience led her to reimagine a healthier, more compassionate way forward.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why the traditional adversarial divorce system often harms families
• How high-conflict processes impact parents and children
• Regina’s personal journey through divorce while raising a child with serious medical needs
• What the 21st Century Family Transition® looks like in practice
• How families can transition peacefully without court involvement
• Why the future of divorce must center empathy, collaboration, and healing

This is a powerful conversation about redefining divorce — and proving that families can move forward without destroying each other in the process.

Visit jacobsonfamilylaw.com to learn more.

Visit jacobsonworkshop.com to learn more.

Estate planning isn’t just about documents — it’s about protecting your family, preserving wealth, and creating clarity during life’s biggest transitions.

In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast, host Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator at Jacobson Family Law, is joined by Priscilla Castlebary, a Personal Family Lawyer and passionate advocate for Latinx families, blended families, and unmarried partners.

Together, they explore why estate planning is especially critical during and after divorce, how families can avoid court involvement, and what proactive planning looks like for modern families.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why estate planning matters during divorce — even without significant assets
• Unique challenges facing Latinx and first-generation families
• Planning for blended families and unmarried partners
• Naming guardians for minor children
• How proactive legal planning preserves wealth and reduces conflict

This conversation is empowering, practical, and essential for anyone who wants to protect the people they love most.

Visit jacobsonfamilylaw.com to learn more.

Visit jacobsonworkshop.com to learn more.

Divorce doesn’t have to be destructive. In Episode 3 of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast, Cary Jacobson is joined by James Traub, a CDC Certified Divorce Coach®, to discuss how divorce coaching helps individuals make intentional decisions and work toward their best possible divorce.

James shares how his experience as a child of divorce shaped his approach, what divorce coaching actually is, and how it differs from therapy, mediation, or legal support. Together, they explore the power of a team-based approach, tools for managing conflict, and how thoughtful planning during divorce can protect relationships and long-term outcomes.

This episode offers practical insight and reassurance for anyone at the beginning — or middle — of their divorce journey.

🎧 Listen now and learn how divorce coaching can bring clarity and calm to the process.

Visit jacobsonfamilylaw.com to learn more.

Visit jacobsonworkshop.com to learn more.

Divorce is common — but for years, it was rarely discussed openly or thoughtfully in the media. In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast, Cary Jacobson sits down with veteran journalist Ilyssa Panitz to explore how journalism can shine a light on divorce and help people heal.

After a successful career covering entertainment and celebrity news, Ilyssa experienced a harrowing divorce that changed her life — and her mission. She went on to create The Divorce Hour with Ilyssa Panitz and the global TV series Ways Thru Divorce, giving voice to experts and survivors alike.

Together, Cary and Ilyssa discuss:

• Why divorce has long been a taboo topic
• How storytelling and education empower people during divorce
• Lessons learned from interviewing legal, financial, and mental health experts
• The global reach and impact of Ways Thru Divorce
• Advice for those just starting their divorce journey

This episode is a powerful reminder that divorce is not the end — it’s the beginning of a new chapter, and no one has to navigate it alone.

🎧 Listen now and explore additional resources in our StanStore.

Visit jacobsonfamilylaw.com to learn more.

Visit jacobsonworkshop.com to learn more.

Divorce can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to money. In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast, Cary Jacobson sits down with financial empowerment expert Rhonda Noordyk to break down the financial side of divorce in a clear, practical, and empowering way.

Rhonda shares why so many women feel uncertain about finances during and after divorce, and how to shift from fear and confusion to confidence and control. From understanding your numbers to making informed decisions that protect your future, this conversation is packed with actionable insights designed to help women feel stronger, smarter, and more secure during this transition.

Whether you’re contemplating divorce, in the middle of it, or rebuilding afterward, this episode will help you approach your finances with clarity and confidence, without unnecessary stress or conflict.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why financial confidence is critical during divorce
• Common money mistakes women make—and how to avoid them
• How to understand your financial picture before making big decisions
• Practical steps to feel empowered and in control of your future
• How financial clarity supports a more drama-free divorce

Tune in for expert guidance, real talk, and encouragement to help you move forward with confidence.

Visit jacobsonfamilylaw.com to learn more.

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In this episode of Divorce Diaries: Lessons from the Trenches, host Cary Jacobson is joined by Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Allison Terrill to explore how financial experts can help individuals navigate the complex financial aspects of divorce. From understanding asset division and business valuations to planning for long-term stability, this conversation sheds light on the strategies that bring confidence and clarity to the divorce process.

Subscribe for more candid guidance on divorce, custody, and co-parenting, share this with someone who needs a steady voice, and leave a quick review to help others find it. For legal support, visit jacobsonfamilylaw.com. To connect with Catherine or book a complimentary strategy session, head to coveryourassetsdivorce.com.

Visit jacobsonfamilylaw.com to learn more.

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Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator at Jacobson Family Law, explores when and how custody and child support orders can be modified in Maryland. Cary brings her extensive family law experience to help parents understand their options and responsibilities when circumstances change after a court order has been established. 

If you’re weighing a modification or just want to be prepared, listen now and share this with someone who needs clarity. Subscribe for more real-world guidance, and leave a review to tell us what questions you want answered next.

Visit jacobsonworkshop.com to learn more.

Host Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator with Jacobson Family Law, is joined by Rita Morris, Co-Parent Coach and Mediator. Together, they explore the challenges of co-parenting after divorce and share strategies for creating healthier family dynamics. Discover how to stay anchored in your values, manage differing parenting styles, reduce conflict, and prioritize your child’s peace for a stronger future. .

Ready to transform your co-parenting relationship? Visit thecoparentspath.com or call 781-492-6082 to schedule a complimentary consultation with Rita Morris.

Visit jacobsonfamilylaw.com to learn more.

Visit jacobsonworkshop.com to learn more.