When you’re in the middle of a divorce, one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make is hiring the right attorney. In this powerhouse episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, hosts Andrea Rappaport (comedian) and Morgan Stogsdill (head of family law at the largest firm in the U.S.) sit down in Los Angeles with celebrity divorce attorneys and judges to uncover what really matters when it comes to navigating high-stakes cases.

From avoiding the “shark attorney” trap to protecting your kids and learning how to negotiate like a pro, this episode is full of real talk and insider advice. Oh, and yes—we spill some behind-the-scenes tea from our LA adventure, hotel fiascos included.

• Why hiring the wrong lawyer can ruin your case
• (and why “sharks” only guarantee that lawyers win—not clients).
• What judges look for when deciding if an attorney is a good fit for your case.
• The “beauty pageant” of divorce attorneys — and how to shop smart without rushing.
• Communication mistakes that cost thousands, like adding one little jab (“jerk”) to an otherwise harmless text.
• How to protect your kids from being dragged into custody disputes or used as messengers.
• Negotiation secrets: why making the first offer usually leads to a better deal.
• The role of forensic accountants and when you really need one.
• Celebrity divorce lessons: what everyday people can learn from the way stars protect their privacy and brand.

You’ll hear from some of the most respected celebrity divorce attorneys and judges in Los Angeles, including:

• Chris Melcher – High-profile family law attorney known for representing celebrities.

Celebrity lawyer Christopher C. Melcher is ranked as a best family law attorney in California 2023 (Band 1 Chambers High Net Worth) and is a partner of top family law firm Walzer Melcher Yoda

• Commissioner Gretchen Taylor – Hon. Judge bringing empathy and sharp insights from the bench.

Prior to her tenure on the Los Angeles Superior Court and the Riverside Superior Court, Hon. Gretchen W. Taylor, a Certified Family Law Specialist since 1991, was a successful Beverly Hills Family Law attorney for 18 years.

• Judge Dianna Gold-Saltman – Family law judge offering candid advice on communication and expectations.

Hon. Dianna Gould-Saltman (Ret.) is a well-respected family law attorney and was a Los Angeles Superior Court judge. In her first year as a private neutral, Judge Gould-Saltman was named one of 24 leading family law private judges in the State of California by Doyle’s Guide.

• Steve Mindel – Renowned attorney breaking down negotiation, financial pitfalls, and the psychology of divorce.

With over 30 years of experience in family law, Steven A. Mindel is the Managing and Founding Partner of FMBK and a Certified Family Law Specialist*, dividing his time between leading one of Southern California’s premier family law firms and representing clients in complex matters. 

Most people panic-hire the first lawyer they meet. But the right attorney won’t just tell you what you want to hear—they’ll push back, set realistic expectations, and protect your long-term stability. This episode arms you with the questions to ask, the red flags to spot, and the strategies that save time, money, and your sanity.

• Divorce Crash Course → A step-by-step guide on hiring the right attorney and avoiding costly mistakes. www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com

"You Got This and We Got You" Hats! https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/gifts

• Soberlink → Alcohol monitoring to keep kids safe during parenting time. soberlink.com/notsuck

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck20

And last, but not least, please go check out the FABULOUS SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, tell them How Not to Suck at Divorce podcast sent you! They'll be extra nice!

SLS Beverly Hills

👉 Listen now to hear what celebrity judges and attorneys want you to know about divorce—and how to avoid the biggest mistakes.

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

TikTok: @divorcepodcast

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

Do you want your lawyer to actually call you back, explain the plan, and move your case forward? It’s not magic...it’s how you communicate and collaborate.

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea and Morgan break down what puts you on your divorce attorney’s priority list (and what lands you on the “not today” pile). You’ll hear real stories, simple scripts, and clear next steps to get faster responses, clearer strategy, and better service...without spending more than you need to.

What You'll Learn:

• How to make your divorce case a priority
• How long it should take for your attorney to respond to you
• How to get clear action steps from your divorce attorney
• Knowing when is it time to get a second opinion or switch divorce attorneys and how to do it
• How to not annoy your divorce attorney so they won't hate you and not prioritze your case!

Listen in for the exact do’s and don’ts, respectful scripts that work, and a refreshingly honest take on getting the support you deserve during divorce.

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Need a thoughtful way to connect? Shop our curated greeting cards here.
• Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major (and expensive) mistakes. Learn more here.
• Our Family Wizard is a fantastic resource for anyone navigating co-parenting. Check out our partnership here.

Friends, slide into our DMs—we love hearing from you. We’re always here to listen and help in any way we can. You’ve got this, and we’ve got you.

• Instagram: @hownottosuckatdivorce
• Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport
• Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

When an affair is part of your divorce story, it can feel like there’s no justice...especially in a no-fault state. In this candid, funny-but-serious conversation, Andrea and Morgan break down what you can control: your money, your mindset, and your parenting decisions. They explain how dissipation (spending marital funds on a third party) might matter, when it’s worth digging into records, what to ask your lawyer, and why protecting your mental health (and your kids) is the real win. You’ll also hear how new partners or messy situations (hello, “au pair drama”) can affect parenting time and how to keep your own behavior from hurting your case.

What You’ll Learn:

• What a no-fault divorce actually means for affairs
• How spending money on someone else can affect your case
• A simple way to ask your lawyer about looking into dissipation without overspending
• Why protecting your mental health matters more than “justice”
• How new partners or messy situations can impact parenting time

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

When you’re stuck wondering if you should stay married or finally move forward with a divorce, the decision feels impossible. In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea and Morgan get real about how to weigh your options—emotionally and practically—so you can stop spinning in circles and start finding clarity.

They share a powerful acronym to help you evaluate your marriage, plus the exact logistical steps you should take if divorce might be on your horizon. From emotional check-ins to financial prep, you’ll walk away knowing what questions to ask and what to do next.

Questions answered in this episode:

• How do you know if it’s really your marriage—or just outside stress—making you unhappy?
• What is the TALK acronym and how can it help you evaluate your relationship?
• Why is therapy (with a professional, not a friend) a critical first step?
• What does “attunement” actually mean in a marriage, and why does it matter?
• How can laughter and levity show you the health of your relationship?
• Why do you need to understand the divorce process before making a decision?
• What financial steps should you take if you’re not sure whether to divorce?
• How does timing (holidays, business cycles, even illness) affect the right moment to file?
• What should you know about custody laws in your state before deciding?
• How do you know if you’re mentally strong enough to start the divorce process?

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

Let’s face it—back to school hits different when you’re divorced… and especially when you’re the one stuck writing 40 thank-you notes from a six-year-old who can barely write his name.

In this episode, Andrea and Morgan are tackling two of the most unhinged yet relatable parenting hurdles:

🎁 Kid birthday party etiquette (aka the gift spiral from hell)

📚 Back-to-school survival when you’re divorced or divorcing

From the emotional whiplash of a toddler’s party gift pile to awkwardly dodging your ex at curriculum night, these two don’t hold back. Expect brutal honesty, hysterical hypotheticals (yes, hiring someone to write thank-you notes is discussed), and practical survival tips to help you navigate the school year without screaming “NOT WELL, B*TCH!” at the PTA meeting.

• Why Lego gifts are basically a hate crime
• How to communicate with teachers without throwing your ex under the school bus
• What to do when your kids feel caught between two parents on the first day of school
• Why sitting with your ex at a band concert might not be best (even if Celine Dion is involved)
• The right (and wrong) way to set expectations with schools and teachers
• Tips for socializing as a newly single parent (yes, we see you hiding in your car after drop-off)

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

Andrea and Morgan talk with Laura Richards, host of That’s Where I’m At podcast, about navigating divorce when abuse is part of the marriage. Laura shares her story of leaving a relationship that looked perfect from the outside but was filled with covert control, manipulation, and emotional harm behind closed doors. Alongside Laura’s experience, Andrea and Morgan offer practical and legal guidance for protecting yourself during this challenging time.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to identify and safeguard important items, financial records, valuables, and sentimental possessions before they can be taken or hidden.
• The importance of creating a legally sound safety plan for yourself and your children, even if the abuse has never been physical.
• Why you should expect the early stages of divorce to be the most difficult, and how to prepare mentally and emotionally for that period.
• How control can shift during divorce and the subtle ways an ex may try to manipulate or intimidate you.
• Why having your own attorney matters, even if mediation feels amicable.
• The role of supportive communities, therapy, and trusted resources in rebuilding your confidence and moving forward.

Connect with Laura:

Website: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/

Podcast: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/episodes/

Instagram: @thatswhereimatpodcast

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

Abuse doesn’t always leave visible scars. If you’re in a marriage where your every move is controlled; whether it’s how you spend money, where you go, or who you see, you may be experiencing abuse without realizing it.

In this episode, we’re giving you the 3 critical steps to take before you leave an abusive marriage, straight from a divorce lawyer’s perspective. Then, you’ll hear a riveting, eye-opening conversation with Dr. Nadine Macaluso—therapist, trauma-bond expert, and former wife of Jordan Belfort, the infamous “Wolf of Wall Street.”

Dr. Nadine shares:

• How coercive control and trauma bonds keep people trapped
• The truth about love bombing, cognitive dissonance, and the cycle of abuse
• What really happened behind the Hollywood portrayal of her marriage
• How she rebuilt her life, earned her doctorate, and now helps others break free

Whether your situation mirrors hers or not, the insight and strategies in this episode could save you time, money, and possibly your safety.

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck20

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

In today's episode, Andrea sits down (sans Morgan! She's out of the country!) to drop some real talk about the hard truths of divorce that no one wants to hear...but everyone needs to. From AI misinformation to expensive attorney mistakes, high-conflict communication, and the emotional fallout of lost friendships, this episode delivers clarity and comfort for anyone navigating the messy middle of divorce.

As always...Absolutely NO fluff. No filter. Just the truth. And a whole lot of support.

• Why you should NEVER EVER use Chat GPT for divorce advice
• How to stop chasing “fair” and start playing smart
• What to ask your lawyer before litigation (and how to prep your mindset)
• Why calming your nervous system is the most powerful legal tool you have
• How to protect your wallet when communicating with your attorney
• What to do when your friendships shift during your divorce

Mentioned Episodes:

• How to Prepare for a Divorce Battle with Mia Poppe
• AI, ChatGPT, and Divorce: What You Need to Know with Steven Bradley

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck20

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

AI might be your late-night bestie, but should it be your divorce attorney? In this candid and insightful episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Morgan and Andrea welcome back crowd-favorite and former FBI agent Steven Bradley aka the Tech Cowboy to bust myths, deliver tough truths, and provide essential clarity around using AI like ChatGPT during divorce. From legal hallucinations to cringeworthy court moments, this episode will change how you think about AI’s role in your case (and possibly your life). Tune in to learn how to use these tools wisely without risking your custody case, or your dignity.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why ChatGPT is not designed for divorce or legal advice, and how it can backfire
• What “AI hallucinations” are and why they matter in court
• How Our Family Wizard’s ToneMeter AI actually protects you
• Simple rules for using AI safely (and legally) during divorce
• The difference between closed AI and open AI and why it matters for your case

Questions Answered in This Episode:

• Can ChatGPT really help you with your divorce?
• Why is it risky to input personal info into open AI tools?
• What’s the legal fallout of using AI-generated legal documents in court?
• How can co-parents use AI responsibly when emotions are high?
• Is there any safe way to get help from AI during divorce?

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago