I Now Pronounce You Divorced

In recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, this is a special extended episode dedicated to shining light on an issue that too often remains unseen.

Charles d Dan are joined by Tori Jones, Community Engagement Manager, and Lisa Kersey, Executive Director of FreeKind, an anti-human trafficking nonprofit committed to prevention, survivor support, and community education.

Together, they uncover what exploitation truly looks like, why human trafficking is often closer to home than many realize, and how traffickers manipulate vulnerability. The discussion also highlights the restoration process for survivors, emphasizing trauma-informed care, trust-building, and the power of consistency and kindness.

A central focus of this episode is FreeKind’s Prevention Project, which equips young people with the knowledge and tools to recognize and avoid exploitation before it happens.

This conversation is designed to raise awareness, spark important conversations, and empower listeners to be part of prevention efforts in their own communities.

In this episode, we dive into the complex relationship between debt and divorce, and why understanding your financial picture is one of the most empowering steps you can take during this transition.

We’re joined by Kari Jessen, Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual, who breaks down what really happens to debt and credit during divorce, why checking your credit score is a critical first move, and how small, intentional budgeting decisions can set the foundation for long-term financial independence.

This conversation goes beyond the numbers and explores the emotional side of money: how fear, stress, and past habits influence financial decisions, and why accountability and support matter just as much as spreadsheets.

Whether you’re early in the divorce process or rebuilding afterward, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and realistic steps you can take right now.

The holidays can bring families together, but they can also bring long-standing issues into sharper focus. In this episode, Dan Cuneo and our panel of litigation attorneys, Lauren Adkins, ESQ., from our Tampa office, Valerie Fisher, ESQ., from our San Antonio office, and Lelan Kirk, ESQ., from our Fort Worth office, break down why the weeks after the holiday season often see a spike in divorce and child custody consultations, and what families should know before taking next steps.

We dive into the emotional and financial realities that drive post-holiday decisions, from delayed divorce filings to custody conflicts that escalate around holiday schedules. The conversation also covers what actually qualifies as a legal emergency (and what doesn’t), how courts view missed holiday parenting time, and why proactive planning can save families stress, time, and money in the long run.

You’ll also hear practical guidance on modifying parenting plans, the importance of documentation and clear communication, and why jurisdictional differences matter when navigating family law.

Whether you’re reflecting on the past year or planning ahead for the next, this episode offers grounded legal insight for anyone facing post-holiday family law challenges.

Tune in to understand your options, manage expectations, and move forward with clarity in the new year.

Child support is one of the most talked about and often misunderstood parts of family law. In this episode of I Now Pronounce You Divorced, hosts Charles Hatley and Dan Cuneo break down why child support is rarely as simple as plugging numbers into a calculator.

From childcare expenses and fluctuating income to the unique challenges faced by self-employed parents, this conversation takes a practical, real-world look at how child support is calculated and why cooperation between parents matters more than many people realize.

Charles and Dan also explain key differences between IRS rules and family court standards, and how emotional conflict can derail outcomes that should be centered on child welfare.

Whether you’re a parent, professional, or someone seeking a better understanding of family law, this episode reinforces an important truth: child support isn’t a punishment — it’s about creating stability and support for children during a major life transition.

Divorce changes everything, including how the IRS sees you. And if taxes aren’t part of the conversation early on, the financial consequences can linger long after the divorce is finalized.

In this episode of I Now Pronounce You Divorced, we’re joined by Valerie Horner, a taxation expert and founder of V.Horner Accounting, who breaks down the often-overlooked intersection of divorce and taxes.

Valerie walks listeners through why understanding your long-term financial goals is essential during divorce, how your filing status as of December 31 can significantly impact your tax obligations, and which tax deductions and credits may still be available post-divorce.

Together, we explore how divorce becomes significantly more complex when business ownership is part of the equation. From how a business is structured to the ripple effect those decisions can have on taxes, Valerie breaks down what individuals need to understand before making critical moves

🎧 Tune in to learn how proactive tax planning can make a meaningful difference post-divorce.

Divorce impacts more than just personal relationships. It can fundamentally change how people view money, business, and their financial legacy.

In this episode, Charles Hatley and Dan Cuneo are joined by Tasha Baron Smith, President of Sovereign Legacy Financial Group, for an honest and insightful conversation about navigating divorce while managing a business and long-term financial goals. Together, they explore why structure, accountability, and self-trust are essential during times of personal and professional upheaval.

Tasha shares how proactive financial management, strong bookkeeping practices, and clear communication can help business owners move from survival mode to sustainable growth.

If you’re an entrepreneur facing major life changes—or advising clients who are—this conversation is a must-listen.

In this powerful episode of I Now Pronounce You Divorced, Rebecca Melone and Dan Cuneo sit down with Kelsey Fadness of Samaritan House — a lifeline for individuals escaping domestic violence, trafficking, and homelessness. Kelsey shares an inside look at the organization’s mission, from its 24/7 crisis hotline and 13 confidential emergency shelters to the legal assistance, job training, and child-focused services that help survivors rebuild their lives.

Together, they unpack the realities victims face when trying to leave abusive situations, including the dangerous misconceptions that often hold people back. Kelsey also highlights how community support, financial literacy, and ongoing advocacy play a critical role in empowering survivors toward long-term independence.

Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of the many forms abuse can take, why support systems matter, and how anyone can make a meaningful impact — whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness.

In this episode of I Now Pronounce You Divorced, Dan Cuneo and Rebecca Melone sit down once again with Chris Beck from Soberlink to explore how modern alcohol monitoring technology is reshaping family law and child custody cases.

With the holiday season approaching, a time that can be especially challenging for those in recovery, the conversation dives into the best practices that help parents stay on track, protect their parenting time, and build healthier co-parenting dynamics.

Chris breaks down Soberlink’s latest innovations, from enhanced facial recognition to advanced tamper detection, and explains how the company’s new rental model is making the technology more accessible than ever. He also shares powerful success stories showing how real-time data can empower individuals, strengthen sobriety, and provide clarity in emotionally charged situations.

Whether you're a professional in the field, a parent working through a custody plan, or someone supporting a loved one’s recovery, this episode offers practical guidance, heartfelt insight, and a closer look at how technology like Soberlink can truly make a difference.

In this episode of I Now Pronounce You Divorced, Melone Hatley's Estate Planning Attorney, Omer Ozusta, breaks down why updating your estate plan isn’t just a smart move during divorce, but essential.

Omer walks through the key documents everyone should revisit once the divorce process begins, including medical directives, powers of attorney, and those often-forgotten beneficiary designations that can cause major issues if left unchanged.

You’ll also hear why probate can create unnecessary headaches for loved ones and how trusts, revocable or irrevocable, can offer clarity, privacy, and control over your assets.

Whether you're starting the divorce process or supporting clients through it, this conversation shines a light on succession planning, the role of financial institutions, and the common pitfalls that can follow if estate planning is ignored.

In this episode, Melone Hatley sits down with Sabrina, the outreach coordinator at The Up Center, to shine a light on the realities of foster care and the vital role community support plays in a child’s journey. With more than 140 years of service behind the Up Center, Sabrina shares how the organization is working to meet the rising needs of families.

Together, they break down the biggest myths about who can foster, explain why financial assistance is more accessible than many realize, and explore how trauma-informed care shapes every step of the process.

At its heart, the conversation highlights a central truth: foster care is meant to be temporary, with reunification at the forefront, and it takes the entire community to make that possible.

Whether you're curious about fostering, looking for ways to support families, or simply want to understand the system better, this episode offers compassionate insights and practical ways to get involved.