Birthdays and holidays can make the financial and emotional challenges of divorce collide. In this episode, Leah Hadley examines guilt spending, the fear that a child’s other household has more to offer, and the long-term cost of using purchases to soften disappointment.

Key takeaways:

Remember:

“How much you spend on your kids has nothing, nothing to do with how much you love them or how strong your relationship is with them.” Leah Hadley explains why consistency, honesty, and presence can offer children a deeper sense of safety than matching another household’s gifts.

Resources mentioned:

Intentional Money on Substack: "The Question My Son Asked That Surprised Me, But It Shouldn't Have"

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

 IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/

 LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/

 YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights

In this solo episode, Leah Hadley, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Accredited Financial Counselor, explores the complex emotional and financial decision of whether to keep, sell, or rent after divorce. Addressing the deep feelings often attached to the marital home, Leah Hadley helps listeners unpack what’s really at stake—and why the decision goes far beyond dollars and cents.

Key Topics Covered: 

Featured Resources:

In this episode, Leah Hadley welcomes Katie O'Toole Smith, also known as "Katie the Car Lady," to demystify the car buying experience—especially for those navigating big life transitions like divorce. Drawing on over 30 years of industry experience and her personal journey as a single mom, Katie shares how she empowers consumers to confidently approach car buying, avoid costly mistakes, and assert control over the process.

Key Takeaways: 

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Katie O’Toole Smith:

Website: https://www.katiethecarlady.com/

IG: @katiethecarlady

TT: @clevelandcarlady

FB: Katie The Carlady

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/

YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights

Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

In this solo episode, Leah Hadley focuses on credit—why it’s so often overlooked during divorce, how your credit can be impacted, and the concrete steps you can take to protect and rebuild your credit during this transitional time. Whether you’re contemplating divorce, going through the process, or finalizing your split, this episode offers a practical roadmap for safeguarding your financial future.

Key Topics:

Free Resource:

Get the free guide: Protect Your Credit Through Divorce (includes the full 12-step checklist and a joint account inventory worksheet). Download it at www.greatlakesdfs.com/protect-your-credit

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/

YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights

Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

In this episode, Leah Hadley, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and host, welcomes Nikoo Berenji, a family law attorney, educator, and advocate. Together, they explore the intricacies of navigating divorce with both clarity and a future-focused approach. Nikoo Berenji shares practical advice for choosing the right attorney, common pitfalls to avoid, and the importance of prioritizing long-term outcomes over short-term victories.
They also discuss strategies for protecting children's well-being during a divorce and highlight the role of staying organized throughout the process.

Key Topics:

 Long-Term Thinking During Divorce
Why focusing on principles and minor victories can drain resources and distract from more important long-term outcomes for both finances and parenting 

Children’s Relationships Post-Divorce
The significance of considering not just your own relationship with your children, but also the relationship they have with the other parent
The dangers of oversharing details of the divorce process with children are also discussed

Debunking Divorce Myths
Nikoo Beremji addresses common misconceptions such as "the court will reward the 'better behaved' spouse" and the myth that fighting harder leads to better outcomes 

Selecting the Right Attorney
Tips for choosing a legal advocate, including recognizing red flags like cookie-cutter approaches and unrealistic promises 

Habits of Clients Who Thrive During Divorce
Traits such as being future-focused, receptive to advice, organized with documentation, and strategic in decision-making stand out as contributors to a positive outcome.

Cost-Saving Strategies
Organization can significantly reduce legal costs and stress.
The growing supportive role of divorce coaches is also highlighted. 

Practical Takeaways:

Focus on long-term goals, not just winning short-term battles.

Choose an attorney who customizes their approach to your priorities.

Be wary of any lawyer promising specific outcomes or giving broad fee estimates up front.

Stay organized with your documents to save time and money.

Be mindful of what you share with your children about the divorce.

Consider your children’s need for strong relationships with both parents.

Have patience with the legal process—rushed decisions are rarely best.

Connect with Attorney Nikoo Berenji:

Website: berenjifamilylaw.com

IG: @BerenjiFamilyLaw

LI Berenji Divorce & Family Law Group

Serving: Southern California (based in Beverly Hills)

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

 IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/

 LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/

 YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights

Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

In this episode, Leah Hadley welcomes Michelle McCoy, a board-certified holistic functional health coach and high-functioning fatigue expert. Together, they dive into the impact of high-functioning fatigue on women—especially those navigating the stress of divorce and midlife challenges. Michelle McCoy offers practical strategies for restoring energy and mental clarity, emphasizing the profound connection between emotional stress and physical well-being.

Key Topics Discussed:

- What is High-Functioning Fatigue?

- The Link Between Stress, Divorce, and Physical Health

- Mindset Traps for High-Achieving Women

- Simple, Actionable Strategies

- Listening to Your Body

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Michelle McCoy:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://treasuredwellness.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/michelletreasuredwellness

FB: https://www.facebook.com/michellemccoy4/ 

SS: https://substack.com/@treasuredwellness 

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ 

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/ 

YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights 

Welcome to Intentional Divorce Insights, where host Leah Hadley brings clarity and compassion to the complexities of divorce, personal finance, and emotional wellness. In this episode, Leah Hadley is joined by Dr. Carla Caturia, a seasoned mental performance coach and CEO of The House of Rise, to explore how parents can support their children’s emotional well-being through divorce. Together, they uncover practical strategies for building resilience, fostering confidence, and nurturing stronger parent-child relationships during one of life’s most challenging transitions. Whether you’re navigating your own divorce or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers empowering guidance to help your family move forward with intention. 

Key Takeaways: 

The importance of parents supporting their child’s emotional well-being during divorce, starting with taking care of themselves 

How to help children build autonomy and confidence—“allowing them to problem solve and learn through their experiences”

Common emotional challenges kids face during divorce:

Taking responsibility for the breakup

Grief, anxiety, overwhelm, and fear of losing love

Strategies for parents to help their kids develop resilience and confidence, including the power of modeling vulnerability and positive mindset.

Common mistakes well-intentioned parents make, such as unintentionally increasing a child’s stress by trying to fix everything rather than listening or validating emotions.

Recommendations for handling a lack of communication, particularly with teens and tween boys.

Addressing slipping grades and balancing family values, grace, and expectations during times of transition 

Where to find additional support for your child—schools, online resources, mental health professionals, coaches, and trusted adults

Core message: The importance of identity in driving behavior and the power of lending children your belief in them while they develop self-confidence and resilience 

Connect with Dr. Carla Caturia:

Website: https://thehouseofrise.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/carlacaturia/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/drcarlacaturia/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarlacaturia 

Schedule a complimentary coaching session here: RISE Parent Call Scheduling Link

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/

YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights

Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

In this special 100th episode, Leah Hadley takes a solo microphone to reflect personally on the journey of Intentional Divorce Insights. She shares why she almost didn’t start the podcast, what she’s learned over 100 episodes, and how the community known as the Empowered Sisterhood has evolved and surprised her. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of reframing divorce, honoring grief, and finding opportunity and community through one of life’s most challenging transitions.

Key Topics Discussed:

Resources & Next Steps:

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/ 

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/

YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights

Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

In this episode, Leah Hadley welcomes Leah Marie Mazur, certified divorce recovery coach and founder of Mindfully Ready. Leah Marie Mazur shares her personal story of navigating multiple divorces, the emotional journey of healing, and how she now helps women rebuild self-trust, confidence, emotional stability, and identity after divorce. Together, they explore practical strategies for emotional regulation, boundary setting, and embracing the opportunity to rebuild after divorce.

Key Topics Covered:

Connect with Leah Marie Mazur:

Website: https://www.mindfullyready.com/ 

IG: @mindfullyready

TT: @mindfullyready

FB: MindfullyReady

Grab your Free Divorce Recovery Starter Kit: https://www.mindfullyready.com/

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/

YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights

Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

For more valuable insights on navigating divorce with intention and clarity, be sure to subscribe to Intentional Divorce Insights and leave a review to help others discover empowering divorce resources.

In this episode of Intentional Divorce Insights, Leah Hadley sits down with Lauren Klein, a Florida-based attorney specializing in tax planning, elder law, and probate administration. Together, they explore the critical intersection of divorce and estate planning, offering practical tips, common pitfalls, and empowering strategies to protect your financial and family legacy before, during, and after divorce.

Topics Covered:

Estate Planning During Divorce:
Lauren Klein discusses the importance of reviewing your estate plan when divorce is on the horizon, including working with the original drafting attorney and understanding state-specific legal impacts on trusts, beneficiary designations, and powers of attorney.

Specialized Legal Support:
The value of working with attorneys who specialize in estate planning rather than relying solely on your divorce attorney is highlighted, with a focus on building a collaborative team (family law attorney, trust & estates attorney, financial professionals, CPA) for informed decision-making.

Lauren Klein outlines why it’s risky to wait until after divorce is finalized to update estate documents, and discusses both legal and practical reasons to take action early—especially when children or significant assets are involved.

Healthcare Proxies & High Conflict Divorces:
The conversation touches on the common oversight of failing to update health care surrogates and powers of attorney, particularly during contentious divorces.

Blended Families & Remarriage:
Estate planning becomes even more vital after divorce and before remarrying; Lauren Klein stresses the role of prenuptial agreements and trusts in protecting children from previous marriages and avoiding unintended consequences.

 Timing Updates & Mistakes to Avoid:

Lauren Klein shares a powerful story illustrating the heartbreak and financial loss that can occur when estate updates are neglected after a divorce. These stories reinforce why proactive, intentional estate planning matters.

Why Estate Planning Matters (Even When You Don’t Want to Think About It):
Estate planning is reframed as an extension of your financial wellness, not just something to avoid because it feels scary or uncomfortable.

Key Takeaways:

Always review and revise your estate plan before, during, and after divorce.

Consult with attorneys who specialize in estate planning for up-to-date, state-specific guidance.

Don’t wait—unforeseen events during divorce can complicate your intended legacy.

For blended families, prenuptial agreements and trusts can provide clarity and protection.

Connect with Lauren Klien:

Website: https://flourishlawgroup.com/

IG: @lawyerlaurenklein

LI: Flourish-Law-Group

Make smart choices to protect your family. Download our FREE guide! 5 Elements of a Foolproof Estate Plan

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/

YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights

Download our free divorce checklist at https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

For more valuable insights on navigating divorce with intention and clarity, be sure to subscribe to Intentional Divorce Insights and leave a review to help others discover empowering divorce resources.