Intentional Divorce Insights

By Leah Hadley, AFC, CDFA, MAFFSociety & Culture Education Self-Improvement Relationships Kids & Family

Intentional Divorce Insights episodes

June 30The Estate Planning Conversation Every Divorcing Woman Needs to Have
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.
30 min
June 24The Budget That Builds the Life: A New Way to Think About Money After Divorce
In this solo episode, Leah Hadley tackles one of the biggest challenges faced by women after divorce: building a sustainable and empowering budget. If the very idea of budgeting makes you anxious or overwhelmed, this episode offers a transformative perspective. Leah Hadley introduces the “Intentional Money Method” from her book and explains how to create a post-divorce budget rooted in clarity, values, and possibility—not restriction.
Key Topics Covered:
Why Budgets Fail After Divorce:
Leah Hadley discusses the most common mistakes—including the “ghost budget,” fear-based budgeting, and skipping the important values conversation.
The Intentional Money Method—Six Pillars:
Learn about the six essential pillars: Clarity, Values, Mindset, Strategy, Action, and Support. Each is explained in detail with insights on how to apply them to your new financial life.
The Four Buckets Framework:
Essentials, Financial Health, Quality of Life, and Future Goals—a practical system replacing overwhelming spreadsheets.
Real-Life Client Journeys:
Hear anonymized stories of clients Diane and Carol, and how pivoting to a values-driven budgeting approach changed their lives post-divorce.
Three Action Steps for This Week:
Leah Hadley provides three actionable steps you can implement immediately to begin building your intentional post-divorce budget.

Resources & Links:
Leah Hadley's book, Intentional Money: The Modern Woman’s Guide to Building Wealth, Purpose and Peace is highlighted as a comprehensive guide for deeper transformation.
Join The Empowered Sisterhood Get direct access to expert financial guidance, a community of women who truly get it, and the clarity to make confident money decisions — no matter what transition you're navigating.
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.
26 min
June 16 Struggling to Sleep Through Divorce? Expert Tips and a Career Path You May Not Have Considered
Welcome back to Intentional Divorce Insights! In this episode, Leah Hadley is joined by Katie Pitts, founder of Sleepwise Consulting, a nationally recognized organization that has guided over 12,000 families toward better sleep and well-being. Together, they explore the vital importance of sleep during stressful life transitions like divorce, discuss the impact of routines and mindset on restful nights, and share practical strategies for building sustainable habits.
Key Takeaways:
- Katie Pitts shares her personal journey into sleep consulting, sparked by her own struggles with her newborn's sleep after a premature birth and a critical turning point that reshaped her family's nights.
- Discussion on why sleep is a fundamental survival need and the impact of sleep deprivation on family, marriage, and personal well-being.
- Common mistakes parents make with sleep routines—especially during major transitions like divorce—and why maintaining boundaries and routines is critical for children’s sense of safety.
- The role of mindset in adult sleep and how believing you’re a “bad sleeper” can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
- Why sustainable, small changes to routines work better than drastic overhauls—tips inspired by both sleep and financial habits.
- Top actionable sleep tips for listeners to implement tonight, including creating a screen-free bedtime routine and sticking to consistent sleep and wake times.
- Encouragement for those navigating divorce that prioritizing sleep and foundational self-care strengthens resilience for life’s curveballs.
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual Open House (for those interested in learning more about becoming a sleep consultant): https://portal.sleepwiseconsulting.com/virtual-open-house
- Sleep Wise Consulting: https://sleepwiseconsulting.com/
- Book a Free 20 Minute Evaluation Call for Help with Your Child’s Sleep: https://sleepwiseconsulting.com/child-schedule-a-free-call/
- Book a Free 20 Minute Evaluation Call for Help with Your Sleep: https://sleepwiseconsulting.com/adult-schedule-a-free-call/
Connect with Katie Pitts:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/katie.pommierpitts/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/restedasamother/
Substack: https://substack.com/@sleepwiseconsulting
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.
23 min
June 09From Chaos to Control: Time Management Strategies for Divorce and Life After
Welcome to Intentional Divorce Insights! On this episode, Leah Hadley sits down with Lissa Figgins, a former “busyness” owner turned scaling strategist, to uncover practical advice on reclaiming time, making clear decisions in overwhelming seasons, and focusing on what matters most during divorce.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Understanding Time Management During Divorce
Lissa Figgins shares her personal journey with time management, revealing how traditional approaches often lead to stress and frustration, especially during major life changes like divorce.
Why it feels like there’s never enough time, particularly when facing extra emotional and logistical demands.
- The Shift from Time Management to Time Stewardship
Learn why seeing time as a limited bucket—and making intentional decisions about what fills it—makes a difference.
Moving from managing time (fear-based, reactive) to stewarding time (intentionally investing it) for better outcomes.
- Making Decisions That Matter in Overwhelming Seasons
The importance of acknowledging your current season, giving yourself permission to say “no,” and putting some responsibilities on pause.
- Practical Tips for Setting Priorities and Anchoring Your Day
How to identify what truly needs your attention vs. what can wait.
The “oranges and Skittles” analogy for prioritizing meaningful tasks over distractions.
Creating daily “time anchor zones” for morning, mid-day, and evening routines to maintain structure and margin.
Resources & Links:
Grab the Daily Rhythm Reset Guide and the REDEEM Her Time Planner
Empowered Sisterhood: Weekly chats, financial coaching, and masterclasses for women navigating divorce. Learn more here: https://www.watchherthrive.co/empowered-sisterhood

Connect with Lissa Figgins:
Website: https://redeemhertime.com/
REDEEM Her Time Podcast https://redeemhertime.com/podcast
REDEEM Her Time Community https://redeemhertime.com/community
FB https://www.facebook.com/lissa.figgins

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.
29 min
June 02From Strangers Back to Yourself: A Divorce Coach on the Road to Rebuilding
Join Leah Hadley as she welcomes Liesel Darby, divorce coach and mediator at Intentional Divorce Solutions, for an in-depth conversation inspired by Belle Burden’s memoir, Strangers. Together, they explore the layers of financial and emotional experiences women face during and after divorce—regardless of income level.
Key Topics Covered:
Vulnerability and Visibility in Divorce:
Liesel Darby reflects on the courage required to share openly about marital and financial struggles, especially in affluent social circles.
Seeking and Choosing Support:
The importance of not going through divorce alone—how to identify trusted friends, family, professionals, and why discernment is crucial when seeking advice.
Managing Social Narratives and Gossip:
Tips for handling community reactions, setting boundaries, and keeping responses neutral when sharing news of your divorce.
Financial Awareness and Empowerment:
Why knowing your financial rights and obligations is key, and how engaging the right professionals leads to clarity and helps lessen fear about the future.
Reclaiming Identity:
Strategies to reconnect with your own interests, passions, and strengths after feeling lost in a marriage—plus, the value of exploration and trying new things.
Shifting the Narrative of ‘The Villain’:
Discussion on why women who share their stories are sometimes mislabeled as vengeful, and why bringing hidden truths to light is powerful.
Parenting and Transition Challenges:
Insights into parenting teenagers through divorce and how to support children emotionally when family dynamics change.

Resources Mentioned:
Belle Burden’s Book, Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage
Free Divorce Checklist:
https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/divorce-checklist.

Connect with Liesel Darby:
Website: https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/
Email: [email protected]
Schedule a complementary meeting with Liesel to learn more about her coaching and mediation services https://calendly.com/lieseldarby/info-call-for-individual-coaching

Connect with Intentional Divorce Solutions:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/
YT: www.youtube.com/@IntentionalDivorceInsights
Learn more about the Empowered isterhoodhttps://www.watchherthrive.co/empowered-sisterhood
38 min
May 26 What Your Pets Are Really Feeling During Divorce (And How to Help Them)
In this enlightening episode, Leah Hadley welcomes Kristin Hadley, a professional animal communicator, to discuss how family transitions, especially divorce, affect our animal family members. Learn how animals experience and express emotional turmoil during these changes and discover compassionate strategies for caring for your pets throughout the divorce process.
Key Takeaways:
- What is Animal Communication?
Kristin Hadley explains her unique profession, which involves telepathically communicating with animals to help humans understand their pets’ emotions, experiences, and needs.
- How Divorce Impacts Animals
The conversation dives deep into the emotional and behavioral changes pets may exhibit when their human families restructure. Learn what to look for and why animals may seem withdrawn, act out, or develop new behaviors—sometimes even before obvious signs appear.
- Common Behavioral Changes
Loss of appetite, despondency, depression, and behavioral outbursts, as well as less obvious signs, are discussed. Kristin Hadley emphasizes that just because an animal isn’t showing outward signs doesn’t mean they aren’t feeling stress.
- Communicating with Your Animals
Tips on how to be present, mindful, and honest with your feelings as a way to help your animals cope. Kristin Hadley suggests that pets can be a mirror, often reflecting their owners’ emotional states.
Resources & Community:
Kristin Hadley offers a free Facebook group, Animal Communication Success with Kristin Hadley, where listeners can ask questions, join trainings, and connect with other animal lovers.
Join her Facebook group: Animal Communication Success with Kristin Haldey
Connect with Kristin Hadley:
Website: Heart2HeartWithAnimals
IG: https://www.instagram.com/kristinmhadley/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kristin.marie.hadley

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.
25 min
May 19 Your Divorce Doesn't Define Your Financial Future
In this inspiring episode of Intentional Divorce Insights, Leah Hadley sits down with Chris Williams, an entrepreneur who turned the difficult experience of divorce into an opportunity for personal growth and professional success. Chris Williams shares how she built a thriving business from scratch after her 17-year marriage ended, despite facing financial hardships and self-doubt.
Listeners will discover practical strategies for rebuilding confidence, seeking support, and creating new possibilities during and after difficult life transitions.
Key Topics & Highlights:
- Chris' Journey: From homeschooling mom and farm life to navigating toxic divorce and starting over with just $25 in her bank account.
- Building a New Life: How Chris Williams leveraged her experiences and passions to create success as a massage therapist, functional nutritional therapist, and ultimately a business coach.
- Facing Fears & Asking for Help: Chris recounts pivotal moments—like being stranded at a gas station without enough money—and how she learned to seek support.- Committing First, Figuring Out Later: The importance of committing to a goal, trusting yourself, and being open to unexpected possibilities.
- Mindset Shifts: Replacing limiting beliefs, embracing flexibility, and creating a new vision for your post-divorce life.
- Practical Tools: Introduction to the Soulful Abundance System and resources for women building their own businesses.
Resources Mentioned:
Book: The Soulful Abundance System: Leah Hadley recommends this accessible, practical guide for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Soulful Abundance Letters (Substack)
Grab the FREE guide: The CORE 4 Revenue Guide
Connect with Chris Williams:
Website: https://shineabundancenow.com/
FB: Soulful Abundance Hub
IG: @christinewilliamscoaching
YT: Soulful Abundance with Chris Williams
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.
27 min
May 12Before You Sign Anything: The Financial Conversations You Must Have With Yourself First
In this powerful season premiere, Leah Hadley explores the topic of "financial invisibility" in marriage, drawing on insights from Belle Burden’s bestselling book Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage. Leah Hadley highlights the critical financial lessons hidden beneath Burden's story and shares actionable questions every woman should be able to answer about her own financial life—regardless of marital status or income level. Whether you're preparing for your future or navigating divorce, this episode is packed with clarity, compassion, and essential financial wisdom.
Key Takeaways:
- Why this podcast exists: addressing financial vulnerability during divorce
- Cultural buzz around Strangers and its underlying financial cautionary tale
- Major financial lessons from Belle Burden’s memoir:
Prenuptial Agreements
Commingling of Assets
Career Sacrifice
Financial Invisibility
- Universal patterns beyond wealth and status—why the story is relevant at every income level
- Five essential financial questions every woman should answer about her life:
Where is your money?
How are your assets titled?
Are you involved in financial decisions?
Do you have your own financial identity?
Have you read your own legal documents?
- Support and encouragement for women currently going through divorce
- The empowering journey to financial wholeness and confidence
Resources Mentioned:
Strangers: A Memior of Marriage, by Belle Burden
When Its Just Not Working: A Practical Divorce Guide For Stay-at-Home Moms
Intentional Money: The Modern Woman’s Guide to Building Wealth, Purpose, and Peace
Learn more about The Empowered Sisterhood here: https://www.watchherthrive.co/empowered-sisterhood
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.
22 min
April 21The Identity Shift After Divorce No One Prepares You For
In this solo episode of Intentional Divorce Insights, Leah Hadley explores the transformative journey that many women experience during and after divorce. Shifting the narrative from one of loss to one of emergence and intentional rebuilding, Leah Hadley shares empowering insights on reclaiming your identity, building financial clarity, and asking for help without shame. This episode is an invitation to recognize the power and growth that come from navigating divorce with purpose.
Key Topics Covered:
- The Woman on the Other Side of Divorce:
Understanding who you are becoming through the process—not as someone whose life fell apart, but as someone rebuilding with purpose.
- Reframing Your Divorce Story:
Moving beyond the narrative of loss to see opportunities for emergence, self-advocacy, and stepping into new power.
- What Divorce Demands:
Radical honesty about your needs and boundaries
Resourcefulness in managing finances, relationships, and new life decisions
Realignment and clarity around who your true support network is
- Redefining Identity:
Grieving the loss of an identity built around a relationship, while recognizing you are not starting from zero—you are reclaiming and evolving your sense of self.
- Kavana: Living with Intentionality:
Applying the concept of kavana—intentionality and purpose—to the divorce journey and beyond.
- Three Core Lessons from the Other Side:
Your Worth Is Not Determined by Marital Status
Financial Clarity Is an Act of Self-Love
Asking for Help Is a Strength, Not a Weakness
Resources Mentioned:
Empowered Sisterhood: Weekly chats, financial coaching, and masterclasses for women navigating divorce. Learn more here: https://www.watchherthrive.co/empowered-sisterhood

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.
15 min
April 14Before You File: What a Divorce Attorney Wants You to Know
In this episode, Leah Hadley welcomes Heather Quick, a trailblazing attorney committed to supporting women through divorce and family law changes. Heather Quick shares her journey founding a women-focused law practice, insights on navigating divorce with intention, and practical advice for women considering or beginning the divorce process.
Key Topics:
- Heather’s Background:
Heather shares what inspired her to launch Florida Women’s Law Group and what patterns she sees in women’s divorce experiences.
- Visioning Your Post-Divorce Life:
Why it's vital to articulate your goals and reflect before taking action
- Journaling as a Tool:
Using guided journals to plan and clarify your objectives
- Understanding Finances:
Importance of obtaining a credit report and knowing your marital estate before filing
- Florida Divorce Laws:
Separate vs. marital property, surprises around retirement accounts, and changes to spousal support
- Role of Mediation:
Court-ordered mediation in Florida and the power to create tailored solutions
- Common Mistakes:
Signing agreements without knowing the full picture and not understanding asset division, especially regarding taxes
- Empowerment & Communication:
The importance of trust and clear communication with your attorney
Resources Mentioned:
Download your FREE Divorce Guided: Discovering Me Journal Guide
PLUS Access Heather's FREE Divorce 101 Course: HERE
Check out Leah’s guest appearance on Heather’s podcast, Women Winning Divorce: #213 Leah Hadley on Marriage, Money & the Financial Truths Women Must Know
Connect with Heather Quick:
Website: https://www.floridawomenslawgroup.com/
IG: @4womenlaw
IG: @heatherquick_
IG: @womenwinningdivorce_
Check out Heather's new book: Unbreakable Divorce: The Winning Divorce Guide Every Woman Needs to Reclaim Her Life
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.
29 min

About Intentional Divorce Insights

From the publisher's feed

The Intentional Divorce Insights Podcast offers concise, expert advice on managing the emotional and financial complexities of divorce, blending legal insights with personal stories for a balanced,…