Soft Landing Divorce Podcast

One of the first questions people ask when they separate is, who gets what? Ken and Sarah walk through how property division works in Ontario: the net family property calculation, the equalization payment, what you can keep out of the split, how pensions and CPP credits are shared, how debts are handled, and why the matrimonial home has a special status. They also explain when an unequal split is possible, and why a simple story about an apple shows how mediation can find answers a court can't.

I believe separation can be a starting point, not just an ending. With the right support, you can get through this change with dignity, clarity and a real plan for your future.

I'm Ken Maynard, a family mediator and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), and the founder of Divorce the Smartway. I help separating couples settle through calm, constructive conversation, practical financial planning and solutions that put the family first.

📞 Phone: (416) 849-1696

I'm Sarah Bates, a Certified Divorce Specialist, educator and advocate for compassionate separation. Whether you're working through a separation, learning to co-parent or just need help building the right team around you, I'm here to help.

📞 Phone: (647) 367-2686

Let's build your soft landing, together.

Divorce after 50 is on the rise, and it comes with its own set of challenges. Ken and Sarah look at why more long marriages are ending, what makes the money side different when you have less time to rebuild, and the emotional side of living alone and telling your adult children. They cover pensions and retirement savings, spousal support, second marriages, the beneficiary designations people forget to change, and how family mediation and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst can help you plan for a stable future.

I believe separation can be a starting point, not just an ending. With the right support, you can get through this change with dignity, clarity and a real plan for your future.

I'm Ken Maynard, a family mediator and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), and the founder of Divorce the Smartway. I help separating couples settle through calm, constructive conversation, practical financial planning and solutions that put the family first.

📞 Phone: (416) 849-1696

I'm Sarah Bates, a Certified Divorce Specialist, educator and advocate for compassionate separation. Whether you're working through a separation, learning to co-parent or just need help building the right team around you, I'm here to help.

📞 Phone: (647) 367-2686

Let's build your soft landing, together.

How do you suggest mediation to a spouse who hasn't heard of it yet? Ken and Sarah walk through how to invite your spouse to mediation without pressure: why the decision has to be theirs, when to raise it and when not to, what Section 7.3 of Canada's Divorce Act says about trying to resolve things before court, and how a Ground Rules and Intentions template can lower the fear on both sides. Ken also shares the letter from his own separation that set off three years of lawyers and family court, and why it led him to become a mediator.

Download the Mediation Ground Rules and Intentions Template: https://to.dtsw.ca/ground

I believe separation can be a starting point, not just an ending. With the right support, you can get through this change with dignity, clarity and a real plan for your future.

I'm Ken Maynard, a family mediator and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), and the founder of Divorce the Smartway. I help separating couples settle through calm, constructive conversation, practical financial planning and solutions that put the family first.

📞 Phone: (416) 849-1696

I'm Sarah Bates, a Certified Divorce Specialist, educator and advocate for compassionate separation. Whether you're working through a separation, learning to co-parent or just need help building the right team around you, I'm here to help.

📞 Phone: (647) 367-2686

Let's build your soft landing, together.

Discover how to navigate divorce in Ontario without the courtroom drama, focusing on amicable strategies that save time, money, and emotional energy. This episode explores the Soft Landing Divorce Settlement Method, offering practical steps for couples seeking a smooth, cooperative split while prioritizing financial security and family well-being. Whether you're considering mediation or just starting the process, learn how over 70% of Canadian divorces avoid court through transparent communication and professional guidance.

• Embrace a blame-free mindset and full financial disclosure to kickstart an amicable divorce, reducing stress and costs compared to traditional litigation.
  

Sarah Bates, Certified Divorce Specialist and founder of Naked Divorce Filer by DTSW, shares insights on simplifying uncontested divorces without lawyers. Ken Maynard, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Accredited Family Mediator, discusses his Soft Landing Divorce Settlement Method for cost-effective, virtual mediation across Ontario.

I believe separation can be a starting point, not just an ending. With the right support, you can get through this change with dignity, clarity and a real plan for your future.

I'm Ken Maynard, a family mediator and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), and the founder of Divorce the Smartway. I help separating couples settle through calm, constructive conversation, practical financial planning and solutions that put the family first.

📞 Phone: (416) 849-1696

I'm Sarah Bates, a Certified Divorce Specialist, educator and advocate for compassionate separation. Whether you're working through a separation, learning to co-parent or just need help building the right team around you, I'm here to help.

📞 Phone: (647) 367-2686

Let's build your soft landing, together.

Navigating the complexities of Ontario divorce financial statements can feel overwhelming, but understanding Forms 13 and 13.1 is your key to a fair and efficient settlement. Dive into this episode where experts break down the essentials of divorce financial disclosure, from income and expenses to assets and debts, helping you avoid common pitfalls in family law proceedings. Whether you're dealing with child support, spousal support, or property division, discover how accurate financial statements pave the way for a smoother divorce process.

• Learn the key differences between Form 13 (for support claims only) and Form 13.1 (for both support and property division), ensuring you choose the right one for your Ontario divorce case.
  

Sarah Bates, Certified Divorce Specialist and founder of Naked Divorce Filer by DTSW, shares her expertise in simplifying uncontested divorces without lawyers.

I believe separation can be a starting point, not just an ending. With the right support, you can get through this change with dignity, clarity and a real plan for your future.

I'm Ken Maynard, a family mediator and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), and the founder of Divorce the Smartway. I help separating couples settle through calm, constructive conversation, practical financial planning and solutions that put the family first.

📞 Phone: (416) 849-1696

I'm Sarah Bates, a Certified Divorce Specialist, educator and advocate for compassionate separation. Whether you're working through a separation, learning to co-parent or just need help building the right team around you, I'm here to help.

📞 Phone: (647) 367-2686

Let's build your soft landing, together.

Discover how full financial disclosure can be the game-changer in your divorce journey, turning chaos into clarity and avoiding costly pitfalls. Join experts as they break down the essential levels of disclosure, from basic income sharing to complex audits, and reveal why honesty here paves the way for faster, amicable settlements. Whether you're navigating property division or support claims, this episode equips you with the knowledge to handle financial disclosure like a pro and emerge stronger.

• Financial disclosure is mandatory in Ontario divorces, requiring detailed documentation of assets, debts, and income to ensure fair asset division and support arrangements.
  

Sarah Bates, Certified Divorce Specialist and guide at Naked Divorce Filer by DTSW, with over a decade in family law helping clients file uncontested divorces affordably.

I believe separation can be a starting point, not just an ending. With the right support, you can get through this change with dignity, clarity and a real plan for your future.

I'm Ken Maynard, a family mediator and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), and the founder of Divorce the Smartway. I help separating couples settle through calm, constructive conversation, practical financial planning and solutions that put the family first.

📞 Phone: (416) 849-1696

I'm Sarah Bates, a Certified Divorce Specialist, educator and advocate for compassionate separation. Whether you're working through a separation, learning to co-parent or just need help building the right team around you, I'm here to help.

📞 Phone: (647) 367-2686

Let's build your soft landing, together.

Demystify the crucial roles of applicant and respondent in Canadian divorce proceedings and discover how these designations impact your family law journey. From initiating a case to responding effectively, this episode explores rights, duties, and common misconceptions to help you navigate divorce with confidence and clarity. Whether you're filing for divorce or facing papers, gain insights into avoiding costly mistakes and achieving fair resolutions without unnecessary conflict.

• The applicant initiates divorce proceedings by filing court documents, while the respondent receives and must respond to these papers, ensuring both parties have equal rights in Canadian family law.
  

Ken Maynard, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Accredited Family Mediator, guides couples through separation using his Soft Landing Divorce Settlement Method for compassionate, cost-effective resolutions.

I believe separation can be a starting point, not just an ending. With the right support, you can get through this change with dignity, clarity and a real plan for your future.

I'm Ken Maynard, a family mediator and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), and the founder of Divorce the Smartway. I help separating couples settle through calm, constructive conversation, practical financial planning and solutions that put the family first.

📞 Phone: (416) 849-1696

I'm Sarah Bates, a Certified Divorce Specialist, educator and advocate for compassionate separation. Whether you're working through a separation, learning to co-parent or just need help building the right team around you, I'm here to help.

📞 Phone: (647) 367-2686

Let's build your soft landing, together.

Navigating spousal support in Ontario doesn't have to be overwhelming—discover how the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) simplify the process for separating couples. Dive into practical formulas for calculating payments, whether child support is involved or not, and learn key factors like income disparity, marriage length, and financial needs that influence outcomes. Whether you're facing divorce or seeking clarity on spousal support calculators, this episode breaks down the essentials to help you achieve a fair, drama-free resolution.

• The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) provide a non-binding framework for determining support amounts and duration based on income, marriage length, and family circumstances in Ontario.
  

Sarah Bates, Certified Divorce Specialist and guide behind Naked Divorce Filer by DTSW, with over a decade in family law helping clients file uncontested divorces affordably and drama-free.

I believe separation can be a starting point, not just an ending. With the right support, you can get through this change with dignity, clarity and a real plan for your future.

I'm Ken Maynard, a family mediator and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), and the founder of Divorce the Smartway. I help separating couples settle through calm, constructive conversation, practical financial planning and solutions that put the family first.

📞 Phone: (416) 849-1696

I'm Sarah Bates, a Certified Divorce Specialist, educator and advocate for compassionate separation. Whether you're working through a separation, learning to co-parent or just need help building the right team around you, I'm here to help.

📞 Phone: (647) 367-2686

Let's build your soft landing, together.

Discover how pet custody disputes are shaking up family court reform, with pets as property often leading to emotional heartbreak in divorce pet disputes. In this eye-opening episode, explore why Ontario family law treats pet ownership in divorce like dividing furniture, and learn about mediation for pets as a smarter path to shared pet custody and pet guardianship. Uncover stories of high-stakes battles and emerging trends like best interest of pet considerations, highlighting the push for reform in pet custody laws to recognize the emotional bond with pets like children.

• Pets are legally classified as property in Ontario family law, making pet custody disputes akin to dividing assets like a car or sofa, with courts often dismissing cases to avoid overload and suggesting sales as a last resort.
  

Ken Maynard: Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Accredited Family Mediator guiding couples through separation and divorce since 2010 using his Soft Landing Divorce Settlement Method for collaborative, cost-effective resolutions.

I believe separation can be a starting point, not just an ending. With the right support, you can get through this change with dignity, clarity and a real plan for your future.

I'm Ken Maynard, a family mediator and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), and the founder of Divorce the Smartway. I help separating couples settle through calm, constructive conversation, practical financial planning and solutions that put the family first.

📞 Phone: (416) 849-1696

I'm Sarah Bates, a Certified Divorce Specialist, educator and advocate for compassionate separation. Whether you're working through a separation, learning to co-parent or just need help building the right team around you, I'm here to help.

📞 Phone: (647) 367-2686

Let's build your soft landing, together.

Discover how setting clear mediation ground rules can transform a painful divorce into a respectful transition, saving time, money, and emotional stress. Dive into proven strategies that prioritize future goals, mutual dignity, and children's well-being, making divorce mediation a powerful alternative to courtroom battles. Whether you're exploring amicable divorce options or seeking cost-effective separation solutions, this episode equips you with essential tools for productive negotiations and lasting agreements.

• Shift focus from past conflicts to future goals, using mediation ground rules to foster productive, forward-thinking discussions in divorce mediation.
  

• Ken Maynard - Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Accredited Family Mediator, guiding families through virtual mediation with his Soft Landing Divorce Settlement Method since 2010.
  

I believe separation can be a starting point, not just an ending. With the right support, you can get through this change with dignity, clarity and a real plan for your future.

I'm Ken Maynard, a family mediator and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), and the founder of Divorce the Smartway. I help separating couples settle through calm, constructive conversation, practical financial planning and solutions that put the family first.

📞 Phone: (416) 849-1696

I'm Sarah Bates, a Certified Divorce Specialist, educator and advocate for compassionate separation. Whether you're working through a separation, learning to co-parent or just need help building the right team around you, I'm here to help.

📞 Phone: (647) 367-2686

Let's build your soft landing, together.