The Good Divorce® Show

In this episode, Karen McNenny discusses the importance of language when talking about divorce and separation. She emphasizes the need to shift our thinking and use more positive and empowering language to describe these situations.

Karen suggests using terms like 'family that lives across two homes' instead of 'broken family' and 'renovating' instead of 'broken'. She also encourages referring to former spouses as 'first husband' or 'former partner' instead of 'ex'. Additionally, Karen recommends using the names of the houses or streets to identify the different homes instead of 'mom's house' and 'dad's house'.

Takeaways

• Language matters when talking about divorce and separation.
• Using positive and empowering language can change the perception of these situations.
• Referring to former spouses as 'first husband' or 'former partner' instead of 'ex' can be more respectful.
• Using the names of the houses or streets to identify the different homes can create a sense of belonging for children.

In this conversation, Karen McNenny interviews Beatty Cohan, a nationally recognized Psychotherapist, Sex Therapist, and Author, about her personal experience with divorce and her expertise in relationships. Beatty shares her own journey of divorce in the 80s and how she and her ex-husband were able to co-parent their daughter successfully. She emphasizes the importance of emotional and psychological well-being before entering into a new relationship and the need for effective communication and problem-solving skills. Beatty also discusses the impact of family of origin on relationships and the importance of acknowledging, addressing, and resolving issues in order to create healthy and fulfilling relationships.

Beatty Cohan, MSW, LCSW, AASECT

• BeattyCohan.com
• Book: For Better for Worse Forever: Discover the Path to Lasting Love
• Advice Columnist (ASK BEATTY) for Dan's Papers in the Hamptons and Palm Beach
• National Speaker & Radio and Television Expert
• Guest and Host of the weekly ASK BEATTY SHOW
• Private Practice in New York City and East Hampton

Keila Gilbert, Esq., founder of Alpha Center for Divorce Mediation, shares her personal journey through divorce and how it led her to create a mediation service. She emphasizes the importance of minimizing harm to children during divorce and discusses the issue of parental alienation. Keila highlights the holistic approach of her mediation program, which includes legal, financial, and therapeutic support. She also explains the benefits of mediation over litigation and offers advice for navigating the divorce process.

Alpha Center for Divorce Mediation:

• Facebook: facebook.com/AlphaCenterMediation
• Instagram: instagram.com/alphacentermediation/
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/alpha-resource-center/⁠
• X: twitter.com/AlphaDivorce
• YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC5lnsdjVTh_FVTYsw8WL-OA

In this conversation, Karen McNenny interviews Mercedes Barker, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, about the financial aspects of divorce. Mercedes shares her expertise as an investment advisor and discusses various types of accounts and their tax implications. She explains the importance of categorizing assets as after-tax or pre-tax and how this affects the division of assets in a divorce settlement. Mercedes also emphasizes the need for careful financial planning after divorce, taking into consideration factors such as age, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.

About Mercedes Barker

• Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)
• Civil and Family: Divorce, Child Custody Mediator
• CDC Certified Divorce Coach
• CDC Divorce Transition & Recovery Coach
• Licensed REALTOR®
• Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP™) and Mortgage Broker

Mercedes is the primary Certified Divorce Financial Analyst at Your Divorce Financial Analyst. A CDFA® specializes in the financial issues surrounding divorce. She uses her knowledge of tax law, asset distribution, short and long-term financial planning to help couples achieve the divorce settlement they’re seeking.

Her role includes acting as an advisor to one party, an advisor to one party’s divorce lawyer, or as a Mediator for both parties.

“Your Divorce™ was founded on the premise that there’s a better way than the traditional approach to divorce and it stems from my own personal experiences.”
– Mercedes Barker, CEO

Facebook: .Yd Your Divorce

LinkedIn: Mercedes Barker

Websites:

• YourDivorceFinancialAnalyst.com
• equilibriawm.com
• GabriannaRealty.com
• GabriannaMortgage.com
  

Good Divorce Coach™ Karen McNenny interviews Jessica and T.H., the founders of exEXPERTS and hosts of the Divorce Etc... podcast. Jessica and T.H. discuss their own experiences with divorce, provide valuable insights and resources for navigating the process, emphasize the importance of creating a parenting plan that suits your family's unique needs, and share the significance of maintaining open communication with your co-parent.

Highlights:

• The need for support and guidance during divorce
• Trust your instincts and make choices that align with your values and goals
• Do not bury the divorce experience in shame and silence, but rather embrace it and learn from it
• Let go of anger and resentment towards your ex-spouse and focus on co-parenting and celebrating each other's successes
• The role of therapy is to help individuals navigate the emotional journey of divorce and distinguish between noise and facts
• Don't play the blame game!
• Appreciating the positive aspects of the past relationship
• Co-parenting challenges as children grow older and the need for ongoing communication and collaboration

"Do no more harm as you move forward...Your goal is to become indifferent towards each other."

Connect with the exEXPERTS

• FB: fb.com/exEXPERTS
• IG:⁠ @exEXPERTS
• LI: linkedin.com/in/exEXPERTS
• TT: tiktok.com/@exexperts
• Web: exexperts.com/
• YT: youtube.com/channel/UCZhug0U2OaOzQvgjiU4n8Vg

Elizabeth Douglas, founder of the Douglas Family Law Group, discusses the importance of a customized approach to divorce and finding the right legal partner. She emphasizes the need for clients to know their goals and objectives and to communicate them to their attorney.

Elizabeth Douglas also highlights the importance of giving oneself grace during divorce and envisioning a positive future. She addresses the biases and challenges faced by same-sex couples in the legal system and emphasizes the importance of advocating for both parents in custody cases.

About Elizabeth A. Douglas, Esq.

Elizabeth A. Douglas, Esq. is an award-winning divorce and family law attorney who is taking the legal world by storm with her innovative and educational approach to challenging and high-profile divorce, family law, surrogacy and fertility cases. She has been a featured expert on divorce on CNBC and in Forbes.

With a passion for human connection and experience, Elizabeth has boldly taken on arduous cases that lead to impressive and impactful results for her clients. She is highly driven and consistently pushes to be the best at anything she sets out to accomplish.

“My clients’ satisfaction comes first. Ensuring they receive the best outcome possible is the most important part of the work I do.”

• Facebook: facebook.com/DouglasFamilyLawGroup
• Instagram:⁠@douglasfamilylawgroup⁠
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-a-douglas-esq
• Twitter: twitter.com/EADLawOffices
• Website: douglaslaw.com
• YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC_A2mSLuHRtM5-tegpck2AQ

In this conversation, Karen McNenny and Mercedes Barker discuss the complexities of real estate in divorce. Mercedes, a certified divorce financial analyst and real estate broker, highlights the importance of considering all aspects of property division, including emotional attachments and hidden assets. They also discuss the challenges of dividing the family home, the impact of interest rates on refinancing, and the potential use of reverse mortgages. The conversation emphasizes the need for couples to work together and seek professional guidance to make informed decisions about their real estate assets.

About Mercedes Barker

• Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)
• Civil and Family: Divorce, Child Custody Mediator
• CDC Certified Divorce Coach
• CDC Divorce Transition & Recovery Coach
• Licensed REALTOR®
• Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP™) and Mortgage Broker

Mercedes is the primary Certified Divorce Financial Analyst at Your Divorce Financial Analyst. A CDFA® specializes in the financial issues surrounding divorce. She uses her knowledge of tax law, asset distribution, short and long-term financial planning to help couples achieve the divorce settlement they’re seeking.

Her role includes acting as an advisor to one party, an advisor to one party’s divorce lawyer, or as a Mediator for both parties. 

“Your Divorce™ was founded on the premise that there’s a better way than the traditional approach to divorce and it stems from my own personal experiences.”
– Mercedes Barker, CEO

Facebook: .Yd Your Divorce

LinkedIn: Mercedes Barker

Websites:

• YourDivorceFinancialAnalyst.com
• equilibriawm.com
• GabriannaRealty.com
• GabriannaMortgage.com

Karen McMahon, a high conflict divorce strategist and certified divorce coach, shares her personal journey through a high conflict divorce and how it led her to help others navigate their own divorces. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, reclaiming your mental space, and focusing on personal growth during the divorce process. McMahon also discusses the key elements of a good divorce, including prioritizing the well-being of children, effective communication, and healing and moving forward without bitterness. She offers advice on choosing the right attorney and shares a success story of a client who was able to avoid litigation through effective communication and understanding.

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Karen McMahon is a High Conflict Divorce Strategist, Certified Divorce Coach, and Founder of Journey Beyond Divorce. She began divorce coaching in 2010 after recognizing that the pain of her divorce led her on a transformational journey into a powerful and unexpected new life.

Karen leads a national team of divorce coaches in supporting men and women around the world to become calm, clear and confident as they navigate divorce.

Karen is the host of the acclaimed Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, and co-author of ‘Stepping out of Chaos: Turning Pain to Possibility”.

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Connect with Karen McMahon:

• https://www.facebook.com/journeybeyonddivorce/
• https://www.instagram.com/journey_beyond_divorce/
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journey-beyond-divorce-podcast/id1261400624
• https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/

In this conversation, Charles Jamieson, a Certified Marital and Family Law Attorney, shares valuable insights and advice for individuals going through a divorce. He emphasizes that most divorce cases settle outside of court and encourages clients to prioritize their goals and be realistic about their expectations. He also discusses the importance of transparency with your attorney, creating a divorce mission statement, and considering a controlled separation as an alternative to divorce. Additionally, he provides guidance for same-sex couples and the unique legal considerations they may face.

. . .

Charles D. Jamieson, Board Certified in Marital and Family Law

A highly principled legal professional driven by a passion for his work, Mr. Jamieson has practiced law for more than 40 years. He began his family law practice in Maine, assertively representing clients in divorce cases. As lead attorney and/or legal consultant to individuals with divorce issues in more than 20 states, Mr. Jamieson has developed a wealth of experience regarding family rights and has been invited to share his knowledge and insight at seminars throughout the United States.

Mr. Jamieson is respected among child support lawyers, domestic violence attorneys, and divorce attorneys in West Palm Beach. While Mr. Jamieson’s practice is based in West Palm Beach, Florida, he is committed to proactive, assertive representation for each of his clients, regardless of their geographic location.

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Connect:

• https://cjamiesonlaw.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/DivorceWPB/
• https://www.instagram.com/charlesjamiesonlaw/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjamiesonlaw/

Olivia Summerhill, a niche specialist in high net-worth divorces, shares her personal experience of growing up in a wealthy family and witnessing her parents' destructive divorce. She emphasizes the importance of handling finances and emotions correctly during divorce to protect children and achieve financial independence.

Olivia discusses the unique challenges faced by high-net-worth individuals in divorce, including the fear of financial insecurity and the need for financial literacy. She advises women to understand their financial situation, work with professionals who align with their values, and normalize conversations about money and divorce.

Olivia also provides practical tips for managing finances post-divorce, such as tracking expenses, seeking the help of a certified financial planner, and checking credit scores.

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Olivia Summerhill passionately supports affluent women through divorce, providing guidance to clients, financial professionals, mediators, divorce attorneys, private banks, and family offices to navigate financial challenges. Featured in Forbes, US News, MSN, and Yahoo, her podcast 'Divorce for Wealthy Women' and upcoming book 'Penthouse Divorce' offer essential insights. As a Certified Financial Planner, Psychology of Financial Planning Specialist, and Divorce Financial Analyst, Olivia illuminates the path to financial independence for affluent women.

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More About Olivia Summerhill:

Certified Divorce Financial Analyst CDFA®, Certified Divorce Specialist, Certified Money Coach, Certified Financial Planner CFP®, Mediator, Psychology of Financial Planning Specialist, Behavioral Financial Advisor

• https://www.summerhillfirm.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviasummerhill/
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-myth-of-the-silver-spoon-and-divorce/id1546130936?i=1000635480607