We’re wrapping up Divorce Summer School with real-world examples from the divorce frontlines.

In this episode, Karen and Catherine walk through true-to-life financial case studies to show how preparation, clarity, and the right support can completely transform the divorce experience. You’ll hear what went right, what went wrong, and what you can do differently—so you don’t become a cautionary tale.

What You’ll Learn:

Why “simple” divorces can still go financially off the rails

The cost of emotional decision-making (and how to avoid it)

Real examples of how the MDS Financial Portrait™ changes outcomes

How one couple saved thousands by getting clarity before hiring professionals

The questions that could have saved others months—and tens of thousands of dollars

Send us your story or question: [email protected]. We may share lessons from it in a future episode.

Get your Financial Portrait™ started at mydivorcesolution.com Join our community for tools, support, and real-life insights

Thank you for joining us for Divorce Summer School! Catch up on all 6 episodes and begin your journey to financial clarity and smart decision-making in divorce.

Free Resources:

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This week in Divorce Summer School, we’re breaking down a popular article: “7 Things to Do ASAP When Your Spouse Wants a Divorce” from MSN & Money Talks News—and giving you the MDS-approved version.

Karen and Catherine go tip-by-tip to explain what advice holds up, what you should reconsider, and what most people get wrong when panic sets in. If you’re unsure how to respond when divorce is suddenly on the table, this episode will help you shift from reaction to strategy.

Why hiring an attorney might not be your first step

How to run a credit report (and why your score isn’t enough)

What “entitled” really means in divorce—and why mindset matters

How to protect your assets without escalating conflict

Smart, emotionally aware ways to talk to your kids

What financial clarity actually looks like (and why it changes everything)

Start your financial assessment at mydivorcesolution.com

Next Week on Divorce Summer School: “Real Life, Real Numbers – Unpacking Financial Case Studies in Divorce.”

What You’ll Learn:Free Resources:

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This week in Divorce Summer School, we’re answering one of the most overwhelming questions in the divorce process: Who should I hire?

Karen and Catherine break down the roles of attorneys, mediators, CDFAs, coaches, therapists, and more—so you can confidently build the right team for your needs (not someone else’s). You’ll also learn how financial preparation helps every professional on your team do their best work—and saves you from wasting time, money, and emotional energy.

If you’re unsure where to start or afraid of making the wrong hire, this episode is your roadmap.

The true role of an attorney—and when it’s too soon to hire one

Why mediators aren’t financial advisors or decision-makers

The essential difference between forensic accountants, CDFAs, and daily money managers

How emotional overwhelm leads to costly professional hires

Why preparation before professionals is the smartest path forward

Start your financial assessment at mydivorcesolution.com

Next Week on Divorce Summer School: “Real Life, Real Numbers – Unpacking Financial Case Studies in Divorce.”

What You’ll Learn:Free Resources:

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This week in Divorce Summer School, we’re getting real about one of the most confusing—and expensive—parts of the divorce process: financial discovery.

In this eye-opening episode, Karen and Catherine break down how the traditional legal discovery process can drain time, money, and energy—and how My Divorce Solution’s Financial Portrait™ helps you take control before things spiral.

If you’ve ever asked, “Doesn’t my attorney already do this?”—this episode is for you.

What financial discovery actually means in litigation or mediation

Why most attorneys aren’t equipped to provide financial clarity

How the MDS Financial Portrait™ saves you time, money, and stress

Real case examples of overspending on legal fees vs. proactive prep

Why informed clients make the best decisions (and spend less doing it!)

Tools Mentioned:

MDS Financial Portrait™ mydivorcesolution.com

Attorney Prep Guide

Document Checklist

Divorce Summer School continues next week with Episode 4: “7 Smart Divorce Tips—What We Recommend (and What We Don’t).”

What You’ll Learn:

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In Week 2 of Divorce Summer School, we’re bringing back one of our most talked-about episodes—an honest, eye-opening look at financial abandonment and what to do when you're cut off from money, access, or support during divorce.

Karen and Catherine break down what financial abandonment actually looks like—not just from your spouse, but sometimes even from your own legal team. This episode is packed with tips to help you prepare, advocate for yourself, and stop feeling stuck, alone, or powerless when it comes to your finances.

Whether you're just starting to think about divorce or already in it, this conversation is your reminder that you have more options—and more power—than you think.

What You’ll Learn:

What financial abandonment really means (it’s not just about money)

How to advocate for yourself when your spouse—or your attorney—fails to

Steps to take if your access to credit, cash, or documents is suddenly cut off

How to avoid emotionally driven financial decisions

Why preparation is your strongest form of protection

Email us at [email protected] or leave a comment. Your question might be featured in a future Divorce Summer School episode.

Start Your Free Financial Assessment: Take the first step toward regaining clarity, control, and confidence. https://mydivorcesolution.com/ 

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We’re kicking off Divorce Summer School with one of our most powerful and timely past episodes—now more relevant than ever.

This conversation with marriage and relationship exit strategist, Tonya Carter dives deep into the emotional side of divorce: how to stop second-guessing, start trusting yourself, and build the confidence to take control of your financial future.

If you're stuck in fear or self-doubt, this episode is your permission slip to take the next step—even if you're not 100% ready.

What self-trust really means in the context of divorce

Why emotional and financial clarity are deeply connected

How to reclaim your voice, your decisions, and your future

How to prepare for divorce without fear—even when your spouse controls the finances

Real, practical ways to rebuild your identity and financial confidence

Where in your divorce journey are you still waiting for permission to act? What would change if you trusted yourself just 10% more?

We’d love to hear from you. Email us your thoughts or questions at [email protected] 

Or leave a comment wherever you're tuning in.

We’d love to answer your question in a future Divorce Summer School episode!

Start Your Financial Assessment

Instagram: @IamTonyaCarter

Website: www.TonyaCarter.com

Podcast: Purposely Thriving Podcast

What You’ll Learn:Listener Check-In:Resources:Connect with Tonya Carter:

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Paying for college is stressful—add divorce to the mix, and it gets even more complicated. In this episode, Karen sits down with college planning expert Vicki Vollweiler to unpack what divorcing parents need to know about the FAFSA process, financial aid, and protecting both your future and your child’s dreams.

Vicki brings her unique expertise at the intersection of personal finance, college planning, and post-divorce parenting to help families avoid costly mistakes and missed opportunities.

Whether your child is 3 or 17, this is an essential listen for any parent going through divorce.

What You’ll Learn:

Why FAFSA rules have changed—and how they impact divorced parents

Who should fill out FAFSA—and why it’s not always the custodial parent

The financial impact of remarriage on aid eligibility

Key differences between FAFSA and CSS Profile

How and when to use 529 plans vs. loans

Why college planning should start during divorce (not after)

What to do if a parent refuses to participate in the aid process

Why honors programs can be a hidden financial win

How to negotiate for more aid and appeal award letters

Key Takeaways:

“Don’t put your head in the sand because you don’t want to deal with the money. With planning, families can save tens—and sometimes hundreds—of thousands of dollars.”

Start thinking about college costs during your divorce—not after

Include financial aid participation clauses in your divorce agreement

Appeal and negotiate financial aid packages—you can ask for more

Consider honors programs and in-state schools as cost-saving strategies

Proactive planning saves the most money (and stress)

Resources from Vicki Vollweiler:

College Financial Prep – Free 15-minute consultations available

Upcoming Book + Workbook for Divorced & Widowed Parents (stay tuned!)

Online courses, workshops, and soon: a book club for parents navigating this journey

Have Questions? Email us at [email protected] or visit mydivorcesolution.com

Remember: Knowledge is power—and you are stronger than you think. Like and subscribe to We Chat Divorce so you never miss an episode.

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In this eye-opening episode of We Chat Divorce, we welcome Kara Chrobak, a Colorado-based family law attorney who brings deep insight into high-net-worth divorce, complex asset division, and marital agreements. Kara recently launched her own practice—Bespoke Law LLC—after over 15 years in big law.

What we talk about with Kara:

Why mediation sometimes feels more like pressure than resolution—and how to shift that narrative

How to approach settlement with a risk tolerance lens rather than fear

Why documentation and financial clarity are non-negotiable before negotiating

The nuances of gray divorce, including retirement planning, lifetime maintenance, and emotional shifts

When and how to consider a postnuptial agreement—and the legal pitfalls to avoid

The critical importance of aligned communication between attorneys and financial professionals

How MDS clients enter legal conversations more prepared and empowered

Kara also shares her thoughtful, compassionate approach to working with clients and why education is the antidote to anxiety in divorce.

Whether you're divorcing at 35 or 65, this conversation offers clarity, wisdom, and real-world advice from professionals who believe in empowering you with knowledge.

Connect with Kara Chrobak, Esq., Founder, Bespoke Law LLC, Colorado  bespokelawllc.com

Next Steps:

Take the Free Divorce Financial Assessment

Share this episode with someone navigating a high-net-worth or gray divorce

Follow us for more empowering conversations

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review!

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Should you take the lump sum or stick with monthly support payments? In this episode, Catherine and Karen unpack one of the most misunderstood yet consequential decisions in divorce: alimony buyouts. Together, they demystify how these lump sum payments are calculated, who truly benefits, and what hidden pitfalls can jeopardize your financial future.

From passive income projections to payout timing and mortgage qualification hurdles—this deep dive explores the real-world scenarios and tough questions you must ask before signing your agreement.

Lump Sum Alimony: Pros & cons for both payer and recipient

Tax implications & investment risks

Liquidity vs. long-term cash flow

Calculating present value & discount rates

Passive income assumptions—and why timing matters

What if the payer can’t pay all at once? Tranches, step-down payments, and protective clauses

Impact on mortgage eligibility

The role of life insurance and estate protection

Why enforceability & agreement language matter

The crucial importance of stress-testing financial plans

Listener Challenge:

Are you considering a lump sum offer? Screenshot this episode and send it to a friend or family member who might be weighing the same decision. Share the clarity.

📲 Follow us for more financial clarity in divorce. New episodes drop weekly.

#WeChatDivorce #DivorcePlanning #AlimonyBuyouts #DivorceStrategy #FinancialClarity #DivorceExplored

Key Topics Covered:

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Welcome to another behind-the-scenes episode of Divorce Explored, your unfiltered look at what really happens inside My Divorce Solution. In this episode, Catherine and Karen tackle the five most common — and misunderstood — money questions they hear from individuals considering or starting the divorce process.

If you’ve ever wondered:

"Can you just take a quick look at our agreement?"

"Doesn’t my attorney already do this?"

"Will I still need a forensic accountant?"

"Isn’t our estate simple?"

"Will my attorney work with you?"

...this episode is for you.

Our co-founders explain why financial clarity isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Learn how lack of preparation leads to costly mistakes and emotional overwhelm, and why a proactive, data-driven approach saves you thousands while empowering you to make confident legal and financial decisions.

"The Quick Look Myth": What sounds fair on paper rarely accounts for taxes, long-term consequences, or unforeseen life events.

Legal ≠ Financial: Attorneys are not financial analysts. Without financial clarity, you’re navigating blind.

Forensics Isn’t Always the Fix: Most clients don’t need one — they just need to be prepared.

Simplicity Is Deceptive: Even “simple” cases often hide six-figure surprises.

Collaboration with Attorneys: MDS works with — not against — your legal team, setting the foundation for informed negotiation.

The Divorce Financial Portrait™: Your personalized roadmap to financial clarity during divorce. Begin your Free Assessment,Take the first step toward financial empowerment.

If this episode opened your eyes or gave you clarity, do us (and future listeners) a favor — leave a quick rating or review. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a weekly dose of divorce empowerment.

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