In this powerful episode, Jenny Stevens joins Karen and Catherine to explore how to manage emotions and make smart financial decisions during one of life’s most difficult transitions—divorce.

Jenny shares her personal journey from being a breadwinner navigating her own divorce, single parenting, cancer diagnosis, and career change, to becoming a coach who helps others turn life’s adversities into transformation.

“You don’t need to overhaul your life. You just need to tweak the behaviors and habits that no longer serve you.” – Jenny Stevens

Jenny Stevens jennystevenscoach.com

IG: www.instagram.com/jennystevens_coach/ 

FB: www.facebook.com/jennystevenscoach 

Email: [email protected] 

Take the Free MDS Financial Assessment: mydivorcesolution.com

Join the Conversation:

Comment on this episode’s post with 3–5 empowering thoughts you’re choosing to focus on during your divorce journey. Let’s create a mindset shift—together.

Submit your questions for future episodes at: [email protected] Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more real conversations that make divorce less overwhelming and more empowering.

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If you’ve ever stared at a four-figure legal invoice and thought, “Where did my money go?” — this episode is for you.

In this episode, Catherine and Karen break down the true cost of divorce and share how to spot red flags, avoid wasteful spending, and build a lean, efficient legal team. You'll hear about real-life examples of inflated invoices, underused experts, and clients who got burned by not knowing what they signed up for.

From understanding the scope of your attorney's work to catching block billing and knowing when to pause and prepare, this episode arms you with the tools to keep your legal bills from taking over your financial future.

Why some clients burn through retainers before any progress is made

What “block billing” is — and why it’s a red flag

How to leverage paralegals and avoid being billed at attorney rates

The difference between full-service, collaborative, and limited-scope attorneys

When and if to hire a forensic accountant, CPA, or mortgage expert

The power of getting financially prepared before hiring anyone

What is your overall philosophy or style when handling divorce cases?

How do you typically structure your team and delegate tasks?

What are your hourly rates — and do they vary by who is doing the work?

Are flat-fee options available for specific services?

What is the retainer for my case and how is it applied?

Is the retainer a minimum fee or refundable?

Will I receive monthly billing statements?

How do you track and report time for tasks performed?

Will I be billed for internal meetings or staff conferences?

Can I request a cap on monthly fees or be notified when nearing budget limits?

How do you determine if a paralegal or associate should handle a task?

How do you document prep work, and can I review those notes?

Will I be billed for re-reviewing documents that have already been reviewed?

Are billing errors ever adjusted if I notice discrepancies?

How do you define the scope of work when hiring outside experts (like forensics)?

How can I best work with you to keep my costs down?

Batch your communications to avoid small, costly emails

Ask for work product if you’re billed for extensive review or prep

Consider limited-scope representation for specific legal tasks

Use financial professionals to prepare documents instead of high-priced attorneys

Pause your case if needed — getting financially organized may save thousands

"Every email you batch, every paralegal you leverage, and every line item you question is real money staying in your pocket — not evaporating into the billable hour."

What You’ll Learn:The 16 Questions to Ask Before Signing an Engagement Letter:Helpful Tips Shared:

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In this powerful episode of WeChat Divorce, hosts Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan welcome Samantha Boss, high-conflict divorce coach and certified mediator, to discuss what a real parenting plan should look like—and why the standard legal templates aren’t nearly enough.

Drawing from her personal experience and professional work with divorcing parents, Samantha shares why parenting plans must go beyond weekends and holidays. Together, they dives deep into how decisions about healthcare, education, extracurriculars, and even future expectations should be clarified upfront to avoid conflict—and costly legal battles—down the road.

Whether you're just starting your divorce journey or re-evaluating a current plan, this conversation reveals why a proactive, customized approach is key to protecting your children, your time, and your wallet.

Samantha Boss is a certified divorce mediator and high-conflict divorce coach who helps moms take back control of their lives and protect their children’s futures. Drawing from her personal experience with a contentious four-year divorce, she now empowers others to build effective parenting plans through coaching, education, and strategy.Learn more at samanthaboss.com.

Connect with Us:

Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? Email us at [email protected] Visit mydivorcesolution.com for expert guidance, financial clarity, and a supportive community throughout your divorce journey.

About Our Guest:

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Hosts: Catherine Shanahan, CDFA & Karen Chellew, Legal LiaisonPresented by: My Divorce Solution

You’ve done the work, your mediation date is approaching—and your spouse has barely provided more than a screenshot or two of their accounts. What now?

In this episode, Catherine and Karen take you behind the scenes of what happens when mediation is scheduled but the documents just aren’t there. They walk you through the common pitfalls, legal misconceptions, and high-stakes decisions that clients face in this scenario. Whether you're facing a controlling spouse, incomplete documentation, or pressure from professionals to move forward, this episode offers practical, empowering steps to protect your financial future.

Why negotiating in mediation without full disclosure is like “negotiating in the dark”

Why asking for documents is not aggression—it’s protection

Real-world scenarios and how professionals sometimes pressure clients to move forward prematurely

The MDS playbook for Pre-Mediation Triage

Your three critical options: Go, Pause, or Pivot

Tools attorneys and mediators can (and should) use to get the missing data

The real cost of moving forward without clarity—and how to avoid regret

We want to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] with your questions or topic suggestions.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Please consult your own professionals for guidance tailored to your unique situation.

What You'll Learn:Have a Question?

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In this empowering episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan welcome financial powerhouse Laura Webb, founder of Webb Investment Services and an advocate for women’s financial empowerment. Together, they dive deep into the emotional and practical barriers that keep women from owning their financial lives — and how to overcome them. From personal money stories to professional lessons learned, this candid conversation is full of aha moments and actionable insights to help you shift from financial uncertainty to unstoppable confidence.

Whether you're married, divorced, or starting over, this episode will inspire you to take the next step toward financial autonomy.

Laura is a trailblazer in wealth management with over 30 years of experience and a passionate advocate for increasing the presence of women in financial services. Now in her “third act,” she’s helping lead the charge to recruit and support more women in the financial advisory profession through her work with the Women’s Leadership Alliance.

My Divorce Solution – Learn more about the Divorce Financial Portrait™

Women’s Leadership Alliance – Explore Laura’s advocacy work

Divorce Financial Portrait™ – Gain clarity, confidence, and control in your financial future

Have a question or topic you'd like us to cover? Email us at [email protected]

💬 Like what you hear? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone navigating divorce.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with professionals in the relevant fields for personalized guidance.

The WeChat Divorce podcast (hereinafter referred to as the “WCD”) represents the opinions of Catherine Shanahan, Karen Chellew, and their guests to the show. WCD should not be considered professional or legal advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Views and opinions expressed on WCD are our own and do not represent that of our places of work.

WCD should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever. Listeners should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on WCD without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on WCD.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on WCD, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced on WCD do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of Catherine Shanahan or Karen Chellew.

WCD, CATHERINE SHANAHAN, AND KAREN CHELLEW EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL’S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

If you would like to obtain a typed transcript of this podcast episode, please email us at [email protected]. Please be sure to include the episode name in the transcript email request. Thank you!

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In this episode of WeChat Divorce, co-founders Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan unpack the themes from Time Magazine’s viral article, “When Having It All Becomes Wanting a Divorce” by Ada Calhoun.

They explore the emotional and financial realities facing Gen X women navigating midlife questions, career shifts, and marriage fatigue. Drawing from personal experience and professional expertise, Karen and Catherine offer a grounded, supportive take on the “3 a.m. moment” many women face—and what it really means to want something more.

Highlights Include:

Listen & Subscribe:

Catch this episode and more on We Chat Divorce—your go-to resource for navigating the financial and emotional side of divorce with confidence. Visit our website: mydivorcesolution.com

Have a question or an idea for a future topic? We want to hear from you!!

Email us: [email protected] 

Special thanks to Ada Calhoun for sparking this important conversation through her powerful essay, “When Having It All Becomes Wanting a Divorce,” published by time.

We encourage everyone to read the full piece: https://time.com/7216367/gen-x-women-midlife-divorce-essay



Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with professionals in the relevant fields for personalized guidance.

The WeChat Divorce podcast (hereinafter referred to as the “WCD”) represents the opinions of Catherine Shanahan, Karen Chellew, and their guests to the show. WCD should not be considered professional or legal advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Views and opinions expressed on WCD are our own and do not represent that of our places of work.

WCD should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever. Listeners should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on WCD without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on WCD.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on WCD, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced on WCD do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of Catherine Shanahan or Karen Chellew.

WCD, CATHERINE SHANAHAN, AND KAREN CHELLEW EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL’S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

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In this powerful episode, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down with Imago Relationship Therapist Colleen Kowal to explore the emotional complexities of marriage, divorce, and co-parenting. Drawing from her personal journey and years of professional experience, Colleen shares how relationship dynamics can lead to disconnect—and more importantly, how intentional conversations, discernment, and closure can pave the way for healing and rediscovery.

Colleen explains the concept of Relational Contracts, the role of Discernment Therapy, and the importance of processing divorce in a way that minimizes harm—especially for children. Together, they discuss how financial imbalances, emotional triggers, and unfinished relationship dynamics often carry over into divorce and co-parenting if left unaddressed.

Colleen is an Imago Relationship Therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families navigating the complexities of relationships, divorce, and co-parenting. Her approach blends personal experience as a child of divorce and a divorced parent with professional expertise to help clients move from pain to purpose.

Learn more about Imago Relationship Therapy: https://www.hiltonheadislandcounseling.com/ 

Catch this episode and more on We Chat Divorce—your go-to resource for navigating the financial and emotional side of divorce with confidence.

mydivorcesolution.com

Submit questions: [email protected]

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with professionals in the relevant fields for personalized guidance.

The WeChat Divorce podcast (hereinafter referred to as the “WCD”) represents the opinions of Catherine Shanahan, Karen Chellew, and their guests to the show. WCD should not be considered professional or legal advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Views and opinions expressed on WCD are our own and do not represent that of our places of work.

WCD should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever. Listeners should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on WCD without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on WCD.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on WCD, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced on WCD do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of Catherine Shanahan or Karen Chellew.

WCD, CATHERINE SHANAHAN, AND KAREN CHELLEW EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL’S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

If you would like to obtain a typed transcript of this podcast episode, please email us at [email protected]. Please be sure to include the episode name in the transcript email request. Thank you!

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In this episode, Karen and Catherine discuss the financial impact of starting divorce from the courtroom versus the kitchen table — and why preparation is everything, especially in high-conflict and high net worth cases. They break down costly mistakes, emotional traps, and the importance of data-driven decisions over emotional reactions.

Mentioned in the Episode:

AMG National Trust article on financial planning in divorce - https://www.amgnational.com/navigating-the-complex-terrain-of-a-high-net-worth-divorce/ 

The Divorce Financial Portrait™ by My Divorce Solution - https://mydivorcesolution.com/ 

Have questions? Email us at [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you!

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with professionals in the relevant fields for personalized guidance.

The WeChat Divorce podcast (hereinafter referred to as the “WCD”) represents the opinions of Catherine Shanahan, Karen Chellew, and their guests to the show. WCD should not be considered professional or legal advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Views and opinions expressed on WCD are our own and do not represent that of our places of work.

WCD should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever. Listeners should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on WCD without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on WCD.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on WCD, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced on WCD do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of Catherine Shanahan or Karen Chellew.

WCD, CATHERINE SHANAHAN, AND KAREN CHELLEW EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL’S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

If you would like to obtain a typed transcript of this podcast episode, please email us at [email protected]. Please be sure to include the episode name in the transcript email request. Thank you!

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In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen and Catherine sit down with Shannon McGorry, a PCC-level ICF-accredited coach and founder of Love Strength and Grace. Shannon shares her personal divorce journey and how it led her to empower women through coaching. She helps women redefine their future—personally and professionally—by activating their Female Genius.

🔹 The Power of the Pivot – Why shifting course isn’t failure, but an opportunity to create a stronger, more aligned future.

🔹 Leading with Head vs. Heart – How to recognize which drives your decisions and how to balance both.

🔹 Rewriting the Narrative – Moving from shoulds and expectations to I can and I choose.

🔹 Financial Confidence in Divorce – The link between thoughts, emotions, and actions in financial decision-making.

🔹 The One-Degree Pivot – Small, intentional shifts can lead to profound transformations.

Shannon breaks down how women can step into their financial and personal power, avoiding resentment, fear, and guilt. She also explains how coaching differs from therapy—helping women move forward rather than looking back.

If you’re feeling lost or unsure about the next chapter, this episode is for you!

🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward your empowered future.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Send us your questions, comments or topics that you’d like to hear on the podcast, and we may discuss it on a future episode. Email us at [email protected] 

🔗 Learn more about Shannon: LoveStrengthandGrace.com

📩 Contact Shannon: [email protected]

Subscribe & Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform or watch the show on YouTube!

Follow Us:

Instagram and Facebook: @mydivorcesolution

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with professionals in the relevant fields for personalized guidance.

The WeChat Divorce podcast (hereinafter referred to as the “WCD”) represents the opinions of Catherine Shanahan, Karen Chellew, and their guests to the show. WCD should not be considered professional or legal advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Views and opinions expressed on WCD are our own and do not represent that of our places of work.

WCD should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever. Listeners should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on WCD without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on WCD.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on WCD, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced on WCD do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of Catherine Shanahan or Karen Chellew.

WCD, CATHERINE SHANAHAN, AND KAREN CHELLEW EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL’S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

If you would like to obtain a typed transcript of this podcast episode, please email us at [email protected]. Please be sure to include the episode name in the transcript email request. Thank you!

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In this episode of Divorce Explored, Karen and Catherine dive into a timely AARP article, "Financial Checklist for Remarrying After 50." Together, they unpack the essential financial considerations and emotional conversations you should have before saying "I do" again—whether you're 50 or not.

Drawing from their personal experiences and professional expertise, they explore topics like:

✅ Exchanging financial information with your future spouse

✅ Navigating conversations about children, alimony, and financial expectations

✅ Reviewing estate plans, wills, and medical powers of attorney

✅ Understanding Social Security and survivor benefits

✅ The importance of prenups—and how to reframe them as planning for a healthy marriage

Key Takeaway:

Love is powerful—but protecting your financial future is essential. Open, honest conversations about money, expectations, and boundaries before remarrying can set the foundation for a healthier, stronger relationship.

Mentioned in this Episode:

🎯 If you’re considering remarriage or blending families, this episode is for you.

Prepare with clarity, not clouded by emotion. And remember, when it comes to marriage and finances, knowledge is power.

👉 Have a topic you'd like us to explore? Email us at [email protected]

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with professionals in the relevant fields for personalized guidance.

The WeChat Divorce podcast (hereinafter referred to as the “WCD”) represents the opinions of Catherine Shanahan, Karen Chellew, and their guests to the show. WCD should not be considered professional or legal advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Views and opinions expressed on WCD are our own and do not represent that of our places of work.

WCD should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever. Listeners should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on WCD without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on WCD.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on WCD, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced on WCD do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of Catherine Shanahan or Karen Chellew.

WCD, CATHERINE SHANAHAN, AND KAREN CHELLEW EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL’S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

If you would like to obtain a typed transcript of this podcast episode, please email us at [email protected]. Please be sure to include the episode name in the transcript email request. Thank you!

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