Most people would never start a cross-country trip without a map — yet that’s exactly how divorce begins for millions of people every year.

In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan break down the concept almost no one talks about early enough: the financial divorce roadmap.

Divorce is not just emotional — it is one of the largest financial transactions most people will ever make. Without a clear financial roadmap, decisions get made from fear, pressure, and incomplete information — and those decisions can cost you tens of thousands of dollars over time.

Karen and Catherine explain what a real financial roadmap looks like, how it reduces conflict and legal fees, and why clarity — not speed — leads to better outcomes.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, rushed, or pressured to “just get it done,” this episode will help you pause, regain control, and make decisions that actually protect your future.

Why divorce requires a financial roadmap, not just legal steps

The most common “detours” that quietly destroy long-term financial security

Why settling before accounts are verified is one of the biggest mistakes people make

How emotions like fear, guilt, and urgency drive bad financial decisions

The difference between reacting and negotiating with confidence

Why most divorce conflict is actually about uncertainty, not money

How a roadmap allows you to pivot when things change — without panicking

Divorce without verified financial information is gambling with your future

Legal progress does not equal financial protection

A roadmap is a decision tool, not a spreadsheet

Preparation reduces conflict, legal fees, and regret

You have the right to pause when information is missing

You’re negotiating without seeing full statements

You’re keeping expensive assets without knowing the true monthly cost

You’re relying on verbal numbers or assumptions

You don’t know what you need to live each month

Your plan is “I just hope this works out”

At My Divorce Solution, we call this roadmap the MDS Financial Portrait™ — a verified, structured view of your full financial landscape before permanent decisions are made. Because fear is expensive. Clarity is not.

This episode is educational only and does not provide legal or tax advice. Always consult your professional team for guidance specific to your situation.

Start with clarity: take the free Divorce Financial Assessment

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