Episodios

  • 183. The Financial Gap No One Talks About in Divorce — with Emily Pollock

    183. The Financial Gap No One Talks About in Divorce — with Emily Pollock
    Feb 18 2026
    Divorce is not just emotional. It’s economic. In this powerful episode of the We Chat Divorce, Karen and Catherine sit down with Emily Pollock, partner at Donahoe Talbert LLP and one of Forbes Advisor’s Top 10 Divorce Attorneys in New York City. With over 15 years of experience in high-net-worth matrimonial law, Emily brings a rare combination of legal precision and psychological awareness to the conversation. Together, they unpack: Why divorce creates a financial gap — especially for women The truth about modern maintenance (alimony) laws Why “lifetime support” is largely a thing of the past What happens when wealth looks bigger than it actually is The danger of entering mediation or litigation unprepared Why your attorney’s job is to put you in your best position legally — and why that requires financial clarity first This conversation is honest, strategic, and deeply grounding. About Our Guest Emily Pollock is a partner at Donahoe Talbert LLP in New York City. She focuses on high-net-worth divorce, complex asset division, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and cases involving businesses, trusts, and international financial structures. She was recently named one of Forbes Advisor’s Top 10 Divorce Attorneys in NYC. She is licensed in New York. Website: https://donahotalbertllp.com Email: epollock@donahotalbert.com At My Divorce Solution, we believe divorce is financial first. Before you hire an attorney.Before you agree to mediation.Before you react emotionally. You need verified clarity. The MDS Financial Portrait™ gives you: A full inventory of assets and debts Lifestyle analysis Support calculations Settlement scenarios Organized financial disclosures A structured plan for negotiation When you walk into an attorney’s office prepared, everything changes. Start with clarity. 👉 Take the Free Divorce Financial Assessment at MyDivorceSolution.com👉 Join the MDS Community for expert guidance and live Q&As You do not need to decide everything today.You are allowed to gather information.You are allowed to prepare before reacting. Protect your peace. Let knowledge be your power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    42 m
  • 182. Amicable Divorce, Uncontested Divorce & California’s 2026 Joint Petition: Why Financial Clarity Still Matters

    182. Amicable Divorce, Uncontested Divorce & California’s 2026 Joint Petition: Why Financial Clarity Still Matters
    Feb 11 2026
    Many couples going through divorce say the same thing: “We’re amicable. We just want to get this done.” In this episode of Divorce Explored, a series within the We Chat Divorce podcast, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan unpack what amicable actually means—and why emotional calm is not the same as financial clarity. With California introducing a new joint divorce petition option in 2026, couples may be able to start the divorce process together with less initial friction. But as Karen and Catherine explain, this procedural change does not reduce the financial work required to reach a fair, sustainable settlement. This conversation breaks down the real differences between contested vs. uncontested divorce, the hidden costs of rushing to agreement, and the financial red flags that quietly turn “easy divorces” into expensive ones. If you’re considering an uncontested or joint filing—and want to stay amicable without sacrificing your financial future—this episode is essential listening. The difference between being emotionally amicable and financially transparent Why agreeing quickly can be more expensive than slowing down What California’s 2026 joint petition option actually changes—and what it doesn’t Common financial “agreement killers” in uncontested divorces Why keeping the house without a budget often backfires How missing documents, unclear income, or mixed business expenses derail settlements Why financial clarity can prevent conflict—not create it What it truly means to compare assets fairly (cash vs. retirement vs. property) Clarity is not conflict. Asking questions does not make a divorce adversarial—it makes it informed. Uncontested divorce still requires full financial discovery. Skipping this step creates costly mistakes. Joint petitions may lower emotional tension, but they don’t reduce financial responsibility. Rushing creates regret. Many uncontested divorces become contested after new information emerges. If you can’t explain your agreement in plain English, you’re not ready to sign it. You may need more structure and support if: You can’t access financial statements Income is variable, unclear, or disputed Business and personal spending are mixed New debt or unexplained transfers appear One spouse is afraid to ask financial questions The plan relies on “it will all work out” At My Divorce Solution, we help individuals and couples get financially organized before legal negotiations begin—so decisions are based on verified data, realistic budgets, and long-term stability. Our MDS Financial Portrait™ helps clients: Organize and verify financial documents Understand true cash flow and post-divorce budgets Model settlement scenarios before committing Avoid expensive renegotiations and legal waste Learn more at mydivorcesolution.com Considering an uncontested or amicable divorce Curious about California’s 2026 joint petition option Afraid of making a financial mistake you can’t undo Trying to stay cooperative without giving away too much Wanting clarity before talking to attorneys We Chat Divorce is the #1 podcast for financial divorce preparation, hosted by Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan—co-founders of My Divorce Solution. Each episode delivers honest, grounded conversations about the financial realities of divorce so listeners can move forward with confidence, not fear. Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode helped you. Clarity changes everything. What You’ll LearnKey TakeawaysFinancial Red Flags to Slow DownHow My Divorce Solution HelpsListen If You Are:About the Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    21 m
  • 181. Forensic Accounting in Divorce: What It Can (and Can’t) Do, with Sarah Nanchanatt

    181. Forensic Accounting in Divorce: What It Can (and Can’t) Do, with Sarah Nanchanatt
    Feb 4 2026
    When people hear “forensic accountant” during divorce, expectations run high. Many assume it means hidden money will automatically be uncovered or that every financial mystery will be solved. The reality is more nuanced—and far more strategic. In this episode, we sit down with Sara Nanchanatt, founder of SN Forensics, to demystify what forensic accounting actually does in divorce, when it’s worth the investment, and when it’s not. Sara brings clarity to one of the most misunderstood (and expensive) parts of the divorce process—helping listeners understand how to make informed, cost-effective decisions instead of emotionally driven ones. This conversation is especially important if you’re navigating a divorce involving business ownership, complex finances, cash-based income, or concerns about missing information. What We Cover in This Episode What a forensic accountant really does in divorce—and what they can’t do Why not every divorce requires forensic accounting How attorneys often default to “we need a forensic” (and why that matters) When business valuations make financial sense—and when they don’t The red flags forensic accountants actually look for Why “cash businesses” and “hidden assets” aren’t always traceable The difference between consulting, expert witness, and rebuttal roles How limited-scope forensic work can save thousands What questions to ask before hiring a forensic accountant How preparation and document review can prevent wasted legal and expert fees Key Takeaways for Listeners ✔️ Forensic accounting is a tool, not a guarantee ✔️ Spending money without a clear scope often leads to frustration and disappointment ✔️ The goal isn’t to “prove wrongdoing”—it’s to understand the numbers well enough to make informed decisions ✔️ Preparation before engaging experts can dramatically reduce costs ✔️ A strong divorce team communicates clearly and works collaboratively Why This Conversation Matters Divorce already brings emotional overload. Adding unnecessary experts—without understanding the likely outcome—can escalate costs and stress without improving results. This episode reinforces a core MDS belief: Fear is expensive. Clarity is not. Understanding when forensic accounting adds value—and when it doesn’t—puts control back where it belongs: with you. About Our Guest Sara Nanchanatt is a forensic accountant and business valuation expert with experience spanning Charles River Associates, FINRA, and complex financial investigations across multiple industries. Through SN Forensics, she works with individuals and divorce teams to uncover financial truth while prioritizing efficiency, transparency, and realistic outcomes. 🔗 Learn more: https://www.snforensics.com (Free consultations available when referred through My Divorce Solution) About My Divorce Solution At My Divorce Solution, we help individuals prepare financially before decisions are made—so strategy replaces reaction. Our Financial Portrait™ gives you verified numbers, clarity around your marital estate, and a roadmap for negotiation that saves time, money, and emotional energy. Take the Free Divorce Financial Assessment Join the MDS Community for expert guidance and live Q&A Listen to more episodes of We Chat Divorce Questions or topic requests? Email: wechat@ck11.net 🎧 Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs clarity💬 Remember: You don’t have to decide everything today. You’re allowed to gather information first. Protect your peace. Let knowledge be your power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    38 m
  • 180. Divorce, Mortgages, and the Cost of Bad Decisions with Jody Bruns

    180. Divorce, Mortgages, and the Cost of Bad Decisions with Jody Bruns
    Jan 28 2026
    In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew, Legal Liaison, and Catherine Shanahan, CDFA®, sit down with Jody Bruns, founder of the Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®) certification and the creator of the divorce mortgage planning profession. The conversation focuses on one of the most expensive and misunderstood parts of divorce: the marital home and the mortgage attached to it. With interest rates, refinancing challenges, and equity decisions shaping modern divorce settlements, this episode breaks down why housing decisions made without preparation often lead to permanent financial consequences. In This Episode, We Cover Why you cannot simply remove a spouse from a mortgage after divorce The difference between a traditional mortgage lender and a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®) How refinancing really works — including escrow accounts, taxes, insurance, and closing costs Why alimony and child support payment structure matters for mortgage approval What lenders require to use support income for qualification The financial risks of keeping the house versus selling it How capital gains taxes and filing status changes impact long-term equity Why mortgage assumptions are complex, limited, and not guaranteed The dangers of quitclaim deeds and poorly written settlement language How title changes after divorce can expose homeowners to liens, probate issues, and loss of control Key Takeaway You may want to keep the house. You may even be able to afford it. That does not mean you can qualify to keep it — or that it’s the smartest financial decision. Without coordinated legal, financial, and mortgage planning, housing decisions in divorce often become the most costly mistakes people make. About Our Guest Jody Bruns has over 35 years of experience in mortgage and finance and is nationally recognized for her work at the intersection of divorce, real estate, and lending. Through her certification program and professional training, she helps divorcing homeowners and divorce professionals navigate housing decisions with clarity and strategy. 🔗 Websites DivorceLendingAssociation.com / JodyBruns.com 🔗 Social Instagram: @JodyBrunsOfficial LinkedIn: jodylbruns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    44 m
  • 179. AI vs. Divorce Strategy: Why a QDRO Answer Is Not a Settlement Plan

    179. AI vs. Divorce Strategy: Why a QDRO Answer Is Not a Settlement Plan
    Jan 21 2026
    AI can explain what a QDRO is — but it cannot protect your financial future. In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan break down why relying on AI for retirement division in divorce leads to costly, irreversible mistakes. They explain what QDROs actually do, what AI misses, and why verified plan rules, tax impact, and liquidity matter — especially in grey divorce. If retirement accounts are part of your divorce, this conversation will change how you approach every decision. MDS Financial Portrait™ Free MDS Community Source article: https://www.thestreet.com/retirement/gray-divorce-shifts-retirement-one-legal-document-saves-your-401k Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    17 m
  • 178. Staying Calm, Clear, and Confident in a High-Conflict Divorce with Karen McMahon

    178. Staying Calm, Clear, and Confident in a High-Conflict Divorce with Karen McMahon
    Jan 14 2026
    In this powerful episode of We Chat Divorce, we sit down with Karen McMahon, high-conflict divorce strategist, certified divorce coach, and founder of Journey Beyond Divorce. Karen shares her deeply personal story of surviving a prolonged, high-conflict divorce—and how that experience became the foundation of her life’s work helping others navigate divorce with emotional clarity and confidence. Together, we explore what it really means to “keep your side of the street clean” during divorce, why reacting emotionally is one of the most expensive mistakes people make, and how staying calm, clear, and confident directly impacts both your legal outcomes and financial future. This episode is essential listening for anyone feeling overwhelmed, triggered, or stuck in defense mode during divorce—especially in high-conflict situations. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why high-conflict divorce often makes the calmer spouse look like the problem The true meaning of “keeping your side of the street clean” How emotional dysregulation leads to rushed, costly decisions Why mindset, emotional regulation, and boundaries are foundational—not optional How to pause before responding to texts, emails, or demands Why financial clarity and emotional clarity must work together How inner work protects your children and breaks generational cycles Why a strong settlement alone does not guarantee peace or freedom How to reclaim your confidence during—and after—divorce Resources Mentioned Journey Beyond Divorce Website: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast (425+ episodes) Rapid Relief Call with a Journey Beyond Divorce coach: https://www.rapidreliefcall.com At My Divorce Solution, we see this every day:People don’t make poor financial decisions because they’re irresponsible—they make them because they’re overwhelmed, reactive, and emotionally flooded. That’s why we believe divorce preparation must include both financial clarity and emotional grounding. When you understand your numbers and regulate your responses, you stop reacting—and start leading. If you’re navigating divorce and feel like you’re constantly on defense, you don’t need to decide everything today. Ready for Your Next Step? 👉 Start with clarity.👉 Get organized.👉 Protect your future. Visit MyDivorceSolution.com to learn how the MDS Financial Portrait™ helps you understand your full financial picture before decisions get expensive. And be sure to join the MDS Community—a safe, judgment-free space for trusted resources, expert guidance, and live support. About the Guest Karen McMahon is a high-conflict divorce strategist, certified divorce coach, and founder of Journey Beyond Divorce. She is also the host of the Journey Beyond Divorce podcast and co-author of Stepping Out of Chaos: Turning Pain into Possibility. Karen has supported thousands of individuals worldwide in navigating divorce with clarity, confidence, and personal growth—helping them move beyond survival mode and into empowered decision-making. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    39 m
  • 177. Divorce Is a Business Deal: Strategy for High-Conflict Divorce with Courtney Harkness

    177. Divorce Is a Business Deal: Strategy for High-Conflict Divorce with Courtney Harkness
    Jan 7 2026
    High-conflict divorces thrive on chaos. In this episode of We Chat Divorce, hosts Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down with divorce strategist and coach Courtney Harkness to explain why treating divorce like a business deal—not an emotional battleground—can dramatically shift power, protect assets, and preserve peace. Courtney, creator of the Divorce Is a Business Deal framework, shares how successful professionals can stop reacting and start leading their divorce with strategy. Drawing from her own experience co-founding a private-equity-backed company and navigating a high-conflict divorce, Courtney breaks down the three-phase approach she uses with clients: Stabilize, Strategize, Execute. You’ll learn why emotional stabilization must come first, especially when dealing with narcissistic or high-conflict spouses; how reacting fuels conflict and legal costs; and why “no sudden moves” is one of the most powerful rules in divorce. The conversation also explores why rushing to hire an attorney without financial clarity often escalates conflict—and how preparation saves time, money, and long-term regret. Karen and Catherine connect Courtney’s framework directly to the My Divorce Solution methodology, emphasizing the importance of verified financial data, lifestyle analysis, and scenario planning before negotiations begin. Together, they explain how clarity replaces fear, how strategy changes leverage, and why winning in divorce isn’t “beating” your spouse—it’s getting out with your future intact. Key Topics Covered: High-conflict divorce strategy Divorce and narcissistic dynamics Stabilize, Strategize, Execute framework Financial preparation before legal action Why reacting is costly—and preparation is powerful How to protect assets, peace, and decision-making capacity If you’re navigating a high-conflict or high-stakes divorce and feel stuck in reaction mode, this episode offers a grounded, strategic path forward. Next Steps: Start with clarity. Take the free Divorce Financial Assessment or learn more about the MDS Financial Portrait™ at MyDivorceSolution.com. Follow Courtney Harkness at DivorceStrategy.com and on Instagram @divorce.strategy. Protect your peace. Let knowledge be your power. divorce, high conflict divorce, narcissistic spouse, narcissist divorce, divorce strategy, divorce coach, divorce support, divorce advice, divorce tips, divorce planning, divorce preparation, divorce negotiation, divorce settlement, divorce mediation, divorce attorney, legal divorce advice, divorce financial planning, divorce finances, divorce money, financial clarity, CDFA, certified divorce financial analyst, marital assets, asset division, hidden assets, spousal support, alimony, child support, custody conflict, co-parenting with a narcissist, emotional abuse, financial abuse, trauma bond, stop reacting, no sudden moves, divorce is a business deal, business approach to divorce, leverage in divorce, protect your assets, protect your peace, women and divorce, men and divorce, high net worth divorce, complex divorce, divorce discovery, divorce documents, divorce checklist, we chat divorce, my divorce solution, karen chellew, catherine shanahan, courtney harkness, divorce strategy masterclass Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    38 m
  • 176. Divorce Explored: Your Divorce Financial Roadmap: A Clear Path Forward

    176. Divorce Explored: Your Divorce Financial Roadmap: A Clear Path Forward
    Dec 31 2025
    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. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 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 Key Takeaways 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 Red Flags You’re Divorcing Without a Map 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 Share this episode with someone who’s starting divorce without realizing they need a map Join the MDS Community for expert guidance and live Q&A support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    20 m