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. Wh...
Jul 16, 2025•26 min
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...
Jul 09, 2025•41 min
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 quest...
Jul 02, 2025•27 min
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?" "W...
Jun 25, 2025•24 min
In this empowering and heartfelt episode, Catherine and Karen sit down with Dr. Tara Egan, founder of Egan Counseling & Consulting, to discuss the emotional and practical realities of co-parenting through divorce—especially in high-conflict situations. With over two decades of experience and her own personal journey through divorce, Dr. Egan shares real-world strategies that prioritize peace, protect children, and reduce costly legal and emotional power struggles. Key Takeaways: Parent Coord...
Jun 18, 2025•42 min
In this empowering episode of We Chat Divorce, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew unpack the viral “Let Them” theory popularized by Mel Robbins—and apply it to the high-stress, emotionally charged context of divorce. While “letting them” can sound passive, Catherine and Karen reveal how it’s actually a strategy grounded in smart decision-making and emotional control. Learn how to let go of reactionary behaviors, protect your finances, and focus on what truly matters for your future. Why reacti...
Jun 11, 2025•16 min
In this insightful episode of We Chat Divorce, we sit down with New York matrimonial law expert Jacqueline Newman to uncover the real story behind cryptocurrency in divorce. From the early days of “Bitcoin parties” to high-stakes cases involving millions in crypto, Jacqueline shares her experience dealing with digital assets during complex marital dissolutions. Whether you're navigating a high-asset divorce or simply concerned your spouse might be hiding crypto, this episode breaks down what you...
Jun 04, 2025•35 min
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 habi...
May 28, 2025•35 min
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 b...
May 21, 2025•24 min
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, educ...
May 14, 2025•45 min
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...
May 07, 2025•24 min
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 yo...
Apr 30, 2025•39 min
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...
Apr 23, 2025•19 min
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...
Apr 16, 2025•42 min
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-ne...
Apr 09, 2025•22 min
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. Key Takeaways: 🔹 The Power of the Pivot – Why shifting course isn’t failure, but an opportunity to create a stronger, more aligned future....
Apr 02, 2025•40 min
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, ...
Apr 02, 2025•21 min
In this episode of We Chat Divorce, hosts Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down with Nicole Farhat, a Certified Divorce Coach and former My Divorce Solution (MDS) client. Nicole shares her personal journey through divorce and how MDS empowered her with financial clarity, saving her thousands in legal fees while securing a successful financial outcome. From skepticism about her spouse’s participation to witnessing the transformative power of MDS’s Divorce Financial Portrait™, Nicole’s exp...
Mar 19, 2025•37 min
Tax season comes around fast, and for those navigating divorce, tax decisions can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan break down the key considerations you need to keep in mind when filing your taxes before, during, or after divorce. Key Takeaways: ✔️ Filing Status Matters – Understanding the differences between filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, and single. ✔️ Accessing Tax Information – Why gathering tax documents early is crucial...
Mar 12, 2025•22 min
Divorce is a life-changing legal and financial process, but understanding your rights and financial landscape can make all the difference. In this episode of We Chat Divorce, we sit down with top divorce attorney and award-winning author, Bree Sullivan Howell, Esq., to discuss financial clarity, courtroom strategies, and common pitfalls in divorce settlements. Bree shares insights from her 20+ years as a family law attorney, along with personal experiences that shaped her mission to support divo...
Mar 05, 2025•39 min
Divorce is already an emotionally charged and financially challenging process—but what happens when the industry itself makes things even harder? In this episode, Karen and Catherine pull back the curtain on the divorce process, shedding light on inefficiencies, costly mistakes, and systemic issues that can leave individuals feeling powerless. They discuss why so many divorcing individuals struggle to obtain basic financial information, how the legal system treats divorce like any other civil li...
Feb 26, 2025•23 min
Navigating co-parenting after divorce is challenging, especially when it comes to balancing custody, finances, and communication. In this episode of We Chat Divorce, we sit down with attorney Nicole Kobis to discuss how to create a strong parenting plan that prioritizes the well-being of children while maintaining financial stability. Nicole brings her legal expertise in family law, mediation, and parenting coordination to provide practical insights on how to set clear expectations, avoid common...
Feb 19, 2025•38 min
Divorce isn’t just about ending a relationship—it’s about reclaiming your financial future. In this episode, we explore how to navigate the emotional and financial challenges of divorce while setting yourself up for long-term independence. What We Cover: The importance of assessing your financial position before making any major decisions How to understand and differentiate between assets & liabilities Why having an investment strategy during divorce is crucial The role of attorneys & fi...
Feb 12, 2025•17 min
In this insightful episode, Karen and Catherine are joined by dating and relationship expert Bela Gandhi to explore the world of second chances in love and finances after divorce. Bela shares her expertise on how to approach dating with confidence, avoid common pitfalls, and prioritize emotional and financial well-being. Together, they discuss how to rebuild after divorce, recognize red flags in relationships, and navigate the financial implications of dating during and after divorce. What You’l...
Feb 05, 2025•35 min
Show Title: Understanding Property Division: What’s Yours, Mine, and Ours? Property division is one of the most complex and emotionally charged aspects of divorce. In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen and Catherine break down the process of dividing assets to help listeners gain clarity and confidence. They explore the differences between community property and equitable distribution states, explain marital versus separate property, and provide tips for managing high-value assets like busin...
Jan 29, 2025•19 min
In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down with mortgage advisor Zach Taylor to tackle a significant topic for divorcing couples—navigating mortgage decisions during and after a divorce. From buying out a spouse to managing a marital home or rental property, Zach shares essential mortgage strategies to help you make informed financial decisions during this challenging transition. Episode Highlights The Importance of Early Financial Planning Zach emphasizes ...
Jan 22, 2025•34 min
In this episode of Divorce Explored, Karen and Catherine discuss why having "The Money Talk" before separating is essential. They explain how premature financial decisions can harm future negotiations and why understanding your full financial picture is critical. This conversation aims to empower listeners to make informed decisions during divorce by fostering financial transparency and clarity. Key Topics: Defining The Money Talk: It’s more than saying, "I want the house" or "I won’t touch your...
Jan 15, 2025•15 min
Welcome to We Chat Divorce! In this episode, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan are joined by special guests Jamie Berger and Sarah Jacobs, co-founders of Jacobs Berger, LLC, a boutique divorce and family law firm in Morristown, New Jersey. Together, they discuss the four key things you should know before hiring a divorce attorney and how the legal process can better support divorcing families. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Importance of Practicality in Legal Representation – How tail...
Jan 08, 2025•39 min
In this special episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan dive into one of the most common New Year’s resolutions: the decision to get a divorce. January, often referred to as “divorce month,” is a time when many begin to confront the realities of their relationships and plan for a fresh start. If you’re thinking about divorce, already in the process, or supporting someone on this journey, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you start the year with clarit...
Jan 01, 2025•21 min
🎄 Happy Holidays from We Chat Divorce! In this special Christmas Day episode, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew reflect on the challenges and opportunities the holidays bring, especially when navigating divorce. They share heartfelt stories, practical advice, and thoughtful ideas to help you find peace and joy during the season. Whether you're co-parenting, newly divorced, or years into your journey, this episode is filled with encouragement and inspiration to help you embrace the holidays o...
Dec 24, 2024•13 min
