Dialogue On Divorce

Money is rarely just about money in divorce. On this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Senior Wealth Manager Kimberley Threadgill of Stansberry Asset Management joins Katherine Miller to discuss the subtle, yet powerful, influence of emotions on financial decisions during a divorce. Together, they explore how factors like fear, identity, and uncertainty often override the raw numbers, significantly shaping outcomes, especially when facing an unknown future. This conversation offers a more grounded way to approach finances; one that prioritizes clarity, thoughtful decision-making, and long-term stability. If you are navigating divorce and feeling unsure about your financial future, this episode will help you begin to see your options with more perspective and confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How emotions like fear and uncertainty shape financial decisions during divorce; - Why slowing down and asking the right questions leads to more stable outcomes; - How understanding your full financial picture c

Mediation is more than just a tool to avoid court. It is a transformative process that helps individuals learn the skills needed to navigate conflict with empathy, clarity, and self-determination. In this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Katherine Miller speaks with divorce mediator Brian James whose approach focuses on helping parents not just reach agreements but improve their communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Brian talks about the importance of self-determination in mediation, how it supports co-parenting, and why the ability to actively listen and express needs is crucial for long-term success. He also shares actionable advice for those in conflict, showing how understanding the emotional reasons behind decisions can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone navigating divorce or contemplating separation. You'll learn how to approach decisions with greater clarity, avoid emotional pitfalls that can lead to poor choices, and und

Wondering how to support your kids through a divorce without losing your own emotional stability? In this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Katherine Miller welcomes Angie Weber from the Divorce Support Collective and the Parent Toolbox to discuss how parents can better navigate the emotional landscape of divorce while supporting their children. Angie shares her expertise on balancing the challenges of divorce with the need to provide stability and care for kids during this transition. Their conversation touches on crucial topics that help parents avoid common pitfalls and build a healthier co-parenting dynamic. If you're a parent facing divorce, this episode provides practical insights on how to maintain a calm and grounded approach while prioritizing your children's emotional well-being. Tune in to hear about what children truly need and how to manage the complexities of co-parenting with clarity and respect. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How parents can establish consistent routines, clear expectations,

Are you emotionally ready for divorce? It’s a question most people don’t consider when starting the process. In this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Katherine Miller and family law expert Theresa Lyons dive into the often overlooked role of emotional readiness in divorce. Theresa shares how the emotional side of divorce can determine the trajectory of the entire process, sometimes more than the legal elements. The conversation uncovers key insights into navigating the process with dignity, prioritizing what really matters, keeping conflict out of your future, and why it’s essential to make thoughtful decisions from the start. Whether you’re facing divorce or helping someone through it, this episode offers practical advice for moving through the process with clarity and confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn: - That divorce is not just a legal process, but a human transition, and how to achieve the emotional and factual readiness needed to make the right decisions and move forward with dignity; - Why unde

Divorce is often treated as a legal ending. In reality, it is a deeply emotional transition that can bring long-standing patterns, assumptions, and unresolved experiences to the surface. In this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Katherine Miller speaks with CEO & Founder of Love Solutions Consulting, Sayany Ortega about what really happens beneath the legal process of divorce. Their conversation explores how resentment, unmet expectations, and unspoken personal histories can shape the way couples communicate, separate, and move forward. They also reflect on what helps people regain a sense of identity and self-respect during this time, and why compassion, accountability, and clearer communication can make a meaningful difference, especially when children are involved. If divorce is more than a legal process, what does it take to navigate it with greater clarity and dignity? This conversation offers a thoughtful perspective for anyone trying to understand that path forward. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Ho

Divorce doesn’t just change your relationships — it can completely reshape your financial life. So how do you move from uncertainty and fear to clarity and control? On this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Katherine Miller speaks with Julia Shteynberg, a financial and mindset coach. Drawing on two decades of corporate finance experience, Julia now focuses on helping high-earning women gain financial clarity, confidence, and control, particularly as they navigate significant life changes such as divorce. Offering essential guidance for individuals facing the financial challenges of divorce, Julia’s approach begins with practical steps to gain clarity, such as understanding your cash flow and tracking your expenses. Sit in on the conversation about the emotional and practical strategies for managing financial uncertainty, focusing on empowering individuals to own their financial future during this transition and overcome feelings of shame. Tune in for actionable advice on managing finances with intention and bu

What if your divorce could be a pathway to preserving your child’s emotional security? In this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Dr. Erica Komisar, psychoanalyst and author of The Parents' Guide to Divorce, joins Katherine Miller in exploring how parents can navigate the emotional complexities of divorce while prioritizing their children's well-being. They discuss the impact of separation on kids and the importance of fostering an amicable co-parenting environment, even in challenging circumstances. Tune in for crucial insights on how parents can navigate separation while prioritizing their children's well-being and avoiding common emotional pitfalls that can make a lasting difference for children in divorce. In this episode, you’ll learn: Valuable insights on how to avoid common mistakes parents make during divorce; The best practice to protect children from adult pain; and How to find ways to preserve family stability. Highlights: (00:00) Meet Dr. Erica Komisar (01:31) How Divorce Lands for Kids Emotionally

"Always try to keep children in the center and out of the middle of whatever that is." - Lyerly Spongberg" - Lyerly Spongberg Lyerly Spongberg is a dedicated divorce coach whose personal journey through a high-conflict divorce as a single mother deeply informs her professional practice. She views high-conflict divorce as a deeply human experience that affects every aspect of life, from identity and emotional well-being to finances and children. Drawing from her own experiences, Spongberg describes the process as overwhelming, akin to being blindfolded and thrown into a washing machine, emphasizing the need for comprehensive preparation and support during this full-body, full-life transition. By utilizing her expertise as a DCA certified ADR divorce coach and co-parenting specialist, she helps clients navigate these complexities, reduce conflict, and make decisions aligned with their values and future aspirations, with a particular focus on minimizing power imbalances and prioritizing children's well-being.

"For men it's important to feel appreciated, and for women, it is very important to be in charge." - Diana Romanov Diana Romanov, an experienced family law attorney, draws deeply from her own profound personal journey with divorce to guide her clients with empathy and insight. Having navigated a challenging separation while balancing life as an immigrant in the U.S. and studying for the bar exam, she understands the emotional and logistical complexities that can accompany marital dissolution. Romanov's unique perspective emphasizes the importance of building a supportive team that includes therapists to address the emotional aspects of divorce, complementing practical legal advice with compassionate support. Her approach, which advocates for mediation and acknowledges the differing asset division laws in various states, equips her clients to achieve a balanced and informed resolution to their divorce proceedings. Key Takeaways ->Personal experience with divorce influences Diana Romanov's counseling approac

"Nobody can help me, that is the time that actually can be helped. You just have to seek it out and trust the process." - Dr. Lama Bazzi Dr. Lama Bazzi, a board-certified psychiatrist based in New York City, is renowned for her expertise in addressing the mental health challenges associated with divorce. She emphasizes the profound impact that major life transitions, such as divorce, can have on an individual's mental well-being, particularly highlighting the complexities of redefining oneself post-separation. Dr. Bazzi advocates for allowing space for grief as a critical step in the healing process, encouraging individuals to focus on self-discovery and resilience. Her holistic approach incorporates techniques like progressive muscle relaxation and breathing exercises, supporting both mental and physical well-being as individuals navigate the emotional journey of divorce, especially when children are involved. Key Takeaways ->Allowing space for grief is crucial for healing during a divorce ->Understanding

"I saw the shift and when I saw the shift, I felt like this is something that is clearly working for our family and it's something that I really have a desire to help other families with, that we can." - Vivian Meraki Vivian Meraki, a renowned parenting expert with over two decades of experience, offers a transformative perspective on the challenges of parenting through divorce. Inspired by her own experiences, she addresses the high anxiety children often face during this transition, emphasizing the importance of fostering emotional safety and connection. Through her work as a somatic coach, Vivian developed practical tools, such as a 10-minute "heart to heart" connection ritual, to strengthen parent-child relationships and enhance emotional resilience. Her approach, detailed in her best-selling book "Parenting Through Divorce," reframes divorce as a change in alignment rather than a failure, advocating for practices that reduce suffering and foster stability, ultimately empowering families to navigate this

"People think they know what they want, but how would you know if you've never gone through it before?" - Melinda Gould Melinda Gould is a distinguished divorce guide and strategic support partner known for her unique approach to helping clients navigate the complexities of divorce with clarity and steadiness. Drawing from her own challenging divorce experience, Melinda sees her role as vital in addressing the practical, emotional, and logistical aspects of divorce, offering comprehensive support that includes financial organization, communication management, and emotional grounding. Unlike therapists, attorneys, or coaches, she focuses on strategic and logistical elements, helping clients make decisions aligned with their personal values and children's needs while providing steady emotional support. Melinda believes her approach enables clients to emerge from divorce stronger, clearer, and more centered, ready to embrace the next chapter of their lives with confidence and support. Key Takeaways ->Support d

"You shouldn't exhaust yourself trying to create the perfect Christmas for your children, especially if this is really above and beyond. This is a new reality. This is a new tradition that you and your children are going through." - Katherine Miller The Christmas holiday season can present unique challenges for divorcing parents, who often grapple with the dual pressures of preserving festive traditions and adapting to new family dynamics. Katherine Miller, a seasoned family therapist, sheds light on this emotional conundrum by emphasizing the importance of emotional presence over perfection. With her extensive experience in helping families navigate transitions, Miller encourages parents to prioritize self-care and focus on creating a nurturing environment for their children, rather than exhausting themselves with lavish celebrations. Her approach underscores the value of flexibility and involving children in establishing new traditions, affirming that the true essence of the holidays lies in emotional supp

"I think that this period can be one where folks can make mistakes and really leaning on a team of professionals that can help them through the period is of utmost importance." - Sam Kingston Sam Kingston, a seasoned finance professional, brings over two decades of expertise in financial analysis and portfolio management to the intricate field of financial planning for divorce. With a unique background that spans global firms and family businesses, as well as personal experience being raised by a single mother, Sam is keenly aware of both the emotional and financial challenges inherent in asset separation. He advocates for a comprehensive and empathetic approach, emphasizing the need for a team of professionals—including divorce attorneys, financial advisors, and tax experts—to support individuals through this life transition. By focusing on careful financial planning and open communication, Sam aims to help individuals navigate the complexities of family businesses and shared investments, ensuring fair outc

"When you are grounded in your own emotions, you don't have to be governed by them. That doesn't mean that it's not emotional. It means that you're at choice." - Kate Anthony Kate Anthony is a dedicated specialist focused on guiding women through the intricate process of divorce decision-making. Renowned for her empowering approach, she emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing children's well-being in such situations, urging parents to put aside personal desires and conflicts for the sake of their offspring. Through her comprehensive online programs, Anthony assists women in reconnecting with their personal values and needs, fostering self-discovery and reinvention post-divorce. Her book, "The D Word," co-authored with Katherine Miller, further explores these themes, advocating for emotional processing before tackling legal issues and challenging the notion that divorce is inherently detrimental to children when approached with their best interests at heart. Key Takeaways ->Addressing internal conflict and

"The money is just data. It's numbers and getting at the core of what it means to them, what it represents. It represents their values, their ideals, their hopes, their dreams." - Jon Tanner Jon Tanner, president of Summit Advisors at William Joseph Capital Management, is a seasoned financial planning expert with over 35 years of experience, specializing in the intricate financial aspects of divorce. A native of Hudson Valley, Jon is celebrated for his empathetic, team-based approach, working closely with lawyers, accountants, and other professionals to craft financial settlement plans that promote compromise and clarity. He believes that a successful financial plan in divorce requires looking beyond the headline numbers, emphasizing the importance of understanding the sustainability and nature of assets such as retirement accounts and real estate. Jon is committed to helping his clients not only manage the immediate financial challenges of divorce but also build a solid foundation for the future, acknowledg

"I'm on a mission to change how people divorce and help them divorce with dignity." - Katherine Miller Navigating the holiday season after a divorce can be a tumultuous experience, fraught with the challenges of time-sharing with children and the task of establishing new traditions. Katherine Miller, with her insightful perspective, acknowledges the emotional difficulty of spending holidays without the kids, especially during the first year post-divorce. Drawing from her experiences, she advocates for finding new ways to celebrate, be it through altering existing traditions or experimenting with entirely new approaches. Miller underscores the significance of prioritizing children's well-being and the potential long-term effects of parental actions, urging parents to be mindful of how family dynamics and conflicts during this period can shape lasting holiday memories. Key Takeaways ->Coping strategies when spending holidays without children include making plans with family or serving the needy. ->Maintainin

"It has provided me with a different viewpoint, in terms of understanding that there's a lot more involved to an immigration related case beyond being approved for whatever benefit an individual is seeking." - Douglas Lightman Douglas Lightman is a seasoned professional in immigration law, with a strong foundation in international tax and cross-border transactions, which has significantly shaped his career path. Through his extensive travel and exposure to diverse cultures, Lightman has developed a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in immigration matters, particularly the intricate connection between international tax and immigration law. He is committed to demystifying these processes and tackling prevalent misconceptions, such as the belief that individuals with a two-year conditional green card cannot obtain a ten-year green card if divorced, by providing clear, accurate information to the public. With recent changes in immigration laws making the process more challenging, Lightman's info

"Yoga is really a way of life. It's a way of living with self compassion for yourself and for the environment and the people around you." - Cathy Eads Cathy Eads is a dedicated yoga teacher and Ayurvedic wellness counselor, renowned for her expertise in using mind-body practices to manage stress and anxiety. Her journey with yoga began as a form of physical exercise, but it soon transformed into a holistic lifestyle that promotes self-compassion and peaceful living. Cathy believes that yoga, meditation, and structured daily routines can restore calm and balance, even amidst health challenges, financial stress, and struggling relationships. By incorporating techniques like controlled breathing and mindfulness, she helps individuals develop resilience and manage emotions, particularly during stressful life events such as divorce, offering them a pathway to feel more grounded and in control. Key Takeaways ->Yoga and meditation promote resilience and control in life during chaotic times ->Controlled breathing

"Well, I want to do something that could help the ordinary person. I never wanted to get into law to work for a big corporation. Helping people is what I care about." - Jeffrey Peltz Jeffrey Peltz, a seasoned Brooklyn-based attorney with nearly four decades of experience, seeks to change the narrative surrounding bankruptcy by emphasizing its role as a strategic financial tool rather than a moral failing. With a compassionate approach that prioritizes clients' needs over corporate interests, Peltz argues that bankruptcy should be seen as a business decision, not a source of shame. He highlights the common misconception that bankruptcy should be avoided at all costs, noting that this belief often leads individuals to make damaging financial choices, such as depleting retirement funds or falling for scams. By offering personalized guidance and treating clients like family, Peltz strives to demystify the bankruptcy process, helping individuals understand that it can offer a fresh start, particularly in the cont