We Chat Divorce Podcast

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

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 Donohoe 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 Donohoe 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://donohoetalbert.com/attorneys/emily-s-pollock/ 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

182. Amicable Divorce, Uncontested Divorce & California’s 2026 Joint Petition: Why Financial Clarity Still Matters

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

181. Forensic Accounting in Divorce: What It Can (and Can’t) Do, with Sarah Nanchanatt

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

180. Divorce, Mortgages, and the Cost of Bad Decisions with Jody Bruns

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

179. AI vs. Divorce Strategy: Why a QDRO Answer Is Not a Settlement Plan

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