The Divorce and Beyond® Podcast with Susan Guthrie, Esq.

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• Summer Essentials Series: How to Find the Coach You NEED to Succeed in Your Divorce with the Founders of the Divorce Coaches Academy #426 29.06.2026 45мин

  Susan Guthrie has been a divorce attorney and mediator for 35 years and she thinks that in almost all cases, your first hire in divorce should be a coach. This episode explains why. How do you find the right divorce coach for you? The popularity of divorce coaching has grown enormously, and with so many kinds of coaches out there, it can be hard to know what a divorce coach actually does or how to find the right one. People hear the word coach and think of life coaches, athletic coaches, business coaches, and divorce coaching gets lumped in with all of them. This episode clears that up and answers the questions many people need early in the divorce process. Susan is joined by Tracy Callahan and Debra Doak, the founders of The Divorce Coaches Academy, who train and support divorce coaches and are themselves practicing coaches, mediators, and Susan's colleagues in the dispute resolution field. They explain what a divorce coach really is, a flexible, goal-oriented process recognized by the American Bar Association as a form of alternative dispute resolution, designed to support and guide people through both the business side and the emotional management of divorce. Together they walk through how to find a coach who fits, what questions to ask on a complimentary discovery call, why training and certification matter in a field with no national standards, and how the right coach can save a client both time and money. Susan makes the case she has made before, that a divorce coach is an essential member of your team and often the best place to start, because the choice can shape who you hire next. Episode 2 of 8 in the Divorce & Beyond Summer Essentials Series This summer, Divorce & Beyond brings back 8 the episodes listeners reach for most, the conversations with the clearest, most practical guidance for anyone thinking about, going through, or rebuilding after divorce. New Essentials air every other Monday all summer. Follow the show so you never miss one. The series starts here. What You'll Learn What a divorce coach actually is, and why the American Bar Association recognizes divorce coaching as a form of alternative dispute resolution Why finding a coach before an attorney can change who you hire and how your whole divorce unfolds How to tell if a coach is the right fit, from credentials and training to the complimentary discovery call What to ask about a coach's process, programs, pricing, and how they work before you commit Why training and certification matter in a field with no national standards, and what it means to coach from your scar and not from your wound About Our Guests: Tracy Callahan and Debra Doak Debra and Tracy are both committed to the profession of divorce coaching and the process of alternative dispute resolution. They are both CDC Certified Divorce Coaches®, authors, educators, and founding members of Divorce Coaches Academy, an online education platform that provides continuing education for practicing, professional divorce coaches. Tracy is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, serves as the Manager of the Mentor and Peer Coaching Programs for the CDC Certified Divorce Coach® certifying body, and has built her practice and reputation as an alternative dispute resolution specialist and conflict expert over the past 13 years.  Get Tracy's book: Divorce: Taking the High Road: Simple Strategies for Creating a Healthy Divorce, Tracy Callahan contributor and reach out to her at www.mediatingmatters.com Debra is also a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, Ohio Supreme Court trained Family Court Mediator, and Betrayal Trauma Specialist.  Get Debra's book: High Conflict Divorce for Women and reach out to her at www.debradoak.com For More Information on Tracy, Debra and The Divorce Coaches Academy: Website:  https://www.divorcecoachesacademy.com/ Email: dca@divorcecoachesacademy Social Media Handles  IG: @divorcecoachesacademyFB: @divorcecoachesacademyLI: divorce-coaches-academyTwitter
• Summer Essentials Series: Divorce Triage: Who to Call First and How to Build the Right Support Team with Susan Guthrie on Divorce & Beyond #425 15.06.2026 40мин

  What do I do first when I find out I’m getting divorced? It is the first question almost everyone asks, whether they made the decision or were just blindsided. In this most-requested solo episode, Susan Guthrie shares her concept of Divorce Triage, a calm way to figure out who to call first based on what your situation actually needs. Like an emergency room, you do not have to fix everything at once. You need the right first step. Drawing on more than three decades as a family law attorney and mediator, Susan breaks down who belongs on a divorce support team, the attorney, mediator, divorce coach, therapist, and certified divorce financial analyst, and uses real scenarios to show whose help you need first, and why your opening move can shape everything that follows. This episode kicks off the Divorce & Beyond Summer Essentials series, a curated lineup of the show’s most valuable conversations for anyone thinking about, going through, or rebuilding after divorce. Follow the show, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a five-star review to help it reach more people. divorceandbeyondpod.com | Instagram: @divorceandbeyondpod Susan Guthrie, Esq. is one of the nation’s leading divorce and mediation attorneys, Immediate Past Chair of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution, and the featured divorce expert on The Oprah Podcast. For informational purposes only, not legal advice.
• What Losing Her Son Taught One Divorce Coach About Co-Parenting Conflict with Kelly Myers on Divorce & Beyond #424 01.06.2026 1ч 8мин

  Kelly Myers has been on Divorce and Beyond twice before. Once to talk about Divorce Day One. Once to help listeners avoid the divorce hangover that follows too many people into their new life. This time, she comes back to share something she has never spoken about publicly: what the loss of her son Jack taught her about years of high-conflict co-parenting, and her hope that every parent still in the middle of it will find a way through differently. In June of 2024, Kelly lost her son Jack at the age of 23. In the year that followed, she found herself looking back at the years of high-conflict co-parenting that had defined her children's childhoods, and asking questions she could not stop asking. What role did the conflict play? What did her children carry because of it? What would she have done differently if she had known what she knows now? Kelly reached out and asked to have this conversation here, because she believes that what she learned at great cost is something other parents can still choose to learn a different way. This is one of the most generous conversations this show has ever had. Susan Guthrie and Kelly explore the real cost of co-parenting conflict on children, what it actually looks like to drop the rope after years of high-conflict engagement, how the ecosystem around a divorce often makes things worse, and what repair looks like when you still have years ahead to offer it. Covered in this episode: Why dropping the rope has to start with you, and why waiting for your co-parent to change first means waiting forever How the divorce ecosystem, including attorneys, family, and friends, can fan the flames of conflict without anyone asking what you actually want to protect What high-conflict co-parenting looks like through the eyes of the children living inside it, and why each child carries it differently How the BIFF communication method helped shift a years-long dynamic, and what that looked like in practice Why it is never too late to begin repair, and what choosing differently right now can mean for the moments still ahead Referenced Episodes from the Archive: Day One with a Divorce Coach: First Steps with Kelly Myers Avoiding the Divorce Hangover From the Start with Kelly Myers ______________________________________________________________________ This week's guest: Kelly Myers Kelly understands that divorce is one of life's most challenging transitions. She's a divorce and co-parenting coach, mediator, and communication specialist passionate about supporting individuals and families as they move through the complexities of divorce and co-parenting. She partners with clients to understand the divorce process, manage emotional and financial stress, and make strategic decisions throughout their divorce. Her work helps clients stay focused on what matters most while making choices that align with their long-term goals. Kelly specializes in supporting parents as they discover how to become strong co-parenting partners, even when the romantic relationship has ended. She helps parents see their relationship through a new lens-as partners in raising their children-guiding them to create respectful communication patterns and develop comprehensive, child-centered parenting plans that go far beyond custody schedules. Her approach centers on what children need emotionally and developmentally during this transition, while helping parents maintain a healthy family dynamic across two homes. In addition to her direct work with clients, Kelly loves mentoring other professionals. She serves as a co-trainer for the Co-Parenting Specialist® Training Program and provides professional development to divorce professionals seeking to use a more client-centered approach. Kelly's deepest commitment is to help families-both the ones she works with directly and those served by the professionals she trains-have less conflict, more cooperation, and real hope for their futures. Website: http://www.firststepsdivorce.comLin
• From the Archive: It’s All About the House – What You Need to Know Before You Decide to Keep It with Tami Wollensak on Divorce & Beyond #423 25.05.2026 47мин

  The question comes up in almost every divorce: what happens to the house? It is usually one of the biggest assets of the marriage, one of the biggest debts, and one of the most emotionally loaded decisions people face. Wanting to keep the house and actually being able to keep the house are two very different things. This week Susan is bringing back one of the most downloaded archived conversations from the Divorce and Beyond library, a conversation with Tami Wollensak, licensed mortgage loan originator and Certified Divorce Lending Professional, walking through the real financial realities of keeping the marital home.  Together, Susan and Tami unpack what it actually takes to keep the house in a divorce, from refinancing challenges and equity buyouts to qualifying for a mortgage on a single income, the hidden costs of homeownership, and why making this decision without proper financial planning can create serious problems long after the ink is dry. Covered in this episode: Why wanting to keep the house and being able to keep the house are two very different things, and what a Certified Divorce Lending Professional can do to help close that gap How equity is calculated, why the purchase price is not the value, and what it means to buy out your spouse's share as part of the refinance Why maintenance, alimony, and child support do not automatically count as qualifying income and what lenders actually need to see How a missed mortgage payment can drop credit scores by hundreds of points and why "it was their responsibility" has never once removed a negative mark from a credit report Why getting a home inspection before finalizing your divorce agreement is one of the most overlooked and important steps you can take KEEPING THE HOUSE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU SIGN Almost everyone walks into divorce negotiations with the same instinct: I want to keep the house. It is understandable. It is the family home. It is where the children have put their heads on pillows for years. But signing a settlement agreement without knowing whether you can actually execute it is not a successful negotiation. Some of the most important things to understand before you commit, are discussed in this episode: Know the fair market value of your home today, not the purchase price, and understand what the actual equity is and how it will be divided Understand that keeping the house means refinancing into your name alone, which means qualifying on your income alone, and your payment will be based on current market rates, not what you are paying today Work with a divorce mortgage professional early in the process, before the settlement agreement is signed, so you can generate real options rather than make decisions based on guesses Get a home inspection before finalizing the agreement, just as you would when buying a new home, so you know exactly what you are signing up for If your spouse agrees to stay on the mortgage temporarily, set up protections: require advance notice if a payment may be missed, and request a duplicate mortgage statement so you can monitor it yourself The goal is not to win the house. The goal is to make the decision that sets you up for the strongest future. Get the answers, both good and bad, and then decide. Referenced Episodes from the Archive: How to Get Your Act Together So that You Can Tackle Your Divorce with Alex Beattie of Divide & Thrive The Solution for Tackling the Divorce Detour with Storey Jones, Creator of dtour.life It's All About the House: What You Need to Think About Before You Decide to Keep It with Tami Wollensak ______________________________________________________________________ This Week's Sponsors:  Hello Divorce - Hello Divorce is a modern platform designed to support people before, during, and beyond divorce, providing legal information, tools, and access to professionals who help individuals navigate the process more thoughtfully. Resources created specifically for Divorce &
• Easier Now, Harder Later: Parenting Plans That Actually Work with Gabrielle Hartley on Divorce & Beyond #422 18.05.2026 47мин

  Do you know what almost no one tells you when you are creating a parenting plan? Some of the biggest co-parenting battles after divorce will not be over the things you think. It may not be the major custody decision or where the children will primarily live. It may be the late pickup, the unanswered text, the forgotten backpack, or the soccer registration deadline no one thought to clarify. That is why Susan Guthrie is joined by Gabrielle Hartley, attorney, mediator, parenting conflict expert, TEDx speaker, bestselling author of Better Apart: The Radically Positive Way to Separate, and creator of Mediator Gabby. Gabrielle has spent decades helping families navigate separation with greater clarity, less conflict, and better outcomes for children. Together, they get practical about why so many parenting plans break down after the divorce is finalized and what it actually takes to build one that holds up in real life. This conversation is for anyone creating a parenting plan, already co-parenting, or supporting someone who is. Because choosing what feels easier right now has a way of creating a much more difficult problem to solve later. Covered in this episode: Why most co-parenting conflict has nothing to do with bad parenting What makes a parenting plan fall apart once real life takes over How the "easier now, harder later" trap quietly sets families up for more conflict Why clarity matters more than detail when building a durable parenting plan How Mediator Gabby helps parents arrive prepared, stay focused, and reach better agreements WHAT IF AN AI MEDIATOR COULD HELP YOU BUILD A PARENTING PLAN BEFORE YOU EVER WALK INTO A ROOM?  There are approximately 29-million children living in single-parent families in the United States, and the vast majority of their parents never have access to a lawyer, a mediator, or any professional guidance at all. Mediator Gabby, Gabrielle's AI-supported parenting plan tool was built with those families in mind.  Using this custom AI tool, each parent completes a guided onboarding on their own before any joint conversation begins, working through the full landscape of a parenting plan so that by the time they sit down together, they already know where they agree, where they do not, and what needs to be worked through. Here is what that preparation can do for families: Save three to five hours of introductory conversation before mediation even begins Help parents arrive focused and prepared rather than reactive and overwhelmed Surface the details most people do not think to address until they become conflict points Lower the emotional temperature in the room so real resolution can happen faster Keep the process moving forward instead of stalling on issues that feel impossible in the moment A parenting plan is the operating system for your family's next chapter. The clearer and more intentional it is from the start, the less conflict it creates down the road, and the better the experience for your children. FREE DOWNLOAD: Parenting Plan Reality Check: The Questions Every Co-Parent Needs to Answer Before Finalizing a Parenting Plan + Companion Article  Find the article and free download on the website at https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/latest-episode Referenced Episodes from the Archive: The 7 Most-Asked Divorce Questions on ChatGPT, Answered by a Top Family Law Attorney with Susan Guthrie Discovery Demystified: Why Fact-Finding is the Most Important Step in Your Divorce with Susan Guthrie Conflict Resolution Made Easy: Managaing the Five Destructive Behaviors We All Have with Gabrielle Hartley Gabrielle Hartley Has the Secret to Helping Us All Get Along Better and It Starts with Y.E.S. Is Your Divorce Taking Too Long? BLITZ IT and BE DONE with Gabrielle Hartley The Best Thing to Happen to Divorce in Ages with Very Special Guest, Gabrielle Hartley If this episode helped you, please share it and leave a review. It genuinely helps the show reach the people who need it most. _________
• From the Archive: What You Need to Know About Your Money When You Start a Divorce from Hollis Hardiman, CDFA #421 11.05.2026 40мин

  One of the biggest fears people face when contemplating divorce is the financial unknown. If you are sitting out there right now feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to begin, or worried about money, this conversation was made for you. This week Susan is bringing you one of the most listened to and most shared episodes from the Divorce and Beyond archive, a conversation with certified divorce financial analyst Hollis Hardiman, also a certified mediator and certified collaborative professional, walking through the foundational financial preparation that can make such a difference when first starting the divorce process. Together, Susan and Hollis get into what it really takes to protect your finances as you enter the process, from building the right professional support team to understanding what your household actually costs to approaching the big decisions, like the house, with clarity and an open mind instead of fear. Covered in this episode: Why money is the number one fear people face when contemplating divorce and why the right professional support team changes everything How to start building a picture of your finances from what you already have access to, even if your spouse handled the money Why alimony and support are temporary and what it means to plan now for when they end How a CDFA helps clients protect their finances not just during the divorce process but for their financial future as well HOW TO HANDLE THE MOST COMMON QUESTION ASKED DURING DIVORCE, "CAN I KEEP THE HOUSE?" Almost everyone walks into the divorce process asking the same thing: can I keep the house? It is an understandable instinct. But when keeping the house becomes a fixed position rather than one option among many, it can stall the process, drain resources, and leave you worse off financially in the long run. Some things to consider, as discussed in this episode include:  One household income divided into two households means the math will not work the same way Understand what it would actually cost to keep the house: refinancing, mortgage qualification, maintenance, and carrying costs Explore all the options: keeping, selling, renting, downsizing You can put the puzzle together a lot of different ways in divorce, but only if you stay open to looking at all the pieces The goal is not to win the house. The goal is to make the decision that sets you up for the strongest financial future. Get the answers, both good and bad, and then decide. Referenced Episodes from the Archive: How to Get Your Act Together So that You Can Tackle Your Divorce with Alex Beattie of Divide & ThriveThe Solution for Tackling the Divorce Detour with Storey Jones, Creator of dtour.life  It’s All About the House: What You Need to Think About Before You Decide to Keep It with Tami Wollensak ______________________________________________________________________ This Week’s Guest: Hollis Hardiman, CDFA Hollis provides financial, retirement, and wealth management services to her clients. She specializes in helping people navigate major life transitions including divorce, the loss of a spouse, and preparing for retirement. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), Hollis firmly believes in building a support team of divorce professionals including attorneys, mediators, and therapists that can help her clients make the best decisions during these emotional times. As a child of divorced parents, Hollis witnessed firsthand the consequences when sound financial decisions are not made. Hollis is certified in both mediation and collaborative divorce. She is well trained to advocate for one party or serve as a neutral party for the couple during the divorce process. While being part of the support system with the attorneys and mediators, Hollis is able to guide her clients through their short-term and long-term settlement options. Hollis grew up in Fairfield, CT, and now splits her time between Fairfield, CT, and Palm City, FL. In her free time, she enjoys spend
• When Your Partner Becomes a Stranger: Renowned Divorce Attorney Marilyn Chinitz Reveals the Red Flags You Didn’t See Coming on Divorce & Beyond #420 04.05.2026 55мин

  Most people who go through divorce will tell you the same thing: "I was blindsided." But were they really? Or were the signs there all along, just not recognized for what they were? That is the question at the center of this conversation, and Susan Guthrie is bringing in one of the true icons of family law to answer it. Marilyn Chinitz, partner at Blank Rome and renowned matrimonial attorney with more than four decades of experience, has sat across from thousands of clients who never saw it coming. She knows the red flags. She knows the financial blind spots. And she does not mince words. Right now, a memoir is taking over the national conversation. Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden has ignited a bellwether of attention. This book has people everywhere asking, "How did she not see it?" Susan and Marilyn use this moment as a launching pad to go somewhere deeper: the patterns, the red flags, and the financial realities that every person in a marriage or contemplating one needs to understand.  Covered in this episode: The red flags hiding in plain sight, including subtle communication patterns, financial avoidance, and how your spouse treats others  A client story that shows exactly how a prenup gives you a heads up about who you are marrying How trusts work in a marriage, why they are often set up completely legitimately, and when they cross into "funny business" that courts will not tolerate Why you do not divorce the same person you married, and what that really means for how you need to prepare THIS CONVERSATION ALSO DIGS INTO WHY BEING AN EQUAL PARTNER MEANS BEING AN INFORMED ONE  Assets could be held in a trust you did not know about. The home could be rented. The wealth could be encumbered by debt. And if you never asked, you may not find out until you are sitting across from a divorce attorney. Ask to sit down and go through the finances together, even once a year Review bank statements, tax returns, and credit card accounts Understand what is in your name, what is joint, and what is held in a trust If your spouse brushes you off or refuses, that is a red flag worth taking seriously Get professionals around you: a financial advisor, a forensic accountant, and an attorney, even before anything goes wrong This is not about suspicion. It is about being an equal partner and an informed one. The time to understand what you have is during a happy, intact marriage, not across a conference table from a divorce attorney. You are better off having that conversation early. FREE DOWNLOAD: The Red Flags You Didn’t See Checklist + Companion Article Susan has created two resources to help you move from hearing this to actually using it.The Red Flags You Didn't See Checklist walks you through the patterns discussed in this episode and gives you a way to reflect more intentionally on your own situation. The companion article goes deeper into the topic, drawing from this broader conversation and what is playing out in real life right now. Both are available at divorceandbeyondpod.com. If this episode helped you, please share it and leave a review. It genuinely helps the show reach the people who need it most. Books Referenced:Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage, Belle Burden  _______________________________________________________________ This Week’s Guest: Marilyn ChinitzMarilyn Chinitz is a Partner at Blank Rome with 40 years of experience in every facet of family law. She is known for representing A-list celebrities and influential, high-profile clients in cases that have received national and international attention.  https://www.blankrome.com/people/marilyn-b-chinitz#biographyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marilyn-chinitz-a262a91b/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/blank-rome-llp/ https://www.instagram.com/marilynchinitz/  This Week's Sponsor: Hello Divorce Hello Divorce is a modern platform designed to support people before, during, and beyond divorce, providing legal information, tools, and access to pr
• This Isn’t a Bad Divorce. It’s Domestic Violence. And We Need to Stop Getting It Wrong with Susan Guthrie on Divorce & Beyond #419 27.04.2026 24мин

  Over the past couple of weeks, headlines have described a tragic murder suicide involving a couple going through a divorce, once again framing it as a "contentious divorce." Let's be very clear about something: divorce did not cause what happened. Divorce does not cause murder. Domestic violence causes murder. That is why Susan Guthrie is doing this difficult but important solo episode. She walks through the patterns of abuse, the high risk indicators that change a situation entirely, why the moment of separation is so dangerous, and what a thoughtful, strategic exit actually looks like. This conversation moves from awareness to action, so if any part of what you hear feels familiar, you have something calm and structured to carry with you as you think through your next steps. Covered in this episode: Why the moment of separation is often the most dangerous time, and how understanding that allows you to move more thoughtfully and strategically. The high risk indicators to take seriously: strangulation, threats to kill, access to firearms, stalking, extreme jealousy or control, and statements like "if I can't have you, no one will." What a thoughtful, strategic exit actually looks like, from quiet planning and digital safety to building a small, trusted circle of support. Why your children and pets must be part of your safety plan from the very beginning. ⚠️ IMPORTANT: ACCESS TO A FIREARM SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES YOUR RISK If there is access to a firearm and you are leaving, you have to take that seriously. It significantly increases risk. This is where having professional guidance before you leave, and as you are making your plan, becomes critical. Find a domestic violence advocate Find a divorce coach who specializes in helping people experiencing domestic abuse or violence Meet with an attorney who understands the risks Include your children and your pets in your safety plan from the beginning Do not announce your plan before you are ready, as that can increase your risk This is not a time for informal arrangements. The structure of your plan will matter, and getting guidance early on and plotting your strategy so that it is fully developed can make a meaningful difference.   FREE DOWNLOAD: Your Safety First, A Practical Exit and Protection Plan for High-Risk Relationships Susan created a companion guide to go along with this episode. In a moment like this, you should not have to remember everything you are hearing on a podcast episode. This is a calm, structured, step-by-step resource to help you think through your situation and your next steps. Find it here. If this episode helped you, please share it and leave a review. It genuinely helps the show reach the people who need it most. Referenced Episodes from the Archive Everything You Need to Know to Get a Restraining Order with Attorney Uswah Khan Empowered Advocacy: Effectively Sharing Your Abuse Story and Achieving Justice with Beverly Price Walking on Eggshells in Family Court: Meet Aimee Says, the AI Tool Transforming Survivor Support with Anne Wintemute _____________________________________ Aimee Says: Support for Survivors Creating a Safety Plan Aimee Says is a private, AI-powered tool designed to support survivors navigating post-separation abuse by helping you document experiences, identify patterns of coercive control, and organize your story with greater clarity. This can be especially valuable when creating a safety plan, preparing to communicate with professionals, or navigating the legal system. It is a supportive tool, not a substitute for professional help, and if you are in immediate danger, please contact a domestic violence hotline or local resource. Learn more here: https://www.aimeesays.com/en/home?via=susan and use code SUSAN for a special listener offer. _______________________ This Week's Sponsor: Blue Mercury Treat yourself to luxury skincare, makeup, and fragrance favorites from Blue Mercury, your destination for beauty and self-c
• The 7 Most-Asked Divorce Questions on ChatGPT, Answered by a Top Family Law Attorney with Susan Guthrie on Divorce & Beyond #418 20.04.2026 41мин

  You have probably done it. Typed a question about your divorce into ChatGPT or another AI tool late at night, when you did not want to call anyone else. You are not alone. In this solo episode, family law attorney and mediator Susan Guthrie answers the 7 most common divorce questions people are asking AI, with the depth and 35-plus years of experience that make the difference between a good-enough answer and the right one. The 7 questions covered: What are the most common mistakes people make during divorce? How can I find the right resources and support to help me through divorce? What are the best ways to communicate with my ex-spouse? What are effective strategies for co-parenting after divorce? How can I use divorce as an opportunity for growth and transformation? How do I protect my financial future during and after divorce? What should I know about the legal process my attorney might not tell me? Susan also covers how to use AI smartly during your divorce, including three legal risks every person in an active proceeding should understand before typing private details into a commercial AI. IMPORTANT: A LEGAL CAUTION ABOUT USING AI IN YOUR DIVORCE This episode covers what AI gets right and wrong about divorce. It also addresses something rarely discussed in public: the legal risks of using commercial AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini while going through a divorce proceeding. Do not enter private financial details, asset information, or custody specifics into commercial AI platforms Case law is still developing, but courts have already ruled that AI conversations can be subject to discovery in legal proceedings Entering attorney-client privileged communications, therapist notes, doctor-patient information, or financial professional advice into a commercial AI may waive those legal privileges permanently Use AI to understand general concepts. Keep the specific details of your situation in privileged, protected spaces: your attorney's office, your therapist's room, your mediator's table.   FREE DOWNLOAD: The Divorce Questions Everyone Is Asking AI, a companion guide with key takeaways and resources. Find it here If this episode helped you, please share it and leave a review. It genuinely helps the show reach the people who need it most. _______________________________________________________________________ This Week's Sponsor: Hello Divorce Hello Divorce is a modern platform designed to support people before, during, and beyond divorce, providing legal information, tools, and access to professionals who help individuals navigate the process more thoughtfully. Resources created specifically for Divorce & Beyond listeners are available at HelloDivorce.com/Susan. If This Episode Helped You Subscribe to Divorce & Beyond so you never miss an episode. Share it with someone who needs clear, reliable guidance right now. And if you have a moment, leaving a five-star review makes a real difference in helping this show reach the people who need it most. Follow Divorce & Beyond Website: divorceandbeyondpod.com Instagram: instagram.com/divorceandbeyondpod ________________________________________________________________________ About Our Host: Susan E. Guthrie, Esq. Susan E. Guthrie is one of the nation's leading family law and mediation attorneys, with more than 35 years of experience helping individuals navigate divorce with clarity and strategy. She is the Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, a best-selling author, and a sought-after speaker and trainer. Susan recently appeared as the featured expert on The Oprah Podcast and has been cited in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Washington Post, NewsNation, and NBC Chicago Today, among others. As the creator and host of Divorce & Beyond, ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide with millions of downloads and an Apple Top 100 Self-Help designation, Susan brings together top legal and mental health expert
• The Digital Trail: How Tech Is Rewriting Divorce (and What Everyone Is Getting Wrong) with Susan Guthrie on Divorce & Beyond #417 13.04.2026 33мин

  What If Your Divorce Case Is Already Building Itself Without You Knowing? Your texts. Your Venmo transactions. Your location history. Your Google searches. Even the files you thought you deleted. In divorce, your digital life is not just part of your story. It is the evidence. And right now, the advice circulating on social media about how to handle it is often incomplete, misleading, and in some cases dangerously wrong. In this solo episode, Susan Guthrie, top divorce attorney, mediator, and host of Divorce & Beyond, cuts through the noise with the clarity that comes from more than 35 years in the courtroom. She walks through what is trending on TikTok and Instagram right now, what popular media is actually getting right, and where the real legal risks live for people who act on bad information. Because access to information is not the same as having the legal right to use it. And one decision made in a moment of frustration can create consequences that follow your case all the way to its end. What You Will Learn What social media is getting right about digital footprints in divorce, and exactly where the advice breaks down Why the most damaging mistakes happen in moments of urgency, not deliberate choices The critical difference between building a case strategy and simply trying to catch your spouse, and why that distinction matters legally What courts are actually ruling about AI tools in divorce, including a real decision finding that AI chat logs were discoverable by the other side Why more information does not automatically strengthen your position, and how improperly obtained evidence can become leverage against you Five actionable takeaways, including why you must assume your entire digital life is discoverable from the moment divorce becomes a possibility Free Resource: The Tech Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Divorce Case Seven costly errors people are making right now with digital evidence in divorce, and what to do instead. This practical guide includes a before-you-act checklist, a social media reality check, and clear guidance on AI tools. Written by a nationally recognized divorce attorney. Get instant access at divorceandbeyondpod.com or click here: https://divorcebeyond.com/tech-traps-resource This Week's Sponsor: Hello Divorce Hello Divorce is a modern platform designed to support people before, during, and beyond divorce, providing legal information, tools, and access to professionals who help individuals navigate the process more thoughtfully. Resources created specifically for Divorce & Beyond listeners are available at HelloDivorce.com/Susan. If This Episode Helped You Subscribe to Divorce & Beyond so you never miss an episode. Share it with someone who needs clear, reliable guidance right now. And if you have a moment, leaving a five-star review makes a real difference in helping this show reach the people who need it most. Follow Divorce & Beyond Website: divorceandbeyondpod.com Instagram: instagram.com/divorceandbeyondpod About Susan E. Guthrie, Esq. Susan E. Guthrie is one of the nation's leading family law and mediation attorneys, with more than 35 years of experience helping individuals navigate divorce with clarity and strategy. She is the Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, a best-selling author, and a sought-after speaker and trainer. Susan recently appeared as the featured expert on The Oprah Podcast and has been cited in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Washington Post, NewsNation, and NBC Chicago Today, among others. As the creator and host of Divorce & Beyond, ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide with millions of downloads and an Apple Top 100 Self-Help designation, Susan brings together top legal and mental health experts to help listeners move through divorce and into what comes next. Learn more at https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/about Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions shared on this
• The 5 Most Costly Divorce Agreement Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them Before It’s Too Late) with Susan Guthrie on Divorce & Beyond #416 06.04.2026 27мин

  Most people assume the hardest part of divorce is getting through it. What they do not realize is that the agreement they sign at the end is what they are going to live with long after it is over. Susan Guthrie has spent more than 35 years watching the same costly patterns show up in her work. What attorneys, mediators, and post-divorce litigation trends are revealing is that many of the most expensive problems people face after divorce are coming directly from how their agreements were structured in the first place. In so many of those situations, the real issue did not start with enforcement. It started with how the agreement was written, and how it was negotiated.  In this solo episode, Susan walks through the five most costly mistakes people are making in divorce agreements right now, the patterns that keep showing up again and again, and how to avoid them before it is too late. What You’ll Learn Why rushing to be done is the most common and costly mistake in divorce, and why the agreement you rushed through today is the one you will wish you had slowed down for later How financial misunderstanding leads people to agree to things they do not fully understand, and why confusion in divorce is not neutral, it is expensive Why vague agreements do not create flexibility, they create conflict How emotional decision making during divorce leads to long-term consequences that people did not anticipate, and the one question Susan wants every listener to ask themselves before agreeing to anything Why not thinking about the beyond is one of the biggest drivers of future problems, and how to make sure your agreement is built to support your future, not just end your marriage Resources Mentioned in This Episode Hello Divorce Hello Divorce is a modern platform designed to support people before, during, and beyond divorce. The platform provides legal information, tools, and access to professionals who help individuals navigate divorce more thoughtfully and constructively. Explore resources created specifically for Divorce & Beyond listeners: HelloDivorce.com/Susan Free Resource: Before You Sign: 15 Questions to Ask Before You Sign Your Divorce Agreement  Before you sign anything, download Susan's free companion resource for this episode: Before You Sign: 15 Questions to Ask Before You Sign Your Divorce Agreement. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do in this process is ask better questions and make sure the decisions you are making today are the ones your future self can live with.  Find it at https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/latest-episode Listen Next: You Signed the Agreement. So Why Aren’t You Getting Paid? Critical Insights from Expert, Kelly Lise Murray It Is Not the Divorce That Breaks People. It Is the Years Leading Up to It with Erin Levine, Founder of Hello Divorce Mortgage Must-Knows for Divorce from Tami Wollensak, CDLP Secrets from a Top Realtor: Mastering the Real Estate Side of Divorce with Kathy Clark Make the Most of Your Listening Experience: If this episode resonates with you, be sure to: Subscribe to Divorce & Beyond so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with friends or loved ones who need hope and healing. Leave a 5-star review to help us reach even more listeners. Follow Us Online: Divorce & Beyond:  https://divorceandbeyondpod.com, IG: @divorceandbeyondpod Meet Our Host Susan E. Guthrie®, Esq. is one of the nation’s leading family law and mediation experts, with more than 35 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate divorce and conflict with clarity and compassion. She is the Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, a best-selling author, and a sought-after speaker, trainer, and practice-building consultant. Susan recently appeared as the featured expert on The Oprah Podcast, where she shared her insights on gray divorce and the changing landscape of relationships. Her expertise has also been featured
• Walking on Eggshells in Family Court: Meet Aimee Says, the AI Tool Transforming Survivor Support with Anne Wintemute on Divorce & Beyond #415 30.03.2026 55мин

  Two of Susan Guthrie's greatest passions, divorce and family law, and the world of AI, come together in this episode, and the result is something truly powerful. Post-separation abuse is something far too many people experience, but the legal system still struggles to understand. Many people assume that once someone leaves an abusive relationship, the danger is over. But in reality, the abuse often changes form. It can show up as litigation abuse, weaponized communication, or ongoing coercive control that leaves survivors feeling like they are still walking on eggshells, even in family court. Susan is joined by Anne Wintemute, co-founder and CEO of AimeeSays, an AI tool built specifically to support survivors of relationship abuse. AimeeSays helps survivors document their experiences, identify patterns of coercive control, and organize their story in a way that professionals and courts can actually understand. This is the bridge that has been missing. What You Will Learn Why the legal system tends to focus on isolated incidents rather than patterns of behavior, and why that gap can be so damaging for survivors How documenting patterns of coercive control, rather than individual incidents, can change the way a story is received in court Why survivors often struggle to tell their story clearly, and how trauma directly impacts testimony How AI technology is helping survivors organize their experiences and communicate what they have lived through in ways that courts and professionals can actually understand Why legal professionals need to know about tools like AimeeSays and how it can help them help their clients Golden Nuggets Leaving an abusive relationship does not always end the abuse. For many survivors, the abuse simply changes form, often showing up as litigation abuse, coercive control, and weaponized communication during and after divorce. One of the greatest challenges survivors face in family court is that the system tends to look for isolated incidents, while abuse often exists as a pattern of behavior over time. Being able to document those patterns clearly can make an enormous difference in how a story is understood. Technology may finally be helping to bridge that gap. Tools like AimeeSays are helping survivors organize their experiences, recognize patterns, and communicate what they have been living through in ways that courts and professionals can better understand. Divorce & Beyond Listeners Special Offer From Aimee Says:  Visit the website: http://www.aimeesays.com - and use code "Guthrie30" for two free months of Aimee at aimeesays.com. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Hello Divorce Hello Divorce is a modern platform designed to support people before, during, and beyond divorce. The platform provides legal information, tools, and access to professionals who help individuals navigate divorce more thoughtfully and constructively. Explore resources created specifically for Divorce & Beyond listeners: HelloDivorce.com/Susan Free Resource: The Post-Separation Abuse Self-Assessment and Pattern Recognition Checklist If you or someone you know is navigating life after leaving an abusive relationship, Susan has created a resource to help you start making sense of what you have been experiencing. The Post-Separation Abuse Self-Assessment and Pattern Recognition Checklist is designed for survivors who are trying to identify patterns of coercive control and post-separation abuse, something that is honestly hard to see clearly when you are in the middle of it. Download the free Divorce Clarity Starter Guide here or on the website at: https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/latest-episode Special Offer from Yumiyu YUMIYU Jewelry is Susan’s favorite source for meaningful, handcrafted jewelry designed to empower women and celebrate individuality. Each piece is made with care, using high-quality materials like real gold and vermeil, and is water-resistant, non-tarnish, and hypoallergenic. During difficult
• It Is Not the Divorce That Breaks People. It Is the Years Leading Up to It with Erin Levine, Founder of Hello Divorce on Divorce & Beyond #414 23.03.2026 49мин

  When most people think about divorce, they picture the legal process. They imagine paperwork, lawyers, and courtrooms. But the reality is that divorce often begins long before any legal step is taken. In this episode, Susan Guthrie sits down with Erin Levine, founder of Hello Divorce, to talk about the stage of divorce that almost no one talks about: the years of uncertainty before a decision is ever made. For many people, the hardest part of divorce is not the legal process itself. It is the emotional limbo that happens beforehand. The sleepless nights. The constant questioning. The fear about what life might look like on the other side. Susan and Erin explore why so many people spend years wrestling with the decision to leave a marriage, what happens emotionally during that time, and how having the right information and support can dramatically change the experience. If you are currently wondering whether to stay or go, this episode will help you understand that what you are feeling is incredibly common and that there are ways to move forward with more clarity and less fear. What You Will Learn • Why many people contemplate divorce for three to five years before taking action • Why the emotional uncertainty before divorce can be the most exhausting stage • How lack of information often keeps people stuck in limbo • Why most divorces do not need to become courtroom battles • How mediation and other structured processes can help families move through divorce more constructively • Why preparation and clarity can dramatically change divorce outcomes Key Takeaways from This Conversation The Hidden Stage of Divorce Divorce often begins years before anyone files paperwork. Many people spend long periods quietly struggling with whether their marriage can be saved or whether it is time to move on. Living in Uncertainty Is Emotionally Draining The constant question of whether to stay or leave can take an enormous emotional toll. By the time someone actually moves forward with divorce, they may already feel mentally and emotionally exhausted. Information Creates Clarity Fear thrives in uncertainty. When people begin learning about their options and understanding the divorce process, they are able to make decisions from a place of knowledge rather than panic. Divorce Does Not Have to Be a War Many couples are able to resolve their divorce through mediation or negotiated agreements outside of court. Understanding these options can significantly reduce conflict and stress. Golden Nuggets from This Episode • Divorce itself is often not what breaks people. It is the years of uncertainty leading up to the decision. • Many people live in emotional limbo for years before they ever speak to a professional about divorce. • When people have access to information and structured support, they are far more likely to resolve their divorce outside of court. • Preparation and clarity allow people to approach divorce more thoughtfully and with less fear. • Divorce does not have to be a battle. With the right guidance, it can be a transition toward a healthier future. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Hello Divorce Hello Divorce is a modern platform designed to support people before, during, and beyond divorce. The platform provides legal information, tools, and access to professionals who help individuals navigate divorce more thoughtfully and constructively. Explore resources created specifically for Divorce & Beyond listeners: HelloDivorce.com/Susan Free Resource: Divorce Clarity Starter Guide If you are currently in the stage of wondering whether divorce might be the right path, Susan has created a resource to help you begin thinking through the process with greater clarity. The Divorce Clarity Starter Guide is designed for people who are in the early stages of considering divorce and want to better understand their options before making major decisions. Inside the guide you will find: • Questions to help you clarify what is re
• Gray Divorce and Adult Children: The Hidden Impact No One Talks About with Carol Hughes on Divorce & Beyond #413 16.03.2026 45мин

  When people talk about gray divorce, the conversation usually focuses on the couple: finances, retirement, and starting over later in life. But there is another group deeply affected by these late in life separations that often goes overlooked: adult children. The divorce rate for couples over 50 has more than doubled in recent decades, and as more long term marriages end later in life, families are navigating a transition many never expected. Even when children are fully grown, the divorce of their parents can reshape family dynamics, create loyalty conflicts, and disrupt long standing family roles. In this episode of the Divorce & Beyond Podcast, Susan Guthrie welcomes back Carol Hughes, co author of the groundbreaking book Home Will Never Be the Same Again. Carol first joined the podcast in 2021 with co author Bruce Fredenburg to discuss their research on adult children of gray divorce. She returns to share updated insights from both research and real world experiences about how adult children are affected when their parents divorce later in life. Together, Susan and Carol explore why gray divorce can be more emotionally disruptive for adult children than many parents realize, the common mistakes parents unintentionally make during this transition, and the powerful ways families can protect relationships even as the family structure changes. This is an essential conversation for anyone navigating divorce after 50, adult children trying to understand their parents’ separation, or professionals working with families where gray divorce is reshaping the entire family system. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • Why gray divorce affects the entire family, not just the couple• How loyalty conflicts can place adult children in painful and inappropriate roles• Why feeling unheard is one of the leading causes of estrangement between parents and adult children after divorce• How empathy, healthy boundaries, and thoughtful communication can help protect family relationships Additional Resources If you want to explore this topic further, be sure to read the companion blog article for this episode on the Divorce & Beyond website. You can also download Susan’s practical guide: How to Tell Your Adult Children You Are Getting Divorced: A Conversation Planning Guide This supportive resource helps parents prepare for one of the most difficult conversations families face during gray divorce, with insights on what adult children often experience, what to say, what to avoid, and how to approach the conversation with empathy and care. Visit the blog page for this episode at DivorceAndBeyondPod.com to read the article and download the guide. About the Guest  Carol Hughes holds her doctorate in Clinical Psychology, achieving both summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa honors. She is also a two-time Fulbright Scholar. In 2003, Carol was a co-founder of Collaborative Divorce Solutions of Orange County, an interdisciplinary practice group of divorce professionals dedicated to respectful, peaceful divorce solutions for families. In her practice in Laguna Hills, CA, as a California licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and family-focused divorce professional, for more than thirty years, she has assisted hundreds of divorcing families as a therapist, child and co-parenting specialist, divorce coach, and mediator. Connect with Carol Hughes Website: http://divorcepeacemaking.comBook: Home Will Never Be the Same Again: A Guide for Adult Children of Gray Divorce  https://amzn.to/4blt1jx Carol’s Workbook for Parents Going Through Gray Divorce: https://divorcepeacemaking.com/register-for-a-free-gift/ Episodes Mentioned: Gray Divorce: What It Takes. What It Gives Back. With Maryjane Sweet Special Episode Resource:  Gray Divorce and the Impact on Adult Children Today's episode has a companion blog article where Susan breaks down the key insights on gray divorce and the impact on adult children. Read it and share it with someone who may need it
• From Stuck to Unstuck: Healing the Long Shadow of Betrayal and Infidelity with Dr. Debi Silber on Divorce & Beyond #412 09.03.2026 57мин

  Time is supposed to heal everything. But for the millions of people navigating divorce after betrayal, that promise falls flat. They're functioning, managing the kids, showing up to work, doing all the things, and still carrying the weight of something that happened years, sometimes decades, ago. Fine, it turns out, is not the same as healed. In this powerful episode, Susan Guthrie welcomes back Dr. Debi Silber, founder of the Post Betrayal Transformation Institute and author of the new book Unstuck:The Practitioner's Guide to Moving Betrayal Clients from Survival to Transformation. Together, they unpack why so many people who have experienced betrayal, whether infidelity, financial deception, or the shattering of expectations that comes with divorce itself, get trapped in a cycle that looks like survival but feels like anything but living. Dr. Debi's research, drawn from over 100,000 people tested, reveals that healing from betrayal is not just possible. It is predictable. This conversation is for anyone who has ever asked, "Why am I still not over this?" Whether you are in the middle of a divorce, just discovering a betrayal, or years out and still feeling its grip, the lessons in this episode apply. It is also essential listening for the legal professionals, coaches, therapists, and mediators who want to understand what is truly going on beneath the surface. What You’ll Learn Betrayal in divorce is not just about infidelity. It is a collapse of trust on every level How Post Betrayal Syndrome keeps people physically, mentally, and emotionally stuck long after the relationship has ended The five proven, predictable stages of betrayal recovery and why most people unknowingly park in Stage Three Why self-trust is the real wound of betrayal and how rebuilding it through boundaries, intuition, and small kept promises is where healing actually begins How the Window of Willingness reveals whether the person who betrayed you is genuinely doing the work, and what that means for your path forward Why transformation does not begin until Stage Four and how Dr. Debi's new book Unstuck gives practitioners a roadmap for guiding betrayal clients all the way through, not just to fine About the Guest  Dr. Debi Silber, Founder and CEO of The PBT (Post Betrayal Transformation) Institute and National Forgiveness Day, is an award-winning speaker and 2-time #1 International bestselling author. Her podcast, From Betrayal to Breakthrough, ranks in the top 1.5% globally. Her groundbreaking PhD study revealed 3 discoveries that completely revolutionized our understanding of betrayal-and how to achieve full healing physically, mentally, and emotionally. Creator of the world's #1 betrayal recovery certification for life, business, health, and leadership coaches, Dr. Debi equips practitioners globally with her evidence-based framework so they can deliver exponentially better results with their existing clients. Featured on FOX, CBS, The Dr. Oz Show, and TEDx (twice), she equips practitioners with the missing framework-helping them move from uncertainty to confidence, from using general tools that keep clients stuck to specialized approaches that create genuine transformation. Connect with Dr. Debi Silber Website: http://thepbtinstitute.comBook: Unstuck: The Practitioner's Guide to Moving Betrayal Clients from Survival to Transformation Special Episode Resource: Rebuilding Self-Trust After Betrayal, A Guided Workbook If this episode resonated and you are ready to start moving from stuck to unstuck, download Susan's free guided workbook, Rebuilding Self-Trust After Betrayal. It walks you step by step through where self-trust was shaken, how to reset your boundaries, and how to begin the deliberate work of healing.  Download the guide here: https://6091f38a-6f36-42ef-8f98-d1cf174bdc28.lovableproject.com/episode/b2a06e0a-b3e1-42f6-b9b8-2f1889c9577c#resource Make the Most of Your Listening Experience: If this episode resonates with you, be sure
• Divorcing Under the Same Roof: How to Survive Living Together After It’s Over with Jenny Stevens on Divorce & Beyond #411 02.03.2026 55мин

  Divorce does not always change living arrangements overnight. Many couples file for divorce, expect everything to shift, and then walk back into the same home… with the same routines… and often even more tension than before. Living under the same roof after deciding a marriage is over can quickly become emotionally volatile if it is not handled intentionally. That is why Susan Guthrie welcomes back divorce and co-parenting coach Jenny Stevens. Together, they break down what it really takes to live under the same roof while divorcing, including how to create boundaries, communicate without escalating, and protect your emotional stability during a phase that can feel like navigating a daily minefield. This conversation explores the practical realities of cohabiting during divorce and why structure, communication, and intentional boundaries are essential to getting through this transitional period without creating additional conflict or long-term damage. What You’ll Learn Living together during divorce becomes more manageable when you accept it as a practical reality and approach it with intentional planning, clear communication, and emotional awareness. Structure protects stability by creating clear boundaries, defined household expectations, and consistent communication that reduces conflict. Shifting mentally from partners to roommates helps lower emotional intensity and makes daily interactions more functional and less reactive. Small triggers are less likely to escalate when boundaries are clear and communication stays respectful and intentional. Viewing this phase as temporary helps you stay focused on moving through it with stability and clarity instead of creating unnecessary long term damage. About the Guest Jenny Stevens is a divorce and life transition coach known as The Champion of Change. Based in Chicago and working with clients nationwide, she helps individuals navigate divorce, co-parenting, and major life transitions with clarity and confidence. With a Master’s in Professional Counseling, advanced training in conflict management and communication, and mediation training from Northwestern University, Jenny brings both clinical insight and real-world strategy to her work. She specializes in helping clients establish healthy boundaries, improve communication, and move through change in a way that protects their well-being and their children. WATCH THE EPISOE ON YOUTUBE Connect with Jenny Stevens Website: http://www.jennystevenscoach.com Other Episodes Mentioned:  What a Tsunami of Hard Times Taught Jenny Stevens About Surfing Life’s ChangesCo-Parenting Under One Roof: 6 Tips to Make it Work - Part One - from Parenting Expert, Christina McGheeCo-Parenting Under One Roof: 6 Tips to Make it Work - Part Two - from Parenting Expert, Christina McGhee Special Episode Resource: The Under One Roof Divorce Survival Guide If you are navigating divorce while still living under the same roof, you do not have to figure this out alone. Access the companion blog and downloadable guide specifically for this phase called The Under One Roof Divorce Survival Guide. Inside, you’ll find the seven ground rules we discussed in this episode, along with practical worksheets you can use immediately to clarify boundaries, reset expectations, and reduce unnecessary conflict in your home. This guide will help you create structure, protect your peace, and move through this chapter with intention. Read the blog and download the guide here. https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/latest-episode Make the Most of Your Listening Experience: If this episode resonates with you, be sure to: Subscribe to Divorce & Beyond so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with friends or loved ones who need hope and healing. Leave a 5-star review to help us reach even more listeners. Follow Us Online: Divorce & Beyond:  https://divorceandbeyondpod.com, IG: @divorceandbeyondpod Meet Our Host Susan E. Guthrie®, Esq. is one of the nation’s lea
• Codependency & Divorce: The Fear, The Anger, and The Way Out of One-Sided Relationships with Michelle Farris on Divorce & Beyond #410 23.02.2026 45мин

  Susan Guthrie welcomes special guest Michelle Farris for a powerful conversation about codependency, the hidden dynamic beneath many struggling relationships. Michelle is a licensed psychotherapist, codependency expert, and anger management specialist. Together, they explore what codependency really is, why it often begins in childhood, and how it can quietly shape both a marriage and the way a divorce unfolds. Susan and Michelle unpack the patterns of overgiving, overfunctioning, and self-sacrifice that leave so many people depleted and resentful, often without fully understanding why. They also explore why anger can erupt during divorce, how long-standing relationship patterns repeat when left unexamined, and what it takes to begin building boundaries and self-trust moving forward. This conversation is especially meaningful for anyone who feels stuck in one-sided relationships, struggles to say no, or wonders why they keep giving more than they receive. It offers an honest, practical look at how recognizing codependency can change not only your divorce, but everything that comes after it. What You’ll Learn Codependency is not about kindness. It is a pattern of overfunctioning to feel secure, often leaving you exhausted and resentful Why anger during divorce is often stored pain from years of saying yes when you meant no, and how to channel it constructively The difference between being nice and being clear, and why self-advocacy is essential for a healthy divorce process How overgiving, avoiding conflict, or agreeing too quickly can cost you emotionally and financially during divorce Why identifying your boundaries, triggers, and non-negotiables is key to approaching divorce from a grounded and empowered place About the Guest Michelle Farris is a psychotherapist, codependency expert, and anger management specialist with a passion for helping people break free from codependent patterns and manage emotions with confidence. She's been featured in several online publications and podcasts, known for her down-to-earth approach and expertise. Through her online courses and digital resources, she teaches practical tools for codependency recovery, emotional regulation, self-trust, and lasting relationship success. Connect with Michelle Farris Website: https://counselingrecovery.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleFarrismft Grab Michelle’s Free Resource: 7 Steps to Healing One-sided Relationships https://counselingrecovery.lpages.co/codependent-relationship-freebie/ Special Episode Resource: The Codependent Divorce Mistakes That Cost You Thousands + Divorce Boundaries Planning Worksheet If this conversation is resonating with you, Susan has created a companion blog and downloadable resource, The Codependent Divorce Mistakes That Cost You Thousands. It includes a Divorce Boundaries Planning Worksheet to help you define your limits, recognize your emotional triggers, and approach your divorce from a more grounded and confident place. Read the blog post and download the worksheet here. https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/latest-episode Make the Most of Your Listening Experience: If this episode resonates with you, be sure to: Subscribe to Divorce & Beyond so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with friends or loved ones who need hope and healing. Leave a 5-star review to help us reach even more listeners. Follow Us Online: Divorce & Beyond:  https://divorceandbeyondpod.com, IG: @divorceandbeyondpod Meet Our Host Susan E. Guthrie®, Esq. is one of the nation’s leading family law and mediation experts, with more than 35 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate divorce and conflict with clarity and compassion. She is the Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, a best-selling author, and a sought-after speaker, trainer, and practice-building consultant. Susan recently appeared as the featured expert on The Oprah Podcast, where she shared
• Before You Call a Divorce Attorney: Financial Preparation with Karen Chellew & Catherine Shanahan on Divorce & Beyond #409 16.02.2026 56мин

  Divorce season is in full swing, and for many listeners, that means overwhelm, fear, and financial uncertainty. Susan Guthrie welcomes back two of her favorite returning experts, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan of My Divorce Solution, to talk about what truly matters in the earliest days of divorce: financial clarity before legal action. Divorce may be a legal process, but in the beginning, it feels emotional and financial. Fear can drive rushed decisions. Anger can fuel unnecessary conflict. And too often, people hire attorneys before they understand what they actually own, owe, or need. Karen and Catherine specialize in helping individuals slow down, gather the facts, and understand what is truly in the marital “pie” before anyone starts slicing it up. Through their structured preparation platform and signature MDS Financial Portrait™, they help people turn panic into power and confusion into confidence. This conversation is about avoiding early mistakes, preventing unnecessary legal costs, and building a foundation that supports smart, informed decisions from day one. What You’ll Learn Why divorce should often begin with financial clarity, not immediate legal action How emotional agreements like “you keep the house, I’ll keep my retirement” can create long-term financial damage What really happens when couples rely on spreadsheets without full documentation The difference between financial literacy and financial empowerment during divorce How understanding the financial impact of decisions allows you to pivot confidently during negotiations Why assembling the right professional team depends on first understanding the complexity of your financial picture Episode Blog Article:  What Is the #1 Financial Mistake Before Filing for Divorce? Free Episode Resource: Before You File: Divorce Financial Readiness Checklist About the Guests  Catherine Shanahan, CDFA After 25 years in the financial industry, having raised five children and endured her own experience with divorce, Catherine became a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), trained Mediator and Daily Money Manager(PDMM). Catherine is collaboratively trained and was a member of the Bucks County Collaborative Law Group. She is a member of the  American Association of Daily Money Managers (AADMM) the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts, and the Association of Divorce Financial Planners (ADFP). Catherine is fully dedicated to helping clients understand and navigate all aspects of divorce including planning a secure financial future post-divorce.  Karen Chellew, Legal Liaison  For over 30 years, Karen has worked in the legal field as a paralegal and business manager. During her career, she served as an affiliated member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and President Elect of the ALA (Association of Legal Administrators). Karen now serves clients and the professional team in her role as legal liaison. She is also a certified QDRO Administrator, Founder and President of Sisters U Foundation, and an Auditor of East Rockhill Township. As the mom of three children and one granddaughter, Karen is extremely passionate about helping women in all that she does.    My Divorce SolutionThrough their professional and personal experiences, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan have created a unique and comprehensive process that greets divorce in a whole new way – a way that empowers those who experience this major life transition. Our mission is simple: to help people move through the divorce process with financial clarity and confidence so they can make the rest of their lives the best of their lives. The MDS Financial Portrait™ is a compilation of data and financial records utilizing the family’s key and supporting documentation.  The MDS Financial Portrait provides a clear neutral snapshot of the family’s marital and non-marital estate for purposes of determining alimony, child support, and the division of assets and liabilities.  This comprehensive Portrait
• Dating Again in Midlife: Bela Gandhi Takes You From Fear to Confidence on Divorce & Beyond #408 09.02.2026 42мин

  Dating again in midlife can stir up a mix of curiosity, hope, and very real hesitation. After divorce, it’s not just about meeting someone new, it’s about trusting your instincts and believing that love can feel different this time. Susan Guthrie welcomes back one of Divorce & Beyond’s most trusted and favorite guests, Bela Gandhi, for an honest, encouraging conversation about what it truly takes to move from fear to confidence when dating again in midlife. Known as America’s go-to dating coach and beloved by the Divorce & Beyond community, Bela brings warmth, optimism, and refreshingly practical wisdom to a chapter that often feels overwhelming. Together, Susan and Bela unpack why midlife dating can actually be better than ever, how to stop repeating old patterns that no longer serve you, and what smart, intentional dating looks like when you’re choosing differently and more consciously this time around. What You’ll Learn Why fear around dating after divorce is normal How those “rollercoaster butterflies” are usually a sign of anxiety, not chemistry, and how to recognize calm as a healthier sign of compatibility How dating today offers more options, visibility, and agency than ever before, especially for midlife daters Why confidence in dating comes from having a clear plan, not luck, timing, or instant sparks How slowing down and allowing connection to develop over time leads to better long-term outcomes About the Guest  Bela Gandhi is a dating/relationship expert, TEDx speaker, founder of Smart Dating AcademyÒ and has been featured on most national/local media outlets including Good Morning America, Steve Harvey, the Today Show, Kelly Clarkson, Access, ABC, NBC, Fox, and more.  Bela realized her gift for love when she was in college and started matchmaking and coaching her friends – watching them sail on to relationship bliss and marriage.  Using her own system, Bela found her own amazing husband of over 20 years, and in 2009, founded Smart Dating AcademyÒ.  Smart Dating Academy teaches singles all over the globe the Smart DatingÒ four phase system – 1) Preparing to Date, 2) Dating, 3) Exclusivity and 4) Happily Ever After.   They specialize in VIP 1:1 coaching, and with clients that have followed their system, they’ve had ‘zero divorces.’  They help singles to ‘fix their pickers’ because their coaches are deep in the weeds with clients, helping read profiles, message, and rate each date after it happens – she makes dating fun, easy and successful!   Before starting Smart Dating Academy, Bela earned dual degrees in Finance and German from the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign.  Bela worked in mergers and acquisitions for Arthur Andersen in Chicago for a year before joining her family's chemicals manufacturing company (called CCC), where she divided her time between Chicago and Europe helping to expand the business. When they sold the business to Fortune 500 company Akzo Nobel, she was asked to remain its leader and became Akzo Nobel Non-Stick Coating’s Global Vice President of Housewares.   While climbing the corporate ladder, she realized it was time to unveil her system to the world, and it was her best decision ever.  Bela lives in Lincoln Park with her husband Andy and 2 children, Jaden and Max, and is going to be an empty nester next year!    Connect with Bela Gandhi Website: http://smartdatingacademy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartdatingacademy Podcast: https://www.smartdatingacademy.com/podcast The Midlife Dating Mindset Reset Guide Download Make the Most of Your Listening Experience: If this episode resonates with you, be sure to: Subscribe to Divorce & Beyond so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with friends or loved ones who need hope and healing. Leave a 5-star review to help us reach even more listeners. Follow Us Online: Divorce & Beyond:  https://divorceandbeyondpod.com, IG: @divorceandbeyondpod Meet Our Host Susan E. Guthrie®, Esq. is one o
• Gray Divorce: What It Takes. What It Gives Back. With Maryjane Sweet on Divorce & Beyond #407 02.02.2026 41мин

  Gray divorce is one of the fastest-growing divorce trends, yet it remains one of the least talked-about experiences. It is not just the end of a marriage. It is the unraveling of decades of shared life, identity, routines, and expectations. In this episode, Susan Guthrie is joined by gray divorce coach Maryjane Sweet, whom she first met when they were both featured on the Oprah Podcast in a powerful conversation about gray divorce. Maryjane appeared alongside her adult daughter, and their story stood out for its honesty, depth, and the grace with which Maryjane navigated this life-altering transition. Together, Susan and Maryjane explore what it truly takes to move through gray divorce with intention, emotional awareness, and integrity. They discuss why gray divorce can feel especially destabilizing, particularly when it arrives unexpectedly, and how the losses extend far beyond the marriage itself. The conversation dives into grief, identity shifts, nervous system overwhelm, and the invisible emotional labor women carry as they work to hold themselves and their families together during profound change. This is not a conversation about quick fixes. It is about honoring loss, building emotional safety, and discovering what gray divorce can give back on the other side. What You’ll Learn Why gray divorce is not just a legal ending, but a profound emotional and identity shift after decades of shared life Why rituals around loss, such as leaving a family home or removing wedding rings, help create closure and support healing How daily anchors like sleep, nourishment, movement, and connection are essential tools during divorce Why adult children are deeply impacted by gray divorce and how parents can model integrity, resilience, and self-compassion How focusing on how you want to feel can help guide decisions when the future feels like a black hole Why coaching support can be critical during gray divorce and how it helps women move forward without getting stuck in the past About the Guest  Maryjane is a gray divorce coach and consultant. She combines the lived experience of ending a 26-year marriage with deep professional training to help women navigate the emotional and practical complexities of gray divorce. She holds a master's in Organizational Behavior and is an !CF-certified PCC coach with over 1,500 client hours worldwide. She's trained in mindfulness and meditation through Duke University, is a certified trauma-informed yoga instructor, and has taught university courses on well-being and neuroscience-based stress regulation. With more than twenty years in leadership development and human transformation, she offers women a grounded, evidence-based pathway through midlife divorce - one that honors both the unraveling and the rising. Connect with Maryjane Sweet Website: http://maryjanesweet.com Instagram: @thegreydivorcecoach Blog Article + Free Downloadable Resource 📝 Rituals for Grief in Gray Divorce: Why Closure Matters In this companion article, Susan explores why gray divorce requires more than legal resolution. It requires emotional closure. Drawing from this conversation, she explains how intentional rituals, such as marking the end of a marriage, leaving a longtime home, or acknowledging decades of shared life, can help the nervous system process loss and support healing during profound transition. You’ll also find a simple, downloadable resource designed to help you reflect on what closure might look like for you. Read here: https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/blog *************************************************** Make the Most of Your Listening Experience: If this episode resonates with you, be sure to: Subscribe to Divorce & Beyond so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with friends or loved ones who need hope and healing. Leave a 5-star review to help us reach even more listeners. Follow Us Online: Divorce & Beyond:  https://divorceandbeyondpod.com, IG: @divorceandbeyondpod Meet Our