Emotional Overload: Why Divorce Hits So Hard and the Tools to Steady Yourself with Dr. Beth Karassik & Louise Zito, Esq on Divorce & Beyond #400

Divorce can feel like you’re unravelling from the inside out, and today Dr. Beth Karassik and Louise Zito, Esq. join Susan E. Guthrie to explain why and how you can regain your emotional footing.  If you’re overwhelmed, scared, or emotionally flooded in the middle of divorce, there is a scientific reason for it and there are ways to steady yourself, even when everything around you feels chaotic. In this powerful conversation, Susan Guthrie is joined by clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist Dr. Beth Karassik and longtime mediator and collaborative professional Louise Zito, Esq. to break down what’s happening in your brain and body during divorce and share practical tools for restoring calm, clarity, and control. Together, they help you understand why your reactions feel so big, why everyday decisions suddenly feel impossible, and what you can do right now to support your nervous system through one of the most destabilizing experiences of your life. Plus, for legal practitioners, discover how Beth and Louise’s work can help you re-align, re-center, and rein in the chaos of divorce work. Why This Conversation Matters When you’re navigating divorce without understanding what’s happening in your nervous system, it’s easy to blame yourself, question your decisions, or feel like you’re failing. But the truth is this: divorce places an extraordinary cognitive and emotional load on you. When you know why you’re reacting the way you are and you have tools that actually help you communicate more effectively, you make better choices, and you’re able to protect your well-being through every stage of the process. And for the professionals who support divorcing individuals, understanding these emotional dynamics (and tending to their own regulation) directly affects their ability to guide clients forward. A grounded professional creates a grounded process, leading to healthier outcomes for everyone involved. This conversation supports both sides of the experience: the people living through divorce and the practitioners walking beside them. You Will Learn: Why divorce triggers fear, confusion, and emotional flooding How stress impacts communication, decision-making, and co-parenting Signs that your overwhelm is actually a trauma response Practical grounding tools you can use today Scripts for setting emotional boundaries during conflict How to build a support system that keeps you steady Why the emotional health of your divorce professional affects your experience Insight into the Calma Collective Retreat supporting divorce professionals Download the Calming Exercise Guide from this Episode: Access the grounding tools discussed in this episode. These simple practices, including the three deep breaths and hands-on-heart reset, can help steady your mind and body during stressful moments. Keep it nearby for quick support whenever you need it. Download your guide here: https://divorcebeyond.com/staying-grounded About the Guests:  Dr. Beth Karassik is a clinical psychologist who, after many years as a Collaborative Divorce Coach and a Mediator, has partnered with Louise Zito, Esq. in Calma Collective, LLC, a company that provides transformational retreats and professional training.  Beth is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, President of Divorce Solutions of Connecticut, and a member of the Collaborative Divorce Team of CT. She is a member of the Professional Development Committee and a Board and Executive Committee member of the Connecticut Council for Non-adversarial Divorce (CCND – www.gooddivorcect.com). She is committed to supporting children, adults, and families in having their lives align with their values, serve their best interests, and be expressions of what matters most to them.  Learn more about Dr. Karassik: https://www.drbethkarassik.com For more information on Calma Collective Retreats, visit: calma-collective-retreats.com   Louise Zito, Esq has mediated family and related matters for over 30 years and draws heavily on her Mediation experience in her Collaborative Divorce work. She is Of-Counsel to Dolan Family Law, in Connecticut, giving consultations on collaboration, family matters and impasse, as well as giving second opinions. She is partners with Beth Karassik, PhD in Calma Collective, LLC a Retreat and Training collaboration. She trains Attorneys, Family Specialists and Financial Specialists in Basic and Advanced Family Mediation and offers advanced trainings to Collaborative Law Professionals. Louise is a Senior Fellow to the Quinnipiac School of Law Center on Dispute Resolution, she is the co-developer and trainer of the APFM Verified 40 Hour Basic Divorce Mediation Training (CT Family Mediation Training Group) and an APFM Certified Advanced Practitioner. She developed an advanced training "In Whose Best Interest, or When To Call It Quits' (addressing screening methods to prevent termination and how and when to terminate Mediation and Collaborative Divorce proceedings.) She leads retreats for mediators and collaborative professionals and other family law practitioners.  She co-founded the Divorce Solutions of CT and the Ct Family Mediation Training Group. She is a member of the Collaborative Divorce Team of CT, Connecticut Summit of Collaborative Professionals, Connecticut Collaborative Connection, Mediate.com, APFM and IACP. Louise is a member of the Board of Directors and Past President of the Connecticut Council for Non-adversarial Divorce (CCND).  Learn more about Lousie: https://dolanfamilylaw.com/louise-r-zito/ For more information on Calma Collective Retreats, visit: calma-collective-retreats.com   ===================== 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 in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Washington Post, NewsNation, and NBC’s Chicago Today, among many others. As the creator and host of the award-winning Divorce & Beyond® Podcast, ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide with more than 3.4 million downloads, Susan brings together top experts and powerful personal stories to help listeners move through divorce and beyond with confidence, insight, and hope. Learn more about Susan and her work at susaneguthrie.com. Divorce & Beyond is a Top 1% Overall and Top 100 Self-Help podcast designed to help you with all you need to know to navigate your divorce journey and most importantly, to thrive in your beautiful beyond!   ***************************************************************************** HELLO DIVORCE: A Smarter, Simpler Way to Navigate Your Divorce Looking for a clearer and more affordable way to move through your divorce? Check out Hello Divorce. Their guided online platform combines easy-to-follow tools with real legal and coaching support to help you complete your divorce with less stress, less confusion, and far lower costs than a traditional courtroom battle. They have created a special page just for Divorce & Beyond listeners. Explore your options at hellodivorce.com/susan. ***************************************************************************** Special Offer from Blue Mercury Treat yourself to luxury skincare, makeup, and fragrance favorites from Blue Mercury, your destination for beauty and self-care. Divorce & Beyond listeners receive 15% off their first order when they use the special link in the show notes. Because you deserve to look and feel your best,  inside and out. You must use this link to receive the 15% off on your first Blue Mercury order: https://divorcebeyond.com/Blue-Mercury ***************************************************************************** Opportunities for Expert Guests and Fellow Podcasters Partner with Divorce & Beyond Whether you're a podcaster looking to expand your reach or an expert ready to share your insights, Divorce & Beyond offers the perfect platform to amplify your voice.  Find out more here: https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/guest-opportunities ***************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM

Susan Guthrie welcomes two extraordinary guests whose combined perspectives offer something rarely seen in the world of divorce. Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq., returns to the show alongside author Matthew A. Tower, whose new book Love Wars: Clash of the Parents gives listeners an unprecedented inside look at what high-conflict divorce feels like through the eyes of a child. Together, their insights reveal the emotional reality children carry, the predictable patterns behind high-conflict behaviors, and the steps parents can take to protect their kids from the fallout. Love Wars follows Matthew’s journey from ages six to eleven as he navigated two volatile households, emotional unpredictability, parentification, negative advocates, and the relentless pressure to choose sides. His story is raw, illuminating, and at times difficult to hear, yet it is also deeply important. Bill helps contextualize Matthew’s lived experience through High Conflict Personality Theory and offers guidance parents and professionals can use immediately. This conversation is a powerful companion to Bill’s book Splitting and the perfect next step for anyone committed to changing the emotional climate for their children. Why This Conversation Matters High-conflict divorce leaves a lasting imprint on children, but the full internal experience is almost never visible to parents, courts, or professionals. Matthew’s story pulls back the curtain on what children absorb, what they fear, how they cope, and why the conflict shapes them long after the legal case is over. Bill explains how splitting, emotional volatility, and personality-driven dynamics create confusion, fear, and reactivity for children who do not yet have the capacity to regulate intense emotions. He also highlights why professionals often miss what is really happening, and how parents can change the trajectory by lowering conflict, creating predictability, and becoming the steady emotional anchor their children desperately need. Together, Bill and Matthew offer clarity, compassion, and a path forward for families caught in high-conflict cycles. In this episode, you will learn: What children internalize during high-conflict divorce and why they absorb the emotional intensity around them Why parentification is so damaging and how children become emotional caregivers when adults are dysregulated How high-conflict parents recruit negative advocates and why these dynamics intensify the conflict Why kids shut down, freeze, or dissociate when the emotional environment becomes overwhelming How calm, consistent adults like Matthew’s stepmother Holly can become a lifeline What courts and professionals often overlook when evaluating children’s preferences or resistance What parents can do right now to lower reactivity, reduce conflict, and create safety for their children About the Guests:  Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq. - Bill Eddy is a lawyer, therapist, mediator, best-selling author, co-founder, and Chief Innovation Officer of the High Conflict Institute. He pioneered the High Conflict Personality Theory (HCP Theory) and has become an international expert on managing disputes involving high conflict personalities and personality disorders. He provides training to lawyers, judges, mediators, managers, human resource professionals, businesspersons, healthcare administrators, college administrators, homeowners’ association managers, ombudspersons, law enforcement, therapists and others. He has been a speaker and trainer in over 30 U.S. states and 10 countries. Visit the High Conflict Institute to find out more about Bill, the Institute's wealth of resources for managing high conflict relationships and more of Bill's books!   https://www.highconflictinstitute.com/ Listen to Bill's other episode, "Get Ready to BIFF Your High Conflict Co-Parent" on Divorce & Beyond here:  https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-q3hpd-f87a79 Get your copy of Splitting: How to Protect Yourself When Divorcing a Narcissist or Borderline here: https://amzn.to/3C22aGH Matthew A. Tower - Matthew A. Tower is an author, art director, audiobook narrator, and entrepreneur. He first saw Star Wars in theaters at age three. Love Wars: Clash of the Parents, A True Divorce Story is his debut work of literature. Previously, he was founder and CEO of Versus Books, and published more than 50 gaming strategy guides for hits like The Legend of Zelda, selling over 5 million copies. Get your copy of Love Wars: Clash of the Parents here: https://amzn.to/4oCN15T  Learn more at: https://lovewars.com ===================== 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 in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Washington Post, NewsNation, and NBC’s Chicago Today, among many others. As the creator and host of the award-winning Divorce & Beyond® Podcast, ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide with more than 3.4 million downloads, Susan brings together top experts and powerful personal stories to help listeners move through divorce and beyond with confidence, insight, and hope. Learn more about Susan and her work at susaneguthrie.com. Divorce & Beyond is a Top 1% Overall and Top 100 Self-Help podcast designed to help you with all you need to know to navigate your divorce journey and most importantly, to thrive in your beautiful beyond!   ***************************************************************************** A Smarter, Simpler Way to Navigate Your Divorce Looking for a clearer and more affordable way to move through your divorce? Check out Hello Divorce. Their guided online platform combines easy-to-follow tools with real legal and coaching support to help you complete your divorce with less stress, less confusion, and far lower costs than a traditional courtroom battle. They have created a special page just for Divorce & Beyond listeners. Explore your options at hellodivorce.com/susan. ***************************************************************************** Opportunities for Expert Guests and Fellow Podcasters Partner with Divorce & Beyond Whether you're a podcaster looking to expand your reach or an expert ready to share your insights, Divorce & Beyond offers the perfect platform to amplify your voice.  Find out more here: https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/guest-opportunities ***************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM

This week on Divorce & Beyond, we are bringing back the number one episode of all time, my conversation with the incomparable Bill Eddy about his groundbreaking book Splitting: Protecting Yourself While Divorcing Someone with Borderline or Narcissistic Personality Disorder. This encore episode is more timely than ever and is also the perfect lead-in to next week’s very special conversation with author Matthew A. Tower and Bill Eddy about Matthew’s new book Love Wars: Clash of the Parents. That episode takes you inside the emotional experience of a child living through a high-conflict divorce. Today’s replay sets the foundation for everything we will discuss next week. Why This Episode Matters There is a reason this conversation has remained the most downloaded episode in the history of Divorce and Beyond. Bill Eddy’s insights have helped countless listeners understand what is happening in their high conflict divorce, why the conflict feels impossible to manage, and how to protect themselves and their children from the fallout. If you are facing a high-conflict situation, or if your co-parent has patterns of narcissistic, borderline, or antisocial behavior, this episode will give you the clarity and direction you need. In this episode you will learn: • What borderline, narcissistic, and antisocial personality patterns look like during divorce, and why they escalate conflict • The biggest mistakes people make when trying to “diagnose” or explain their spouse’s behavior • How to communicate effectively using Bill’s BIFF method (Brief, Informative, Friendly, Firm) • Why judges often get high-conflict cases wrong, and what you can do to present your case clearly and effectively • How to document incidents safely and strategically • What to expect when divorcing a high-conflict person and how to pace yourself for the long haul • When mediation works, when it does not, and why preparation matters • How to stay calm and grounded when your spouse appears calm in court and you do not • The three biggest patterns you must highlight to the court so your case is understood • Why support systems, emotional boundaries, and strategic planning are essential for survival Bill’s wisdom is clear, practical, and actionable. Whether you are preparing for divorce, in the thick of litigation, or co-parenting with a high-conflict ex, this episode gives you tools that truly make a difference. About Bill Eddy Bill Eddy is a therapist, lawyer, mediator, and co-founder of the High Conflict Institute. He has authored more than 20 books, including Splitting, BIFF for Co-Parents, and Mediating High Conflict Disputes, and is recognized worldwide as the leading expert on high-conflict personalities and their impact on divorce and family court. He is also one of the most popular and trusted guests in the history of Divorce and Beyond. A Perfect Lead-in to Next Week Be sure to tune in next week when Bill joins me again along with author Matthew A. Tower for a powerful new episode unpacking Matthew’s true story of growing up in a high-conflict divorce in Love Wars: Clash of the Parents. It is an unforgettable look at how conflict affects children from the inside. Resources Mentioned • Splitting:Second Edition: Protecting Yourself While Divorcing Someone with Borderline or Narcissistic Personality Disorder by Bill Eddy and Randi Kreger: https://amzn.to/48eSPfu • High Conflict Institute: https://www.highconflictinstitute.com • BIFF for Co-Parent Communication by Bill Eddy: https://amzn.to/4iqZ18X • Mediating High Conflict Disputes  by Bill Eddy: https://amzn.to/4rlQgkD   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 in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Washington Post, NewsNation, and NBC’s Chicago Today, among many others. As the creator and host of the award-winning Divorce & Beyond® Podcast, ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide with more than 3.4 million downloads, Susan brings together top experts and powerful personal stories to help listeners move through divorce and beyond with confidence, insight, and hope. Learn more about Susan and her work at susaneguthrie.com. Divorce & Beyond is a Top 1% Overall and Top 100 Self-Help podcast designed to help you with all you need to know to navigate your divorce journey and most importantly, to thrive in your beautiful beyond!   ***************************************************************************** A Smarter, Simpler Way to Navigate Your Divorce Looking for a clearer and more affordable way to move through your divorce? Check out Hello Divorce. Their guided online platform combines easy-to-follow tools with real legal and coaching support to help you complete your divorce with less stress, less confusion, and far lower costs than a traditional courtroom battle. They have created a special page just for Divorce & Beyond listeners. Explore your options at hellodivorce.com/susan. ***************************************************************************** Opportunities for Expert Guests and Fellow Podcasters Partner with Divorce & Beyond Whether you're a podcaster looking to expand your reach or an expert ready to share your insights, Divorce & Beyond offers the perfect platform to amplify your voice.  Find out more here: https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/guest-opportunities ***************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM

Susan Guthrie welcomes journalist and author Kelly James for a powerful, candid conversation about the financial realities and career reinvention that often accompany gray divorce. Kelly brings humor, vulnerability, and a generous heart as she reflects on starting over at 52, returning to the corporate world after decades as a freelancer, and navigating the emotional load of single parenting. Together, Susan and Kelly explore the truth behind the fears, the unfair expectations, the unexpected challenges, and the surprising strengths that emerge when life takes a turn you never planned for. What You’ll Discover in This Episode The financial reality of starting over in midlife is real and heavy, but not impossible Reinvention in your fifties isn’t about dramatic leaps, in fact, Kelly explains how losing a financial safety net pushed her back into corporate life after 20 years as a freelancer How the emotional load can be heavy, but but one courageous choice at a time can help you steer your own life EPISODE RESOURCES: Article: Gray Divorce Is Different: Financial Realities No One Tells You and the Episode FREE Downloadable Resource: The Midlife Divorce Financial Reset Checklist More About Our Special Guest: Kelly K. James "escaped from the law" more than 25 years ago to become a fulltime freelance journalist. The former attorney is the author of books including The Book That (Almost) Got Me Fired: How I (Barely) Survived a Year in Corporate America; Writer for Hire: 101 Secrets to Freelance Success, and Six-Figure Freelancing: The Writer's Guide to Making More Money, Second Edition. She's now a full-time legal content manager and part-time freelancer who works, writes, plays 8-ball, and attempts to golf from her home outside Chicago, which she shares with two teens, a rescue pup, and an extra-chunky spoiled cat. Kelly's Website and Book: The Book That (Almost) Got Me Fired: https://amzn.to/48kPmNA kellykjames.net Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellykjames ******************************* 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 in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Washington Post, NewsNation, and NBC’s Chicago Today, among many others. As the creator and host of the award-winning Divorce & Beyond® Podcast, ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide with more than 3.4 million downloads, Susan brings together top experts and powerful personal stories to help listeners move through divorce and beyond with confidence, insight, and hope. Learn more about Susan and her work at susaneguthrie.com. Divorce & Beyond is a Top 1% Overall and Top 100 Self-Help podcast designed to help you with all you need to know to navigate your divorce journey and most importantly, to thrive in your beautiful beyond!   ***************************************************************************** A Smarter, Simpler Way to Navigate Your Divorce Looking for a clearer and more affordable way to move through your divorce? Check out Hello Divorce. Their guided online platform combines easy-to-follow tools with real legal and coaching support to help you complete your divorce with less stress, less confusion, and far lower costs than a traditional courtroom battle. They have created a special page just for Divorce & Beyond listeners. Explore your options at hellodivorce.com/susan. ****************** Special Offer from Blue Mercury! Treat yourself to luxury skincare, makeup, and fragrance favorites from Blue Mercury, your destination for beauty and self-care. Divorce & Beyond listeners receive 15% off their first order when they use the special link in the show notes. Because you deserve to look and feel your best,  inside and out. You must use this link to receive the 15% off on your first Blue Mercury order: https://divorcebeyond.com/Blue-Mercury ***************************************************************************** Opportunities for Expert Guests and Fellow Podcasters Partner with Divorce & Beyond Whether you're a podcaster looking to expand your reach or an expert ready to share your insights, Divorce & Beyond offers the perfect platform to amplify your voice.  Find out more here: https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/guest-opportunities ***************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Are you secretly wondering if you hired the wrong divorce lawyer, but feel too far in, too scared, or too overwhelmed to do anything about it? You are not the only one. Listeners write in every week saying things like, “I hired someone in a panic and now I feel stuck,” or “I feel dismissed, but I am afraid to change attorneys midstream.” In this solo episode, Susan uses more than thirty five years of experience as a leading divorce attorney and mediator to give you a clear framework for how to choose, evaluate, and, if necessary, replace your lawyer so you can move through your divorce with more confidence and less chaos. You will learn: Why so many people “panic hire” the wrong attorney in the early days of divorce How a good divorce coach can help you get grounded before you hire anyone The key questions to ask in an attorney consultation so you can spot a real fit Red flags that your current lawyer may not be serving your goals or values When the problem is the system, not your attorney How to have a reset conversation and, if needed, make a clean, professional change Susan has also created a free downloadable checklist with the questions and red flags she covers in the episode. DOWNLOAD HERE If you are confused about your attorney client relationship or worried you made the wrong choice, this episode will help you understand your options and take back your power in your own case. 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 in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Washington Post, NewsNation, and NBC’s Chicago Today, among many others. As the creator and host of the award-winning Divorce & Beyond® Podcast, ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide with more than 3.4 million downloads, Susan brings together top experts and powerful personal stories to help listeners move through divorce and beyond with confidence, insight, and hope. Learn more about Susan and her work at susaneguthrie.com. Divorce & Beyond is a Top 1% Overall and Top 100 Self-Help podcast designed to help you with all you need to know to navigate your divorce journey and most importantly, to thrive in your beautiful beyond!   ***************************************************************************** A Smarter, Simpler Way to Navigate Your Divorce Looking for a clearer and more affordable way to move through your divorce? Check out Hello Divorce. Their guided online platform combines easy-to-follow tools with real legal and coaching support to help you complete your divorce with less stress, less confusion, and far lower costs than a traditional courtroom battle. They have created a special page just for Divorce & Beyond listeners. Explore your options at hellodivorce.com/susan. ***************************************************************************** Opportunities for Expert Guests and Fellow Podcasters Partner with Divorce & Beyond Whether you're a podcaster looking to expand your reach or an expert ready to share your insights, Divorce & Beyond offers the perfect platform to amplify your voice.  Find out more here: https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/guest-opportunities ***************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM.  

We’re talking all about Hulu’s new hit All’s Fair and its glossy world of powerhouse, all-female divorce attorneys. The show is everywhere right now, but how much of it reflects what really happens in high-stakes family law? Susan Guthrie is joined by two of the most trusted experts in the field, Beth F. McCormack and Kimberly A. Cook, Esq., to break down what the series gets right, where it leans into pure Hollywood, and what it leaves out entirely about the real work of guiding families through divorce. If you’ve been wondering whether All’s Fair captures the truth or just the drama, this episode gives you the inside view. What You’ll Discover in This Episode Where All’s Fair nails the reality of female attorneys breaking away to build something better What the show gets wrong about divorce law and why those myths can mislead real clients How strategy and preparation matter far more than the aggressive “never settle” persona “Adding a zero” isn’t how settlements actually work Why representation in legal dramas matters and how this show misses key opportunities to get it right More About Our Special Guests:  Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. Kimberly A. Cook is a Partner with Schiller DuCanto & Fleck, LLP, one of the nation’s premier divorce and family law firms. Known for her ability to both fiercely advocate and thoughtfully problem-solve, Kimberly represents C-suite executives, professional athletes, entertainers, and other high-profile clients in complex family law matters. Before joining Schiller, Kimberly founded Dovetail Conflict Resolution, LLC, where she focused exclusively on divorce and family mediation, helping families identify creative solutions and reach lasting agreements. She also hosts the Grown Girl Divorce podcast, where she empowers listeners to navigate family transitions with clarity and confidence. Kimberly shares her knowledge as an adjunct law professor, mentor, and frequent speaker, and has been featured in Crain’s Chicago, Black Enterprise, Thrive Global, and Business Insider. She has been consistently recognized among the Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers for her excellence and leadership in the field. Contact Kimberly: growngirldivorce.com or https://sdflaw.com   Beth F. McCormack Beth F. McCormack is a highly respected family law attorney known for her skill in handling the most complex and sensitive divorce and parenting matters. Based in Chicago, Beth is equally at home in the courtroom, in mediation, and in collaborative law, always centering her practice on compassion and empathy. She has been consistently recognized as a Best Lawyer, Super Lawyer, and Leading Lawyer, including being named one of the Top 50 Women Super Lawyers. In addition to her thriving practice, Beth mentors the next generation of family law professionals and writes a monthly column for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. She is especially known for her advocacy on behalf of children and her ability to navigate high-profile, high-net-worth divorces with discretion and care. Contact Beth: beermannlaw.com   ===================== Take 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 in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Washington Post, NewsNation, and NBC’s Chicago Today, among many others. As the creator and host of the award-winning Divorce & Beyond® Podcast, ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide with more than 3.4 million downloads, Susan brings together top experts and powerful personal stories to help listeners move through divorce and beyond with confidence, insight, and hope. Learn more about Susan and her work at susaneguthrie.com. Divorce & Beyond is a Top 1% Overall and Top 100 Self-Help podcast designed to help you with all you need to know to navigate your divorce journey and most importantly, to thrive in your beautiful beyond!   ***************************************************************************** SPECIAL OFFER FROM BLUE MERCURY! Treat yourself to luxury skincare, makeup, and fragrance favorites from Blue Mercury, your destination for beauty and self-care. Divorce & Beyond listeners receive 15% off their first order when they use the special link in the show notes. Because you deserve to look and feel your best,  inside and out. You must use this link to receive the 15% off on your first Blue Mercury order: https://divorcebeyond.com/Blue-Mercury 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 times, like divorce, wearing a symbol of hope or protection—such as a hamsa or an evil eye—can be a comforting reminder to keep the faith and stay strong. As a special gift to my listeners, YUMIYU Jewelry is offering 20% off your purchase! Use the code "BEYOND" at checkout to claim your discount. Explore their stunning collection at yumiyujewelry.com and find your perfect piece today! Link: https://divorcebeyond.com/YUMIYU  Code: “BEYOND” for 20% off! ***************************************************************************** Opportunities for Expert Guests and Fellow Podcasters Partner with Divorce & Beyond Whether you're a podcaster looking to expand your reach or an expert ready to share your insights, Divorce & Beyond offers the perfect platform to amplify your voice.  Find out more here: https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/guest-opportunities ***************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Co-parenting with someone who parents in a totally different way can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to protect your kids and you don’t have control over what happens in the other home. Susan Guthrie welcomes back Laila Aitken Ali, co-founder of Split FYI and creator of the Raising Resilient Kids Through Divorce Masterclass, to talk about what you can control and how to stay steady when things get tough. Laila explains why the goal isn’t trying to make your kids “happy” all the time but helping them build real resilience. And even if you are the only calm, grounded parent in the mix, that is more powerful than you think. As Laila puts it, your peace is your child’s safety plan. You’ll hear simple scripts, mindset shifts, and nervous-system-friendly ways to stay anchored so you can support your kids without getting pulled into chaos, stress, or power struggles. What You’ll Discover in This Episode You can’t control the other parent, but you can control the emotional world your kids experience in your home How practicing DEEP allows you to take a pause and avoid being pulled into chaos The best way to protect your kids is to protect your own nervous system Shadow work matters. Notice stories you tell yourself, question old beliefs, and lead from your empowered self More About Our Special Guest Laila Aitken Ali: Laila Aitken Ali, The Split Coach, is a Certified Divorce Coach®, Accredited Mediator, and Co-Founder of Split.fyi, a platform supporting people through divorce, co-parenting, and life transitions. After navigating her own divorce while pregnant, Laila committed to helping others move through separation with clarity, strategy, and confidence. She specializes in guiding parents to break old patterns and build healthier dynamics post-divorce. Laila also teaches co-parenting strategy at the Certified Divorce Coach (CDC) program, equipping new coaches with practical tools. Website and Links: SplitFYI.com Raising Resilient Kids Through Divorce Masterclass and other events: https://splitfyi.com/events/ - D&B Listeners, use code SPLIT10 for a special listener discount  TheSplitCoach.com Why You Need to Stop Calling Your Ex a Narcissist with Laila Aitken, Founder of Split.fyi on Divorce & Beyond Social Media: http://instagram.com/thesplitcoach http://instagram.com/splitfyi https://www.linkedin.com/in/lailaaitken/ ===================== Take 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 in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Washington Post, NewsNation, and NBC’s Chicago Today, among many others. As the creator and host of the award-winning Divorce & Beyond® Podcast, ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide with more than 3.4 million downloads, Susan brings together top experts and powerful personal stories to help listeners move through divorce and beyond with confidence, insight, and hope. Learn more about Susan and her work at susaneguthrie.com. Divorce & Beyond is a Top 1% Overall and Top 100 Self-Help podcast designed to help you with all you need to know to navigate your divorce journey and most importantly, to thrive in your beautiful beyond!   ***************************************************************************** SPECIAL OFFER FROM BLUE MERCURY! Treat yourself to luxury skincare, makeup, and fragrance favorites from Blue Mercury, your destination for beauty and self-care. Divorce & Beyond listeners receive 15% off their first order when they use the special link in the show notes. Because you deserve to look and feel your best,  inside and out. You must use this link to receive the 15% off on your first Blue Mercury order: https://divorcebeyond.com/Blue-Mercury ***************************************************************************** Opportunities for Expert Guests and Fellow Podcasters   Partner with Divorce & Beyond Whether you're a podcaster looking to expand your reach or an expert ready to share your insights, Divorce & Beyond offers the perfect platform to amplify your voice.  Find out more here: https://divorceandbeyondpod.com/guest-opportunities ***************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Susan Guthrie welcomes back Tracy Malone, a leading expert on narcissistic abuse and family estrangement, for a raw and eye-opening conversation about one of the most painful aftermaths of toxic relationships: being cut off from your own child (aka estrangement). When estrangement happens, it can feel like your world has been shattered overnight. Tracy, founder of NarcissistAbuseSupport.com and author of Estranged By Lies: How Narcissistic Partners Use Power & Control To Destroy Your Family, helps unpack how manipulation, gaslighting, and control tactics can fracture families and rewrite history in devastating ways.  Together, Susan and Tracy explore how these dynamics play out and, most importantly, what parents can take to begin healing. Tracy’s compassionate wisdom, drawn from both personal experience and years of coaching, offers validation, hope, and strategies to help listeners find peace and strength through the storm. What You’ll Discover in This Episode How estrangement differs from alienation and why it’s on the rise The narcissistic playbook and how lies and control can turn loved ones against you The importance of emotional regulation when you can’t control others’ choices How awareness shifts everything and helps you rebuild your boundaries Why it’s essential to release self-blame and focus on your own healing More About Our Special Guest, Tracy Malone:  Tracy A. Malone is a coach, author, and the founder of NarcissistAbuseSupport.com, a global resource helping victims in more than 145 countries reclaim their lives after emotional abuse. She’s also a surTHRIVER herself, and her wisdom comes not just from research and coaching, but from lived experience. Her latest book, Estranged By Lies: How Narcissistic Partners Use Power & Control To Destroy Your Family, exposes the gaslighting, smearing, and rewriting of history that can steal your adult child and devastate entire families. Website and Book: Estranged By Lies: How Narcissistic Partners Use Power & Control To Destroy Your Family https://a.co/d/fSmx1Hm https://narcissistabusesupport.com/ Social Media: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFtt3fhMMCBKGRMGyN2D2GQ https://www.instagram.com/tracyamalone/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/188681268196044/ ===================== Take 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: @divorceandbeyond MEET OUR CREATOR AND HOST: SUSAN GUTHRIE®, ESQ., the creator and host of The Divorce and Beyond® Podcast, has been nationally recognized as one of the top family law and divorce mediation attorneys in the country for more than 30 years.  Susan is the Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution and is a sought-after keynote speaker, business and practice consultant, coach and trainer. You can find out more about Susan and her services here: https://susaneguthrie.com Divorce & Beyond is a Top 1% Overall and Top 100 Self-Help podcast designed to help you with all you need to know to navigate your divorce journey and most importantly, to thrive in your beautiful beyond!   ***************************************************************************** SPECIAL OFFER FROM BLUE MERCURY! Treat yourself to luxury skincare, makeup, and fragrance favorites from Blue Mercury, your destination for beauty and self-care. Divorce & Beyond listeners receive 15% off their first order when they use the special link in the show notes. Because you deserve to look and feel your best,  inside and out. You must use this link to receive the 15% off on your first Blue Mercury order: https://divorcebeyond.com/Blue-Mercury ***************************************************************************** SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE! If you would like to sponsor the show and reach our large community of those going through and healing from divorce, please reach out to us at  [email protected] for pricing and details!!! ***************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Susan Guthrie welcomes Patrick Kilbane, J.D., CDFA®, partner at Ullman Wealth Partners and Director of the Divorce Advisory Group, to talk about one of the most overlooked but critical phases of divorce: what happens to your finances after the papers are signed. Instead of stopping at the settlement, Patrick shows you how to step into your financial “2.0” with confidence. We talk about creating clarity around your monthly cashflow, setting up systems to cover everyday expenses, and simplifying your accounts so they’re easy to manage. Patrick also shares how to plan ahead during the divorce, not just after, so you negotiate with your future in mind. You’ll hear practical strategies for rebuilding credit, organizing your retirement and investment accounts, making smart housing decisions, and avoiding costly mistakes that can derail your long-term security.  Patrick’s decades of experience as both an attorney and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst make this a must-listen for anyone ready to move beyond survival mode and build a strong, strategic financial foundation for the next chapter of life. What You’ll Discover in This Episode How to recognize when it’s time to shift from divorce survival to planning your independent future Simple steps to clarify monthly cashflow and set up systems to cover bills and savings Why involving a financial advisor before settlement helps you plan smarter and avoid gaps How strategic planning beyond the settlement sets you up for lasting stability and confidence More About Our Special Guest, Patrick Kilbane, J.D., CDFA®:  Pat is a Partner at the firm and serves as both a Wealth Advisor and General Counsel. He brings over a decade of experience helping clients coordinate and implement comprehensive wealth management strategies. In his legal role, he manages all legal matters for the firm and assists clients with navigating their own legal questions by connecting them to trusted resources. Pat also leads our Divorce Advisory Group, where he supports high-net-worth clients before, during, and after the divorce process. Drawing on his extensive background in family law and his Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) designation, Pat helps clients make informed, confident financial decisions at every stage of marital dissolution. Before joining our firm, Pat built a successful legal career in matrimonial and family law, serving as a Shareholder at two respected statewide firms—GrayRobinson, P.A. and Rogers Towers, P.A.—in Jacksonville. Pat is deeply involved in the Jacksonville community and has served on numerous civic and professional boards. He has received several gubernatorial appointments, including to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority—where he served as Chairman from 2017–2018 and again from 2020–2021—and to the 4th Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, where he served as Chairman from 2017–2019. Most recently, he was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the Jacksonville Port Authority in 2024 and to the Florida Elections Commission in 2025. His leadership extends to the Jacksonville Bar Association, where he served on the Board of Governors and as President of its Young Lawyers Section. He is a graduate of Leadership Florida (Class XXXV) and currently serves as President of the Jacksonville Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society. Pat previously served as President of the Board of Directors of the Notre Dame Alumni Club of Greater Jacksonville and as a member of the Foundation Board for St. Vincent’s Hospital. In 2017, he was appointed by Bishop Felipe Estévez to the Savings and Loan Board for the Diocese of St. Augustine. In 2020, he was elected to the Board of Trustees for Adrian College, which will honor him as its 2025 Distinguished Alumnus. Pat earned his J.D. from the University of Notre Dame and holds a B.B.A. from Adrian College, where he graduated summa cum laude. He is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® and co-author of Move Forward Confidently: A Woman's Guide to Navigating the High-Net-Worth Divorce. Website and Book http://ullmannwealthpartners.com Pat’s book: Move Forward Confidently: A Woman's Guide to Navigating the High-Net-Worth Divorce. ===================== Take 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: @divorceandbeyond MEET OUR CREATOR AND HOST: SUSAN GUTHRIE®, ESQ., the creator and host of The Divorce and Beyond® Podcast, has been nationally recognized as one of the top family law and divorce mediation attorneys in the country for more than 30 years.  Susan is the Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution and is a sought-after keynote speaker, business and practice consultant, coach and trainer. You can find out more about Susan and her services here: https://susaneguthrie.com Divorce & Beyond is a Top 1% Overall and Top 100 Self-Help podcast designed to help you with all you need to know to navigate your divorce journey and most importantly, to thrive in your beautiful beyond!   ***************************************************************************** SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: HELLO FRESH HelloFresh is now a proud sponsor of Divorce & Beyond! If you’ve been thinking about cutting back on grocery bills, avoiding food waste, or just getting dinner on the table without the stress — this is your moment, because right now, HelloFresh is offering one free item in every box — for life! That’s right — every single box you order includes a free item, forever. And just to give you a taste of what that looks like... I got pineapple upside-down cakes in my first order! I originally discovered HelloFresh during the pandemic and fell in love with learning new recipes and expanding our dinner routine. I let it go for a while — hey, I live in Chicago with world-class restaurants on every corner — but with today’s rising costs, HelloFresh is back on my table, and I’m so glad it is. So if you’re ready to save time, money, and dinner — go to divorceandbeyond.com/hellofresh and sign up today to grab that free item for life. ***************** YUMIYU Jewelry 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 times, like divorce, wearing a symbol of hope or protection—such as a hamsa or an evil eye—can be a comforting reminder to keep the faith and stay strong. As a special gift to my listeners, YUMIYU Jewelry is offering 20% off your purchase! Use the code "BEYOND" at checkout to claim your discount. Explore their stunning collection at yumiyujewelry.com and find your perfect piece today! Link: https://divorcebeyond.com/YUMIYU  Code: “BEYOND” for 20% off! ***************************************************************************** SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE! If you would like to sponsor the show and reach our large community of those going through and healing from divorce, please reach out to us at  [email protected] for pricing and details!!! ***************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Susan Guthrie welcomes back three powerhouse professionals to Divorce & Beyond for part two of a very special series that turns the billion-dollar divorce playbook into practical strategies you can use in your own divorce, no matter your net worth. Together, Michelle Smith, Beth McCormack, and Jenny Stevens make up what Susan calls the Billion Dollar Dream Team. Between them, they bring decades of experience guiding clients through some of the most complex, high-stakes divorces in the country. From untangling billion-dollar assets to protecting children’s well-being to helping clients stay grounded in the storm, this team delivers legal, financial, and emotional strategies that can benefit anyone facing divorce. In part one, we pulled back the curtain on what divorce looks like when billions of dollars are at stake: the unique challenges, the strategies, and the inside perspective that only comes from decades of experience handling ultra-high-net-worth cases. The lessons from those cases aren’t just for billionaires.  This week, in part two, we’re taking those big-dollar insights and showing you how they apply to your divorce,  no matter your net worth or no matter where you are in the process. What You’ll Discover in This Episode How to trust your gut when choosing the professionals on your dream team Why knowing the true cost of your life is essential for smart financial decisions The power of defining priorities and fears early to shape your legal strategy Why emotional healing often takes longer than the legal process and how to honor that timeline Meet the Billion Dollar Dream Team Michelle Smith Michelle Smith is one of the nation’s most sought-after divorce financial specialists, holding the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® designation. She is the founder of Wife2CFO, a platform created to empower women to understand and manage their wealth with confidence. Michelle is also the co-author of Divorce & Your Finances and a regular contributor to national financial media. With more than three decades of experience advising ultra high net worth families, she brings unmatched expertise in investment strategy, wealth transfer, and philanthropic planning — and a unique ability to simplify even the most complex financial landscapes. Contact Michelle:  https://savantwealth.com Michelle's Divorce Journey Self-Discovery Questionnaire Beth F. McCormack Beth McCormack is a highly respected family law attorney, known for her skill in handling the most complex and sensitive divorce and parenting matters. Based in Chicago, Beth is equally at home in the courtroom, in mediation, and in collaborative law, always centering her practice on compassion and empathy. She has been consistently recognized as a Best Lawyer, Super Lawyer, and Leading Lawyer, including being named one of the Top 50 Women Super Lawyers. In addition to her thriving practice, Beth mentors the next generation of family law professionals and writes a monthly column for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. She is especially known for her advocacy on behalf of children and her ability to navigate high-profile, high-net worth divorces with discretion and care. Contact Beth:  https://beermannlaw.com Jenny Stevens Jenny Stevens is a counselor, divorce coach, and adolescent coach who has built her career around helping people navigate life’s toughest transitions. With a master’s degree in professional counseling and extensive mediation training, Jenny brings both clinical expertise and a no-nonsense, approachable style to her coaching. She has lived through her own share of profound life changes — from loss to illness to divorce — and uses that experience to guide clients with empathy, honesty, and practical strategies. Jenny helps individuals and families regulate emotions, build resilience, and create the foundations for a life they love. Her work emphasizes emotional regulation, self-care, and values-based co-parenting, making her an invaluable support for anyone facing the upheaval of divorce. Contact Jenny: https://jennystevenscoach.com ===================== Take 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: @divorceandbeyond MEET OUR CREATOR AND HOST: SUSAN GUTHRIE®, ESQ., the creator and host of The Divorce and Beyond® Podcast, has been nationally recognized as one of the top family law and divorce mediation attorneys in the country for more than 30 years.  Susan is the Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution and is a sought-after keynote speaker, business and practice consultant, coach and trainer. You can find out more about Susan and her services here: https://susaneguthrie.com Divorce & Beyond is a Top 1% Overall and Top 100 Self-Help podcast designed to help you with all you need to know to navigate your divorce journey and most importantly, to thrive in your beautiful beyond!   ***************************************************************************** SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: HELLO FRESH HelloFresh is now a proud sponsor of Divorce & Beyond! If you’ve been thinking about cutting back on grocery bills, avoiding food waste, or just getting dinner on the table without the stress — this is your moment, because right now, HelloFresh is offering one free item in every box — for life! That’s right — every single box you order includes a free item, forever. And just to give you a taste of what that looks like... I got pineapple upside-down cakes in my first order! I originally discovered HelloFresh during the pandemic and fell in love with learning new recipes and expanding our dinner routine. I let it go for a while — hey, I live in Chicago with world-class restaurants on every corner — but with today’s rising costs, HelloFresh is back on my table, and I’m so glad it is. So if you’re ready to save time, money, and dinner — go to divorceandbeyond.com/hellofresh and sign up today to grab that free item for life. ***************** YUMIYU Jewelry 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 times, like divorce, wearing a symbol of hope or protection—such as a hamsa or an evil eye—can be a comforting reminder to keep the faith and stay strong. As a special gift to my listeners, YUMIYU Jewelry is offering 20% off your purchase! Use the code "BEYOND" at checkout to claim your discount. Explore their stunning collection at yumiyujewelry.com and find your perfect piece today! Link: https://divorcebeyond.com/YUMIYU  Code: “BEYOND” for 20% off! ***************************************************************************** SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE! If you would like to sponsor the show and reach our large community of those going through and healing from divorce, please reach out to us at  [email protected] for pricing and details!!! ***************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM.