Episodios

  • Cut the Burn Rate: 16 Questions to Ask Before You Hire Your Attorney

    Cut the Burn Rate: 16 Questions to Ask Before You Hire Your Attorney
    May 21 2025
    If you’ve ever stared at a four-figure legal invoice and thought, “Where did my money go?” — this episode is for you. In this episode, Catherine and Karen break down the true cost of divorce and share how to spot red flags, avoid wasteful spending, and build a lean, efficient legal team. You'll hear about real-life examples of inflated invoices, underused experts, and clients who got burned by not knowing what they signed up for. From understanding the scope of your attorney's work to catching block billing and knowing when to pause and prepare, this episode arms you with the tools to keep your legal bills from taking over your financial future. Why some clients burn through retainers before any progress is made What “block billing” is — and why it’s a red flag How to leverage paralegals and avoid being billed at attorney rates The difference between full-service, collaborative, and limited-scope attorneys When and if to hire a forensic accountant, CPA, or mortgage expert The power of getting financially prepared before hiring anyone What is your overall philosophy or style when handling divorce cases? How do you typically structure your team and delegate tasks? What are your hourly rates — and do they vary by who is doing the work? Are flat-fee options available for specific services? What is the retainer for my case and how is it applied? Is the retainer a minimum fee or refundable? Will I receive monthly billing statements? How do you track and report time for tasks performed? Will I be billed for internal meetings or staff conferences? Can I request a cap on monthly fees or be notified when nearing budget limits? How do you determine if a paralegal or associate should handle a task? How do you document prep work, and can I review those notes? Will I be billed for re-reviewing documents that have already been reviewed? Are billing errors ever adjusted if I notice discrepancies? How do you define the scope of work when hiring outside experts (like forensics)? How can I best work with you to keep my costs down? Batch your communications to avoid small, costly emails Ask for work product if you’re billed for extensive review or prep Consider limited-scope representation for specific legal tasks Use financial professionals to prepare documents instead of high-priced attorneys Pause your case if needed — getting financially organized may save thousands "Every email you batch, every paralegal you leverage, and every line item you question is real money staying in your pocket — not evaporating into the billable hour." What You’ll Learn:The 16 Questions to Ask Before Signing an Engagement Letter:Helpful Tips Shared: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 m
  • Parenting Plans That Actually Work: How to Avoid the Mistakes That Cost You Time, Money and Peace

    Parenting Plans That Actually Work: How to Avoid the Mistakes That Cost You Time, Money and Peace
    May 14 2025
    In this powerful episode of WeChat Divorce, hosts Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan welcome Samantha Boss, high-conflict divorce coach and certified mediator, to discuss what a real parenting plan should look like—and why the standard legal templates aren’t nearly enough. Drawing from her personal experience and professional work with divorcing parents, Samantha shares why parenting plans must go beyond weekends and holidays. Together, they dives deep into how decisions about healthcare, education, extracurriculars, and even future expectations should be clarified upfront to avoid conflict—and costly legal battles—down the road. Whether you're just starting your divorce journey or re-evaluating a current plan, this conversation reveals why a proactive, customized approach is key to protecting your children, your time, and your wallet. Samantha Boss is a certified divorce mediator and high-conflict divorce coach who helps moms take back control of their lives and protect their children’s futures. Drawing from her personal experience with a contentious four-year divorce, she now empowers others to build effective parenting plans through coaching, education, and strategy.Learn more at samanthaboss.com. Connect with Us: Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? Email us at wechat@ck11.net Visit mydivorcesolution.com for expert guidance, financial clarity, and a supportive community throughout your divorce journey. About Our Guest: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 m
  • Divorce Explored: Mediation Without Full Disclosure—Should You Go, Pause, or Pivot?

    Divorce Explored: Mediation Without Full Disclosure—Should You Go, Pause, or Pivot?
    May 7 2025
    Hosts: Catherine Shanahan, CDFA & Karen Chellew, Legal LiaisonPresented by: My Divorce Solution You’ve done the work, your mediation date is approaching—and your spouse has barely provided more than a screenshot or two of their accounts. What now? In this episode, Catherine and Karen take you behind the scenes of what happens when mediation is scheduled but the documents just aren’t there. They walk you through the common pitfalls, legal misconceptions, and high-stakes decisions that clients face in this scenario. Whether you're facing a controlling spouse, incomplete documentation, or pressure from professionals to move forward, this episode offers practical, empowering steps to protect your financial future. Why negotiating in mediation without full disclosure is like “negotiating in the dark” Why asking for documents is not aggression—it’s protection Real-world scenarios and how professionals sometimes pressure clients to move forward prematurely The MDS playbook for Pre-Mediation Triage Your three critical options: Go, Pause, or Pivot Tools attorneys and mediators can (and should) use to get the missing data The real cost of moving forward without clarity—and how to avoid regret We want to hear from you. Email us at wechat@ck11.net with your questions or topic suggestions. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Please consult your own professionals for guidance tailored to your unique situation. What You'll Learn:Have a Question? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 m
  • From Uncertain to Unstoppable: Taking Control of Your Finances

    From Uncertain to Unstoppable: Taking Control of Your Finances
    Apr 30 2025
    In this empowering episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan welcome financial powerhouse Laura Webb, founder of Webb Investment Services and an advocate for women’s financial empowerment. Together, they dive deep into the emotional and practical barriers that keep women from owning their financial lives — and how to overcome them. From personal money stories to professional lessons learned, this candid conversation is full of aha moments and actionable insights to help you shift from financial uncertainty to unstoppable confidence. Whether you're married, divorced, or starting over, this episode will inspire you to take the next step toward financial autonomy. Laura is a trailblazer in wealth management with over 30 years of experience and a passionate advocate for increasing the presence of women in financial services. Now in her “third act,” she’s helping lead the charge to recruit and support more women in the financial advisory profession through her work with the Women’s Leadership Alliance. My Divorce Solution – Learn more about the Divorce Financial Portrait™ Women’s Leadership Alliance – Explore Laura’s advocacy work Divorce Financial Portrait™ – Gain clarity, confidence, and control in your financial future Have a question or topic you'd like us to cover? Email us at WeChat@ck11.net 💬 Like what you hear? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone navigating divorce. Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with professionals in the relevant fields for personalized guidance. The WeChat Divorce podcast (hereinafter referred to as the “WCD”) represents the opinions of Catherine Shanahan, Karen Chellew, and their guests to the show. WCD should not be considered professional or legal advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Views and opinions expressed on WCD are our own and do not represent that of our places of work. WCD should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever. Listeners should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on WCD without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on WCD. Unless specifically stated otherwise, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on WCD, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced on WCD do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of Catherine Shanahan or Karen Chellew. WCD, CATHERINE SHANAHAN, AND KAREN CHELLEW EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL’S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. If you would like to obtain a typed transcript of this podcast episode, please email us at hello@mydivorcesolution.com. Please be sure to include the episode name in the transcript email request. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 m
  • Divorce Explored: Gray Divorce Rebellion – Our Take on Time’s Viral Essay

    Divorce Explored: Gray Divorce Rebellion – Our Take on Time’s Viral Essay
    Apr 23 2025
    In this episode of Divorce Explored, co-founders Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan unpack the themes from Time Magazine’s viral article, “When Having It All Becomes Wanting a Divorce” by Ada Calhoun. They explore the emotional and financial realities facing Gen X women navigating midlife questions, career shifts, and marriage fatigue. Drawing from personal experience and professional expertise, Karen and Catherine offer a grounded, supportive take on the “3 a.m. moment” many women face—and what it really means to want something more. Highlights Include: The emotional turning point that prompts many midlife divorces How financial clarity can bring confidence before making big decisions Why not all women who explore divorce are seeking to leave The importance of knowing what you have before deciding what you want Listen & Subscribe: Catch this episode and more on We Chat Divorce—your go-to resource for navigating the financial and emotional side of divorce with confidence. Visit our website: mydivorcesolution.com Have a question or an idea for a future topic? We want to hear from you!! Email us: WeChat@ck11.net Special thanks to Ada Calhoun for sparking this important conversation through her powerful essay, “When Having It All Becomes Wanting a Divorce,” published by time. We encourage everyone to read the full piece: https://time.com/7216367/gen-x-women-midlife-divorce-essay  Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with professionals in the relevant fields for personalized guidance. The WeChat Divorce podcast (hereinafter referred to as the “WCD”) represents the opinions of Catherine Shanahan, Karen Chellew, and their guests to the show. WCD should not be considered professional or legal advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Views and opinions expressed on WCD are our own and do not represent that of our places of work. WCD should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever. Listeners should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on WCD without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on WCD. Unless specifically stated otherwise, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on WCD, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced on WCD do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of Catherine Shanahan or Karen Chellew. WCD, CATHERINE SHANAHAN, AND KAREN CHELLEW EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL’S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    19 m
  • From Disconnect to Discovery: Navigating Marriage, Divorce, and Beyond with Colleen Kowal

    From Disconnect to Discovery: Navigating Marriage, Divorce, and Beyond with Colleen Kowal
    Apr 16 2025
    In this powerful episode, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down with Imago Relationship Therapist Colleen Kowal to explore the emotional complexities of marriage, divorce, and co-parenting. Drawing from her personal journey and years of professional experience, Colleen shares how relationship dynamics can lead to disconnect—and more importantly, how intentional conversations, discernment, and closure can pave the way for healing and rediscovery. Colleen explains the concept of Relational Contracts, the role of Discernment Therapy, and the importance of processing divorce in a way that minimizes harm—especially for children. Together, they discuss how financial imbalances, emotional triggers, and unfinished relationship dynamics often carry over into divorce and co-parenting if left unaddressed. About the Guest: Colleen Kowal Colleen is an Imago Relationship Therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families navigating the complexities of relationships, divorce, and co-parenting. Her approach blends personal experience as a child of divorce and a divorced parent with professional expertise to help clients move from pain to purpose. Learn more about Imago Relationship Therapy: https://www.hiltonheadislandcounseling.com/ Listen & Subscribe: Catch this episode and more on We Chat Divorce—your go-to resource for navigating the financial and emotional side of divorce with confidence. mydivorcesolution.com Submit questions: WeChat@ck11.net Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with professionals in the relevant fields for personalized guidance. The WeChat Divorce podcast (hereinafter referred to as the “WCD”) represents the opinions of Catherine Shanahan, Karen Chellew, and their guests to the show. WCD should not be considered professional or legal advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Views and opinions expressed on WCD are our own and do not represent that of our places of work. WCD should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever. Listeners should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on WCD without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on WCD. Unless specifically stated otherwise, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on WCD, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced on WCD do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of Catherine Shanahan or Karen Chellew. WCD, CATHERINE SHANAHAN, AND KAREN CHELLEW EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL’S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. If you would like to obtain a typed transcript of this podcast episode, please email us at hello@mydivorcesolution.com. Please be sure to include the episode name in the transcript email request. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 m
  • From Courtroom to Kitchen Table: Financial Lessons For High-Conflict and High Net Worth Splits

    From Courtroom to Kitchen Table: Financial Lessons For High-Conflict and High Net Worth Splits
    Apr 9 2025
    In this episode, Karen and Catherine discuss the financial impact of starting divorce from the courtroom versus the kitchen table — and why preparation is everything, especially in high-conflict and high net worth cases. They break down costly mistakes, emotional traps, and the importance of data-driven decisions over emotional reactions. Mentioned in the Episode: AMG National Trust article on financial planning in divorce - https://www.amgnational.com/navigating-the-complex-terrain-of-a-high-net-worth-divorce/ The Divorce Financial Portrait™ by My Divorce Solution - https://mydivorcesolution.com/ Have questions? Email us at WeChat@CK11.NET – we’d love to hear from you! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with professionals in the relevant fields for personalized guidance. The WeChat Divorce podcast (hereinafter referred to as the “WCD”) represents the opinions of Catherine Shanahan, Karen Chellew, and their guests to the show. WCD should not be considered professional or legal advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Views and opinions expressed on WCD are our own and do not represent that of our places of work. WCD should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever. Listeners should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on WCD without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on WCD. Unless specifically stated otherwise, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on WCD, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced on WCD do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of Catherine Shanahan or Karen Chellew. WCD, CATHERINE SHANAHAN, AND KAREN CHELLEW EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL’S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. If you would like to obtain a typed transcript of this podcast episode, please email us at hello@mydivorcesolution.com. Please be sure to include the episode name in the transcript email request. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 m
  • Divorce Dollars & Activating Your Female Genius with Shannon McGorry

    Divorce Dollars & Activating Your Female Genius with Shannon McGorry
    Apr 2 2025
    In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen and Catherine sit down with Shannon McGorry, a PCC-level ICF-accredited coach and founder of Love Strength and Grace. Shannon shares her personal divorce journey and how it led her to empower women through coaching. She helps women redefine their future—personally and professionally—by activating their Female Genius. Key Takeaways: 🔹 The Power of the Pivot – Why shifting course isn’t failure, but an opportunity to create a stronger, more aligned future. 🔹 Leading with Head vs. Heart – How to recognize which drives your decisions and how to balance both. 🔹 Rewriting the Narrative – Moving from shoulds and expectations to I can and I choose. 🔹 Financial Confidence in Divorce – The link between thoughts, emotions, and actions in financial decision-making. 🔹 The One-Degree Pivot – Small, intentional shifts can lead to profound transformations. Shannon breaks down how women can step into their financial and personal power, avoiding resentment, fear, and guilt. She also explains how coaching differs from therapy—helping women move forward rather than looking back. If you’re feeling lost or unsure about the next chapter, this episode is for you! 🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward your empowered future. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Send us your questions, comments or topics that you’d like to hear on the podcast, and we may discuss it on a future episode. Email us at WeChat@CK11.net 🔗 Learn more about Shannon: LoveStrengthandGrace.com 📩 Contact Shannon: shannon@lovestrengthandgrace.com Subscribe & Listen on your favorite podcast streaming platform or watch the show on YouTube! Follow Us: Instagram and Facebook: @mydivorcesolution Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with professionals in the relevant fields for personalized guidance. The WeChat Divorce podcast (hereinafter referred to as the “WCD”) represents the opinions of Catherine Shanahan, Karen Chellew, and their guests to the show. WCD should not be considered professional or legal advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Views and opinions expressed on WCD are our own and do not represent that of our places of work. WCD should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever. Listeners should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on WCD without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on WCD. Unless specifically stated otherwise, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on WCD, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced on WCD do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of Catherine Shanahan or Karen Chellew. WCD, CATHERINE SHANAHAN, AND KAREN CHELLEW EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL’S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. If you would like to obtain a typed transcript of this podcast episode, please email us at hello@mydivorcesolution.com. Please be sure to include the episode name in the transcript email request. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 m
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