Divorce Dialogues

Your settlement agreement is signed, but what happens if the money stops coming?In this episode, divorce financial specialist Jeff Landers returns to break down one of the most overlooked risks in divorce: the fragility of alimony and child support. Death, disability, a job wiped out by a failing industry can make court-ordered support disappear overnight. And most settlement agreements offer no protection against any of them.Jeff has worked on over 1,000 divorce cases nationwide and rarely sees disability insurance included in a settlement. He explains why that gap exists, what it costs families when it goes unfilled, and how to think about financial protection before you sign, not after.The conversation moves beyond insurance mechanics into the real decisions people face: how to build a realistic post-divorce budget, why the receiving spouse should own the life insurance policy, when keeping the house actually works against you, and why rushing to finalize an agreement because you're emotionally exhausted is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make.Tune in for a practical, grounded conversation about securing the deal you worked so hard to negotiate and making sure it actually holds.In this episode, you'll learn:Why alimony and child support are far more fragile than most people assume;The difference between group disability insurance and the private coverage that actually protects support payments;How to calculate the right life insurance coverage amount — and why a made-up number in the settlement agreement doesn't cut it;What "present value" means and why it matters when protecting future financial obligations; andWhy the time to get insurance in place is during negotiations, not after the divorce is finalized.Highlights:(00:00) Meet Jeff Landers(02:31) How fragile is support, really?(05:19) Death, disability, and what the courts can and can't fix(07:53) The homeowners insurance analogy(09:55) Who carries the most risk (and why)(13:14) Get the policies before the divorce is final(13:23) Most common financial mistakes in divorce(19:04) Making life insurance less intimidating(20:43) How to calculate the right coverage amount(22:11) Understanding present value without the math panic(23:14) What people wish they'd known sooner(25:06) The reframe: financial protection as peace of mindAbout our guest, Jeff LandersJeff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefflanders/ Hello Monthly Income: https://hellomonthlyincome.com/ About Divorce Dialogues and Miller Law Group Katherine's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/Miller Law Group: https://miller-law.com/ More on her book The Emotionally Savvy Divorce at: https://katherinemiller.com/book/

The most expensive divorce mistakes aren't made in the courtroom – they're made in the sequence of events that lead you there.In this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Katherine Miller speaks with Kelly Lise Murray, professor, financial strategist, and Co-founder and CEO of Vetting the House, about the hidden sequencing problem at the heart of most divorce settlements.Together, they unpack why even highly accomplished people make costly financial decisions during divorce—not because they lack intelligence, but because they're operating with a brain under siege, incomplete information, and pressure to just get it done. Kelly draws on her work at the intersection of real estate, tax strategy, and financial advocacy to show how the order in which you make decisions determines what you actually walk away with.If you've ever felt the pull to just accept a deal and move on, this conversation will make you think twice—and give you the tools to slow down before it costs you.In this episode, you'll learn:Why the sequence of asset sales, not just the assets themselves, determines your tax liability;How the "divorce brain" reduces your decision-making capacity — even if you're highly accomplished;Why property division is permanent, and the questions to ask before you agree to anything; andHow to use tax timelines and divorce milestones together to protect your financial outcome.Highlights:(00:00) Meet Kelly Lise Murray (02:56) The Sequencing Problem in Divorce Settlements (04:23) Capital Gains, Exclusions, and the Two-House Trap (05:49) Why Smart People Make Expensive Mistakes (07:44) Building the Right Financial Team (17:55) What "Permanent" Really Means in Property Division (27:26) The Reframe: Mapping Tax Years Against Divorce Milestones (29:31) Your Voice Is Your PreparationAbout our guest, Kelly Lise MurrayWebsite: https://vettingthehouse.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellylisemurray/ About Divorce Dialogues and Miller Law GroupKatherine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ Miller Law Group: https://miller-law.com/More on her book “The Emotionally Savvy Divorce” at: https://katherinemiller.com/book/

"Nobody can help me, that is the time that actually can be helped. You just have to seek it out and trust the process." - Dr. Lama Bazzi Dr. Lama Bazzi, a board-certified psychiatrist based in New York City, is renowned for her expertise in addressing the mental health challenges associated with divorce. She emphasizes the profound impact that major life transitions, such as divorce, can have on an individual's mental well-being, particularly highlighting the complexities of redefining oneself post-separation. Dr. Bazzi advocates for allowing space for grief as a critical step in the healing process, encouraging individuals to focus on self-discovery and resilience. Her holistic approach incorporates techniques like progressive muscle relaxation and breathing exercises, supporting both mental and physical well-being as individuals navigate the emotional journey of divorce, especially when children are involved. Key Takeaways ->Allowing space for grief is crucial for healing during a divorce ->Understanding the grieving process and gaining resilience are key in navigating divorce complexities ->Recognizing the challenges of redefining one's identity post-divorce, especially when children are involved ->Seeking treatment can provide coping tools to improve outcomes in various aspects of life during divorce ->The importance of mental health considerations, treatment, and impact on children's well-being in family law cases Connect with Lama Bazzi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lama-bazzi-ab429b10/ https://drbazzipsychiatry.com/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

"People think they know what they want, but how would you know if you've never gone through it before?" - Melinda Gould Melinda Gould is a distinguished divorce guide and strategic support partner known for her unique approach to helping clients navigate the complexities of divorce with clarity and steadiness. Drawing from her own challenging divorce experience, Melinda sees her role as vital in addressing the practical, emotional, and logistical aspects of divorce, offering comprehensive support that includes financial organization, communication management, and emotional grounding. Unlike therapists, attorneys, or coaches, she focuses on strategic and logistical elements, helping clients make decisions aligned with their personal values and children's needs while providing steady emotional support. Melinda believes her approach enables clients to emerge from divorce stronger, clearer, and more centered, ready to embrace the next chapter of their lives with confidence and support. Key Takeaways ->Support during divorce often includes help with managing practical tasks, organizing financial documents, navigating communication, and addressing emotional needs. ->This type of support typically focuses on strategic, logistical, and communication considerations, while also acknowledging the emotional impact of the process. ->Community-based resources, such as online support networks, can provide valuable tools, guidance, and connection for individuals going through divorce. ->Emotional triggers around money during divorce are common and often tied to feelings of security, identity, and power. ->Trusting one’s intuition during divorce can help individuals prioritize their needs and make informed, grounded decisions. ->Steady, practical guidance can provide clarity and reassurance, helping individuals navigate the complexities of divorce with greater confidence. Connect with Melinda B. Gould: https://melindabgould.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-b-gould-580875/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

"I think that this period can be one where folks can make mistakes and really leaning on a team of professionals that can help them through the period is of utmost importance." - Sam Kingston Sam Kingston, a seasoned finance professional, brings over two decades of expertise in financial analysis and portfolio management to the intricate field of financial planning for divorce. With a unique background that spans global firms and family businesses, as well as personal experience being raised by a single mother, Sam is keenly aware of both the emotional and financial challenges inherent in asset separation. He advocates for a comprehensive and empathetic approach, emphasizing the need for a team of professionals—including divorce attorneys, financial advisors, and tax experts—to support individuals through this life transition. By focusing on careful financial planning and open communication, Sam aims to help individuals navigate the complexities of family businesses and shared investments, ensuring fair outcomes and long-term financial stability. Key Takeaways -Establishing a separate financial footprint, creating a new budget, and understanding liabilities and assets are crucial during divorce. -Revising estate plans post-divorce is essential to safeguard assets and achieve financial goals. -Budgeting post-divorce helps in understanding spending habits and making thoughtful financial decisions. -Transparency and setting boundaries in financial matters are vital to ensure a fair divorce outcome. -Being patient, seeking advice from advisors, and making thoughtful decisions during the divorce process can lead to a more favorable financial outcome. Connect with Sam Kingston: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-kingston-006a26/ https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/sam-kingston?msockid=03955cb2509a6eaa2ef34a2e51ab6f8a Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/