UNTYING THE KNOTS

Dawn Smith & Kristen Files
UNTYING THE KNOTS

When you first consider changing your family configuration, whether it be divorce or legitimation or a custody action, and whether you've thought about it on your own or your spouse has raised the idea, your brain fills with an extraordinary amount of questions and emotions. The purpose of this podcast is to answer as many of those questions as possible. We want to resolve some of the unknows you're wondering about, and alleviate the fear that comes from that. You might not want people to see you listening to a podcast called “Untying the Knots” and we totally get that. For that reason, we are releasing this same podcast under a different title called The Knot Family Mystery. You can subscribe to and listen to that podcast and anyone who happens to see it on your phone will think that you’re a true crime lover and won’t know you’re listening to a podcast about divorce and family changes. Our hope is that you use this podcast like a search engine by scanning through our show notes or on the podcast tab of our website to see a list of every question that we answer and exactly what episode and time you’ll find us answering your question. Our plan is to update this podcast several times a year, answering new questions (or adding to our answers from old questions) to create the ultimate podcast resource about changing families. Between the two of us we have 45 years of legal experience and we've been involved in over 1,000 family law cases, including our own. We’ve handled same sex marriages, we’ve had clients who have been married and divorced to each other multiple times, we’ve helped people who’ve been married for two weeks and people who have been married for 30 years. We practice law in Georgia and every state is different so we want to give you general information, not specific legal advice. Welcome to Untying the Knots!

  1. EPISODE 1

    HOW TO START THE DIVORCE PROCESS

    What are the warning signs a marriage is over? - 1:40 I want a divorce. What now? - 6:59 Is it really better to stay together for the kids? - 15:04 What are the top divorce dos and don'ts? - 22:07 How can I protect my family from an abusive ex? - 31:19 -- If you would like to listen to this podcast but do not want to have a podcast about this topic on your device, search KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY and you will find a podcast in the true crime category with artwork similar to this show. After about 30 seconds, the true crime intro to that show fades away and this exact podcast will play. Anyone who happens to see your device will not have any idea what the subject matter of KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY is. -- We provide clients with rational, efficient, and effective guidance to resolve their legal disputes. We frequently meditate and reach agreement for our clients on any number of issues, including child custody, temporary and permanent support, post-divorce custody and support modifications and marital property division. We believe that people are more likely to abide by an agreement if they have a role in creating it. However, if litigation is necessary to protect your interests, our attorneys have over 40 years of combined courtroom experience and we are well prepared to stand up for you. If you are in Georgia and would like to talk about how we might be able to help you, please call us at 404-909-8300, or visit us online at smithfileslaw.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 min
  2. EPISODE 2

    DIVORCE BASICS EXPLAINED - WHAT TO EXPECT

    When will my divorce be finalized? 1:40 How can I get a fast divorce? - 17:31 What is the average cost of a divorce? - 18:43 How do I protect my right to privacy during a divorce? - 20:51 We moved to a new state, but I want a divorce. What now? - 24:19 My spouse won't agree to a divorce. What should I do now? - 24:49 -- If you would like to listen to this podcast but do NOT want to have a podcast about this topic on your device, search KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY and you will find a show in the true crime category with artwork similar to this. After about 30 seconds, the true crime intro to that show fades away and this exact podcast will play. Anyone who happens to see your device will not have any idea what the subject matter of KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY is. -- We provide clients with rational, efficient, and effective guidance to resolve their legal disputes. We frequently meditate and reach agreement for our clients on any number of issues, including child custody, temporary and permanent support, post-divorce custody and support modifications and marital property division. We believe that people are more likely to abide by an agreement if they have a role in creating it. However, if litigation is necessary to protect your interests, our attorneys have over 40 years of combined courtroom experience and we are well prepared to stand up for you. If you are in Georgia and would like to talk about how we might be able to help you, please call us at 404-909-8300, or visit us online at smithfileslaw.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    27 min
  3. EPISODE 3

    DIVORCE BASICS, EXPLAINED: LAWYERS AND LEGAL FEES

    How do I find the best divorce lawyer? - 1:40 What are the best questions to ask a new divorce lawyer? - 4:57 What should I expect from my divorce lawyer? How often should I expect updates from my attorney? What's the best way to get updates from my lawyer? - 9:10 Can I use our joint account to pay for divorce fees? - 11:01 Can I get my attorneys fees paid for by an ex? - 14:00 Can I get divorced without a lawyer? - 15:27 My divorce lawyer isn't doing their job. What now? - 16:49 -- If you would like to listen to this podcast but do not want to have a podcast about this topic on your device, search KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY and you will find a podcast in the true crime category with artwork similar to this show. After about 30 seconds, the true crime intro to that show fades away and this exact podcast will play. Anyone who happens to see your device will not have any idea what the subject matter of KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY is. -- We provide clients with rational, efficient, and effective guidance to resolve their legal disputes. We frequently meditate and reach agreement for our clients on any number of issues, including child custody, temporary and permanent support, post-divorce custody and support modifications and marital property division. We believe that people are more likely to abide by an agreement if they have a role in creating it. However, if litigation is necessary to protect your interests, our attorneys have over 40 years of combined courtroom experience and we are well prepared to stand up for you. If you are in Georgia and would like to talk about how we might be able to help you, please call us at 404-909-8300, or visit us online at smithfileslaw.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    19 min
  4. EPISODE 4

    DIVORCE BASICS EXPLAINED: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FILE

    Does it really matter who files for divorce first? - 1:40 I’m ready to file for divorce, but what do I need to know about our finances? - 5:48 I signed a prenup, but I want a divorce. Now what? - 11:58 What percentage of divorces are settled out of court? - 16:21 What is divorce mediation? - 20:31 -- If you would like to listen to this podcast but do not want to have a podcast about this topic on your device, search KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY and you will find a podcast in the true crime category with artwork similar to this show. After about 30 seconds, the true crime intro to that show fades away and this exact podcast will play. Anyone who happens to see your device will not have any idea what the subject matter of KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY is. -- We provide clients with rational, efficient, and effective guidance to resolve their legal disputes. We frequently meditate and reach agreement for our clients on any number of issues, including child custody, temporary and permanent support, post-divorce custody and support modifications and marital property division. We believe that people are more likely to abide by an agreement if they have a role in creating it. However, if litigation is necessary to protect your interests, our attorneys have over 40 years of combined courtroom experience and we are well prepared to stand up for you. If you are in Georgia and would like to talk about how we might be able to help you, please call us at 404-909-8300, or visit us online at smithfileslaw.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    27 min
  5. EPISODE 5

    NAVIGATING DIVORCE TOGETHER: HOW TO HELP KIDS COPE

    We're divorcing, but I don't know the best way to tell the kids. Help? - 1:40 We're separating, but need to tell our kids. What's the right thing to say? - 4:10 What's the best way to tell our kids about a separation? - 7:04 What should we consider when telling kids about a separation? - 8:49 How will my kids react when I tell them about the divorce? - 16:16 -- If you would like to listen to this podcast but do not want to have a podcast about this topic on your device, search KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY and you will find a podcast in the true crime category with artwork similar to this show. After about 30 seconds, the true crime intro to that show fades away and this exact podcast will play. Anyone who happens to see your device will not have any idea what the subject matter of KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY is. -- We provide clients with rational, efficient, and effective guidance to resolve their legal disputes. We frequently meditate and reach agreement for our clients on any number of issues, including child custody, temporary and permanent support, post-divorce custody and support modifications and marital property division. We believe that people are more likely to abide by an agreement if they have a role in creating it. However, if litigation is necessary to protect your interests, our attorneys have over 40 years of combined courtroom experience and we are well prepared to stand up for you. If you are in Georgia and would like to talk about how we might be able to help you, please call us at 404-909-8300, or visit us online at smithfileslaw.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    22 min
  6. EPISODE 6

    MONEY CHECKLIST - HOW TO FINANCIALLY PREPARE FOR DIVORCE

    Should I open a credit card in my name before filing for divorce? - 1:40 Why is my soon-to-be ex asking for so much in the divorce? - 2:50 Will my ex get to keep the engagement ring I bought? - 5:49 Will I have to split my family inheritance during a divorce? - 7:19 What's the best way to protect my assets during divorce? - 8:01 I'm the family breadwinner. How much will my alimony payments be? (9:10) -- If you would like to listen to this podcast but do not want to have a podcast about this topic on your device, search KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY and you will find a podcast in the true crime category with artwork similar to this show. After about 30 seconds, the true crime intro to that show fades away and this exact podcast will play. Anyone who happens to see your device will not have any idea what the subject matter of KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY is. -- We provide clients with rational, efficient, and effective guidance to resolve their legal disputes. We frequently meditate and reach agreement for our clients on any number of issues, including child custody, temporary and permanent support, post-divorce custody and support modifications and marital property division. We believe that people are more likely to abide by an agreement if they have a role in creating it. However, if litigation is necessary to protect your interests, our attorneys have over 40 years of combined courtroom experience and we are well prepared to stand up for you. If you are in Georgia and would like to talk about how we might be able to help you, please call us at 404-909-8300, or visit us online at smithfileslaw.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    13 min
  7. EPISODE 8

    THE DIVORCE PROCESS EXPLAINED - WHAT TO EXPECT

    Am I legally allowed to date before my divorce is final? - 1:40 Can I give my new partner gifts before I'm legally divorced? - 4:53 What's the best way to communicate with my soon-to-be ex? 6:46 Can I move out of our home after filing for divorce? - 12:41 Is it legal to evict my spouse from our house during a divorce? - 14:44 -- If you would like to listen to this podcast but do not want to have a podcast about this topic on your device, search KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY and you will find a podcast in the true crime category with artwork similar to this show. After about 30 seconds, the true crime intro to that show fades away and this exact podcast will play. Anyone who happens to see your device will not have any idea what the subject matter of KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY is. -- We provide clients with rational, efficient, and effective guidance to resolve their legal disputes. We frequently meditate and reach agreement for our clients on any number of issues, including child custody, temporary and permanent support, post-divorce custody and support modifications and marital property division. We believe that people are more likely to abide by an agreement if they have a role in creating it. However, if litigation is necessary to protect your interests, our attorneys have over 40 years of combined courtroom experience and we are well prepared to stand up for you. If you are in Georgia and would like to talk about how we might be able to help you, please call us at 404-909-8300, or visit us online at smithfileslaw.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    18 min
  8. EPISODE 9

    YOUR KIDS DURING DIVORCE

    Will my kids be asked to testify in our divorce? - 1:40 What is a guardian ad litem? - 6:25 How should I interact with my child’s guardian ad litem? - 10:29 Is it legal to travel with a child during a divorce? - 14:36 Can my kids and I stay on my ex's health insurance plan? - 16:21 -- If you would like to listen to this podcast but do not want to have a podcast about this topic on your device, search KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY and you will find a podcast in the true crime category with artwork similar to this show. After about 30 seconds, the true crime intro to that show fades away and this exact podcast will play. Anyone who happens to see your device will not have any idea what the subject matter of KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY is. -- We provide clients with rational, efficient, and effective guidance to resolve their legal disputes. We frequently meditate and reach agreement for our clients on any number of issues, including child custody, temporary and permanent support, post-divorce custody and support modifications and marital property division. We believe that people are more likely to abide by an agreement if they have a role in creating it. However, if litigation is necessary to protect your interests, our attorneys have over 40 years of combined courtroom experience and we are well prepared to stand up for you. If you are in Georgia and would like to talk about how we might be able to help you, please call us at 404-909-8300, or visit us online at smithfileslaw.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    19 min
  9. EPISODE 10

    NAVIGATING DIVORCE - CHILD CUSTODY ARRANGEMENTS

    What's a custody evaluation and is it right for my case? 1:40 Do moms always win custody? - 4:02 How does a parent’s mental illness affect child custody? - 7:10 I live in a different county than my ex. Will our kids have to go to a new school? - 9:22 Can I include specific rules in our custody arrangement rules for our child I would like my ex to follow? - 10:55 -- If you would like to listen to this podcast but do not want to have a podcast about this topic on your device, search KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY and you will find a podcast in the true crime category with artwork similar to this show. After about 30 seconds, the true crime intro to that show fades away and this exact podcast will play. Anyone who happens to see your device will not have any idea what the subject matter of KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY is. -- We provide clients with rational, efficient, and effective guidance to resolve their legal disputes. We frequently meditate and reach agreement for our clients on any number of issues, including child custody, temporary and permanent support, post-divorce custody and support modifications and marital property division. We believe that people are more likely to abide by an agreement if they have a role in creating it. However, if litigation is necessary to protect your interests, our attorneys have over 40 years of combined courtroom experience and we are well prepared to stand up for you. If you are in Georgia and would like to talk about how we might be able to help you, please call us at 404-909-8300, or visit us online at smithfileslaw.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    14 min
  10. EPISODE 11

    AFTER THE DIVORCE

    I'm a soon-to-be divorced SAHM. Do I need to get another job? OR I am a SAHM. What impact may this have on my divorce? - 1:40 My ex won't pay child support. What are my legal options? - 6:07 Do child support payments always end at age 18? - 8:13 I lost my job. Can I renegotiate spousal/child support payments? - 9:09 I want to change our custody agreement, but the divorce is final. Now what? - 10:47 Do alimony payments last forever? - 13:39 -- If you would like to listen to this podcast but do not want to have a podcast about this topic on your device, search KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY and you will find a podcast in the true crime category with artwork similar to this show. After about 30 seconds, the true crime intro to that show fades away and this exact podcast will play. Anyone who happens to see your device will not have any idea what the subject matter of KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY is. -- We provide clients with rational, efficient, and effective guidance to resolve their legal disputes. We frequently meditate and reach agreement for our clients on any number of issues, including child custody, temporary and permanent support, post-divorce custody and support modifications and marital property division. We believe that people are more likely to abide by an agreement if they have a role in creating it. However, if litigation is necessary to protect your interests, our attorneys have over 40 years of combined courtroom experience and we are well prepared to stand up for you. If you are in Georgia and would like to talk about how we might be able to help you, please call us at 404-909-8300, or visit us online at smithfileslaw.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    15 min
  11. EPISODE 12

    NAVIGATING DIVORCE: LGBTQ+

    Are divorce proceedings different for LGBTQ+ marriages? - 2:01 My spouse gave birth to our child, but I never legally became the second parent. What custody rights do I have? - 2:14 My partner and I lived together before marriage. How will the court split our assets? - 3:39 My lawyer has no experience with LGTBQ+ divorce cases. Does this matter? - 4:55 My ex and I disagree on how to care for our trans child. What now? - 7:30 -- If you would like to listen to this podcast but do not want to have a podcast about this topic on your device, search KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY and you will find a podcast in the true crime category with artwork similar to this show. After about 30 seconds, the true crime intro to that show fades away and this exact podcast will play. Anyone who happens to see your device will not have any idea what the subject matter of KNOT FAMILY MYSTERY is. -- We provide clients with rational, efficient, and effective guidance to resolve their legal disputes. We frequently meditate and reach agreement for our clients on any number of issues, including child custody, temporary and permanent support, post-divorce custody and support modifications and marital property division. We believe that people are more likely to abide by an agreement if they have a role in creating it. However, if litigation is necessary to protect your interests, our attorneys have over 40 years of combined courtroom experience and we are well prepared to stand up for you. If you are in Georgia and would like to talk about how we might be able to help you, please call us at 404-909-8300, or visit us online at smithfileslaw.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    11 min

About

When you first consider changing your family configuration, whether it be divorce or legitimation or a custody action, and whether you've thought about it on your own or your spouse has raised the idea, your brain fills with an extraordinary amount of questions and emotions. The purpose of this podcast is to answer as many of those questions as possible. We want to resolve some of the unknows you're wondering about, and alleviate the fear that comes from that. You might not want people to see you listening to a podcast called “Untying the Knots” and we totally get that. For that reason, we are releasing this same podcast under a different title called The Knot Family Mystery. You can subscribe to and listen to that podcast and anyone who happens to see it on your phone will think that you’re a true crime lover and won’t know you’re listening to a podcast about divorce and family changes. Our hope is that you use this podcast like a search engine by scanning through our show notes or on the podcast tab of our website to see a list of every question that we answer and exactly what episode and time you’ll find us answering your question. Our plan is to update this podcast several times a year, answering new questions (or adding to our answers from old questions) to create the ultimate podcast resource about changing families. Between the two of us we have 45 years of legal experience and we've been involved in over 1,000 family law cases, including our own. We’ve handled same sex marriages, we’ve had clients who have been married and divorced to each other multiple times, we’ve helped people who’ve been married for two weeks and people who have been married for 30 years. We practice law in Georgia and every state is different so we want to give you general information, not specific legal advice. Welcome to Untying the Knots!

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