Divorce and Money

Ever After Wealth®

Marriage is about love. Divorce is about money. The Divorce & Money Podcast with Gabriella E. Martinelli, CDFA®, CDS®, helps high earners, professionals, and business owners navigate the financial side of divorce with clarity and strategy. As Founder of Ever After Wealth®, Gabriella draws from 20+ years of experience working with attorneys and clients to protect assets, avoid costly mistakes, and build a confident financial future. Listen in for expert insights, real stories, and smart divorce strategies.

  1. 2D AGO

    20. Facing Demands That Don’t Make Sense | The Psychology of Divorce Decisions, Pt. 2

    What happens when you’re doing everything “right”... and it’s still not enough? In this second episode of the series, Gabriella explores what it feels like to be the spouse carrying the financial weight of divorce while facing demands that feel impossible, emotionally charged, or completely detached from reality. She breaks down how fear, guilt, and social pressure twist negotiations, and why even fair offers can be rejected when pain is driving the process. With real client stories and insights for high earners, this conversation reframes clarity not as control, but as a path to peace. Resources mentioned: When Trusting the Wrong Person Feels Safer Than Protecting Yourself - Gabriella’s blog on the neuroscience behind financial fear and trauma bonding in divorce Some key takeaways from this episode:: Social pressure skews what feels “fair.” Friends, family, and social media often feed unrealistic expectations, and those distortions derail real financial conversations. Breadwinners carry more than numbers. High earners often feel judged on their morality, not just money, which can push them into unsustainable agreements just to feel like they did the “right” thing. Clarity isn’t about control, it’s about peace. A neutral expert can shift emotional chaos into fact-based solutions that serve both sides long-term. Marriage is about love, but divorce is about money. The Divorce & Money Podcast, hosted by Gabriella E. Martinelli, CDFA®, CDS®, is all about how to navigate your separation and divorce so you can set yourself up for a strong financial future. Gabriella is the Founder at Ever After Wealth®, a divorce financial strategy firm.  Connect with Gabriella & Ever After Wealth:  Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Facebook

    23 min
  2. FEB 10

    19. Litigation vs. Mediation vs. Collaborative Law | Choosing the Right Divorce Process with Mediator, Susan Guthrie

    Most people think divorce starts by hiring an attorney. But in this episode, Gabriella and seasoned mediator Susan Guthrie break down why how you begin the process can shape your financial future more than anything else. They explore the real differences between litigation, collaborative divorce, and mediation, not in theory, but in practice, especially for high-net-worth couples. From the hidden risks of courtroom battles to the emotional pressure points of collaborative law, this episode offers clarity for anyone facing major decisions about when and how to begin. Gabriella and Susan also unpack the financial blind spots professionals often overlook, and what kind of support actually helps spouses make clear, lasting decisions. Susan E. Guthrie is a nationally recognized family law attorney, mediator, and host of the Divorce & Beyond podcast, where she’s helped thousands of people navigate divorce with clarity and self-determination. Connect with Susan: Divorce and Beyond Podcast Resources mentioned: Top 10 Questions to Ask a Potential Divorce Mediator In this episode you’ll learn… Mediation prioritizes your future, not your fight. Unlike litigation and even collaborative law, mediation empowers couples to stay in control and co-create outcomes; especially helpful in complex financial divorces. Your best first step is education, not litigation. The biggest mistakes happen when people hire attorneys in the heat of fear or anger. Slow down, get educated, and talk to three mediators or collaborative attorneys before deciding. Support levels the playing field. Financial educators and divorce coaches can ensure less financially experienced spouses aren’t left behind -- leading to smarter, more lasting agreements for everyone involved. Marriage is about love, but divorce is about money. The Divorce & Money Podcast, hosted by Gabriella E. Martinelli, CDFA®, CDS®, is all about how to navigate your separation and divorce so you can set yourself up for a strong financial future. Gabriella is the Founder at Ever After Wealth®, a divorce financial strategy firm.  Connect with Gabriella & Ever After Wealth:  Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Facebook

    47 min
  3. JAN 27

    18. How Financial Fear Hijacks Divorce | The Psychology of Divorce Decisions, Pt. 1

    Why do smart, successful women stay quiet when money is on the line? In this first episode of a three-part series, Gabriella dives into the psychology of divorce decisions -- specifically, how financial fear takes over when clarity is needed most. She unpacks how trauma bonding disrupts your survival instincts, how financial abuse hides in plain sight, and why getting informed isn’t just smart, it’s life-changing. With real client stories and real neuroscience, Gabriella shows why this isn’t about weakness, it’s about wiring, and how knowledge can bring you back to power. Resources mentioned: When Trusting the Wrong Person Feels Safer Than Protecting Yourself - Gabriella’s blog on the neuroscience behind financial fear and trauma bonding in divorce Some key takeaways from this episode: Trauma bonding isn’t weakness -- it’s survival. Financial fear often comes from real emotional wiring, not a lack of intelligence or strength. Understanding the neuroscience helps reclaim control. Clarity doesn’t threaten your marriage; it protects your future. Getting informed isn’t a declaration of divorce, it’s how you protect your rights and prepare for any outcome. Financial abuse hides in plain sight. It often looks like love, protection, or “just how things are.” Recognizing the signs is the first step toward change. Marriage is about love, but divorce is about money. The Divorce & Money Podcast, hosted by Gabriella E. Martinelli, CDFA®, CDS®, is all about how to navigate your separation and divorce so you can set yourself up for a strong financial future. Gabriella is the Founder at Ever After Wealth®, a divorce financial strategy firm.  Connect with Gabriella & Ever After Wealth:  Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Facebook

    23 min
  4. JAN 13

    17. Why We Need to Talk About Men & Divorce with Karen McMahon, a High-Stakes Divorce Strategist

    Divorce doesn’t just disrupt finances, it shatters identity. And for many men, especially high achievers, it’s a silent unraveling. In this conversation, Gabriella is joined by Karen McMahon, High Conflict Divorce Strategist and Founder of Journey Beyond Divorce, to unpack why men often face divorce isolated, emotionally shut down, and without a roadmap for recovery. They explore how shame, societal pressure, and outdated roles keep men from getting the support they need -- and why emotional regulation isn’t just healing, it’s a financial strategy. If you’re a man in the midst of divorce (or supporting one), this episode will shift how you think about strength, leadership, and rebuilding after loss. Karen McMahon is a Certified Divorce Coach and High Conflict Divorce Strategist who has spent over 14 years helping men and women navigate the most emotionally charged divorces. She leads a national coaching team and hosts the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast. Connect with Karen: Podcast Website Book a Complimentary Coaching Session karen@journeybeyonddivorce.com Some key takeaways from this episode: Men aren’t broken, they’re unresourced. Most men are taught to suppress emotion and “handle it,” which backfires in divorce. Emotional skill-building is essential. Support isn’t weakness, it’s protection. Whether it’s a coach, a men’s group, or a financial expert, having the right team helps men protect their kids, wealth, and wellbeing. You can’t make smart decisions from survival mode. Strategic divorce planning starts with regulating your nervous system, and that’s not something you do alone. Marriage is about love, but divorce is about money. The Divorce & Money Podcast, hosted by Gabriella E. Martinelli, CDFA®, CDS®, is all about how to navigate your separation and divorce so you can set yourself up for a strong financial future. Gabriella is the Founder at Ever After Wealth®, a divorce financial strategy firm.  Connect with Gabriella & Ever After Wealth:  Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Facebook

    49 min
  5. 12/16/2025

    16. When Facebook Advice Derails Your Divorce with Theresa Viera | A CDFA® and an Attorney React to Facebook Divorce Advice

    Scrolling for support during divorce? Be careful who you listen to. In this episode, Gabriella sits down with North Carolina family law attorney Theresa Viera of Modern Legal to react to real questions, and dangerously misleading answers, posted in Facebook divorce groups. Together, they unpack the legal and financial risks of taking advice from strangers online and highlight the serious consequences of misinformation in divorce. From illegal “quick fixes” to the myth of the “bulldog attorney,” this conversation offers clarity, caution, and concrete steps for navigating divorce the right way. Theresa Viera is a family law attorney, certified mediator, and founder of Modern Legal, a North Carolina-based law firm redefining how families engage with the legal system. She is also the host of The Legal Lounge podcast, where she brings no-nonsense insight to tough family law topics.  Connect with Theresa: Website Podcast Some key takeaways from this episode include: Social media is not legal advice. Relying on Facebook posts or hearsay from non-professionals can lead to legal violations like perjury and seriously backfire in your divorce case. There’s no such thing as a “bulldog attorney.” What many people think they need in a lawyer - aggression, theatrics - is often a red flag. The right attorney listens, strategizes, and operates ethically within the system. Don’t move money or assets without a legal plan. Transferring property or consolidating accounts before orders are in place can derail your case and expose you to serious legal consequences. Marriage is about love, but divorce is about money. The Divorce & Money Podcast, hosted by Gabriella E. Martinelli, CDFA®, CDS®, is all about how to navigate your separation and divorce so you can set yourself up for a strong financial future. Gabriella is the Founder at Ever After Wealth®, a divorce financial strategy firm.  Connect with Gabriella & Ever After Wealth:  Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Facebook

    53 min
  6. 12/02/2025

    15. The E.A.W. Divorce Strategy Framework™ | Part 2: The Step-By-Step Process That Turns Chaos Into Clarity

    When divorce upends your life, the hardest part is knowing where to begin. Most people are flooded with fear, urgency, and emotion - and without a roadmap, they make decisions that cost them far more than money. That’s exactly why I created the E.A.W. Divorce Strategy Framework™. In this second part of our series, I’m breaking down the signature process I use to help clients shift from reactive choices to intentional strategy, so they can protect their stability, their sanity, and their long-term financial future. Resources mentioned: More information on The E.A.W. Divorce Strategy Framework™ Some key takeaways from this episode include: Urgency is emotional, not strategic. When you don’t yet have the full financial landscape, “What do I do first?” is the wrong question. The E.A.W. Divorce Strategy Framework™ helps you ask the right ones instead. A clear sequence protects you from costly mistakes. Following a structured process keeps you from making reactive decisions that might feel good today but create long-term financial consequences. Survival mode doesn’t build your next chapter. Strategy does. The moment you shift from panic to informed planning, you reclaim power, clarity, and the ability to make decisions that set you up for your strongest future. Marriage is about love, but divorce is about money. The Divorce & Money Podcast, hosted by Gabriella E. Martinelli, CDFA®, CDS®, is all about how to navigate your separation and divorce so you can set yourself up for a strong financial future. Gabriella is the Founder at Ever After Wealth®, a divorce financial strategy firm.  Connect with Gabriella & Ever After Wealth:  Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Facebook

    32 min
  7. 11/18/2025

    14. Protecting Your Private Practice Playbook | Part 1: The Financial Blind Spots Physicians Can’t Afford to Miss

    When you own a private practice, divorce introduces a level of financial risk most physicians never see coming. Your income, your reputation, and the practice you’ve spent years building can all become leverage in negotiations if you don’t know where the blind spots are. In this first part of my private-practice series, I’m breaking down the unique vulnerabilities medical professionals face, from inflated valuations to reputation-driven earning assumptions, and the strategic steps that protect your practice long before divorce papers are filed. Some key takeaways from this episode include: Personal vs. enterprise goodwill plays a major role in practice valuation, and the distinction can mean the difference between a fair outcome and a multimillion-dollar hit. Courts often base support obligations on earning capacity, not current hours or burnout-driven changes in workload, which can dramatically distort your financial reality. Clean books, consistent documentation, and early valuation benchmarks give physicians the strongest protection when divorce enters the picture. Marriage is about love, but divorce is about money. The Divorce & Money Podcast, hosted by Gabriella E. Martinelli, CDFA®, CDS®, is all about how to navigate your separation and divorce so you can set yourself up for a strong financial future. Gabriella is the Founder at Ever After Wealth®, a divorce financial strategy firm.  Connect with Gabriella & Ever After Wealth:  Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Facebook

    32 min
  8. 11/05/2025

    13. “I Wish I Had a CDFA®” | What One Woman Wishes She Knew Before Her Divorce with Colleen Odegaard

    Colleen Odegaard’s story is one of heartbreak, shock, and hard-earned wisdom. In this episode, Gabriella talks with Colleen about the emotional fog that followed her husband’s sudden decision to leave, the costly financial choices that happen when you try to handle everything alone, and why she wishes she’d had a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® from the start. Together, they unpack what really happens when emotions lead, why trusting your attorney to handle “the numbers” isn’t enough, and how learning to ask for help can change everything, financially and emotionally. Colleen Odegaard is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-host of the Charlotte Today Show. She hosts the award-winning podcast Wake Up to Your Life where she shares her experience of reinventing herself in her 50s, dating after divorce, and healing her inner child to create a peaceful, fulfilling life. Connect with Colleen: Instagram Wake Up to Your Life Podcast Some key takeaways from this episode include: When you’re in emotional survival mode, it’s easy to make financial decisions you’ll later regret, but those early choices can shape your entire future. Attorneys handle the law, they don’t build your financial strategy. A CDFA® shows you what’s really on the table before you agree to anything. Investing in expert support isn’t a luxury, it’s self-protection. You deserve clarity, stability, and someone who knows how to safeguard your future. Marriage is about love, but divorce is about money. The Divorce & Money Podcast, hosted by Gabriella E. Martinelli, CDFA®, CDS®, is all about how to navigate your separation and divorce so you can set yourself up for a strong financial future. Gabriella is the Founder at Ever After Wealth®, a divorce financial strategy firm.  Connect with Gabriella & Ever After Wealth:  Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Facebook

    44 min

About

Marriage is about love. Divorce is about money. The Divorce & Money Podcast with Gabriella E. Martinelli, CDFA®, CDS®, helps high earners, professionals, and business owners navigate the financial side of divorce with clarity and strategy. As Founder of Ever After Wealth®, Gabriella draws from 20+ years of experience working with attorneys and clients to protect assets, avoid costly mistakes, and build a confident financial future. Listen in for expert insights, real stories, and smart divorce strategies.