ATD: All Things Divorce

Merel Family Law
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Join Founder of Merel Family Law Jonathan Merel and his guests as they talk through everything from divorce, relationships, legal miscues and pop culture on ATD: All Things Divorce.

Episodes

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Divorce, Mortgages, And Hard Choices

    What happens when the most emotional decision in a divorce is also the most expensive one? We sit down with top-five loan originator Ben Cohen to map the real choices families face when a house, a mortgage, and a separation collide. From the first “can I keep it?” to the final signatures, we break down how lenders think, what underwriters require, and the smart ways to structure your decree so the numbers actually work. We start with the human side: why determining whether things are amicable shapes the entire financing path. Then we get into the mechanics. You’ll hear the exact rules for using support to qualify—six months of proven payments and at least three years of continuance—and what to do if the timeline won’t fit standard underwriting. Ben explains portfolio solutions like asset depletion, turning lump sums or investment accounts into qualifying income without forced withdrawals, and how that can open doors for a spouse who hasn’t had reportable earnings. Rates are the elephant in the room. Many couples are locked into 3 percent loans, yet need a refinance to remove a name or pay out equity. We dig into the tradeoffs: the risk of staying on a joint mortgage, how to negotiate principal pay-downs or support adjustments to keep payments livable, and the powerful difference between rate-and-term and cash-out refinances. One key tip: clear decree language can classify an equity payout as rate-and-term, often earning better pricing than a cash-out. We also tackle second mortgage hurdles, when an ARM may (or may not) help, and how shifting policy and first-time buyer programs can influence affordability. If you’re navigating a split and a mortgage at the same time, this conversation gives you a playbook: engage a lender early, stress-test scenarios with your attorney, and write your decree to align with lending reality. Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest mortgage question—we’ll tackle it in a future show.

    36 min

  2. 14/11/2025

    Divorce for Business Owners

    When a marriage ends and a business sits at the center, every decision carries weight. We pull back the curtain on how high-net-worth divorces actually work for business owners, from the first request for documents to the last line in a valuation report. With host Jonathan Merel and guests David Zwaska and Ashley Margason, we dig into the real mechanics: what clean books look like, how dissipation and commingling show up in records, and why credibility can be the most valuable asset in the courtroom. We break down the practical checkpoints that shape outcomes. You’ll hear how judges evaluate marital versus non-marital interests, when reimbursement claims matter, and why retained earnings are a constant battleground. We talk strategy around prenuptial agreements—how to define business income, protect reinvested profits, and draft language that stands up under cross-examination. And because valuation is part art and part science, we compare neutral experts versus dueling experts, explore common methodologies, and explain how reputation and rigor sway the decision-maker. The conversation also covers what not to do once a filing lands: changing accounting methods, altering control, or reassigning ownership midstream can erode trust and spike costs. For spouses who co-own a company, we map paths to preserve operations, shield employees, and keep value intact. Finally, we look at structuring buyouts that align with cash flow so the business survives the settlement. If you’re a founder, partner, or owner staring down a split, this is a roadmap to protect your company and your future. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs it, and leave a review with your top question about business valuations or prenups—we’ll tackle it in a future episode.

    28 min

  3. 16/09/2025

    Divorce Myths Debunked

    Have you been told that your divorce will inevitably be a battle to the bitter end? Or perhaps someone convinced you that because your name isn't on the house deed, you have no claim to it? These and other persistent misconceptions about divorce can dramatically affect your decisions and outcomes—often for the worse. In this myth-busting episode, host Jonathan Merel sits down with experienced family law attorneys Brad Kaye and Jaclyn DeSana to demolish the most common divorce myths that lead people astray. Together, they unpack why these misconceptions exist, how they spread through social media, TV portrayals, and well-meaning but misinformed friends, and the real harm they cause to people navigating separation. The attorneys provide clear, practical explanations about everything from property division ("no name, no claim" is completely false) to custody arrangements (no, mothers don't automatically get preference, and children can't simply choose at age 14). They address the truth about fault in divorce proceedings, clarify what constitutes domestic violence beyond physical abuse, and explain why Google cannot replace professional legal counsel. Perhaps most valuable is their insight into how believing these myths can derail your divorce process—causing unnecessary delays, inflated costs, and agreements that may prove unenforceable. As Brad Kaye puts it, "The best attorneys pour water on a fire. They don't pour gasoline on it," highlighting how proper legal counsel often prevents litigation rather than encourages it. Whether you're contemplating divorce, in the middle of proceedings, or supporting someone who is, this episode provides essential clarity that could save you time, money, and emotional distress. Listen now to separate divorce facts from fiction and make decisions based on reality rather than rumor. Have questions about your specific situation? Reach out to the team at MerelFamilyLaw.com for professional guidance tailored to your circumstances.

    27 min

  4. 29/07/2025

    Navigating Modern Love in a Digital World with Ilana Dunn

    Ever wondered why dating feels simultaneously easier and harder than ever before? In this illuminating conversation, dating expert Ilana Dunn pulls back the curtain on modern relationships with refreshing candor and practical wisdom. Ilana shares her fascinating journey from heartbroken music industry professional to Hinge's social media maven to creator of the wildly popular "Seeing Other People" podcast. Her story reminds us that sometimes our greatest setbacks—like being laid off during a pandemic—can become our greatest opportunities when we follow our authentic passion. The digital dating landscape has completely transformed how we connect, but Ilana explains why having more options doesn't necessarily lead to more meaningful relationships. She offers invaluable insights on navigating dating apps effectively, identifying genuine compatibility beyond texting chemistry, and recognizing the most important green and red flags (spoiler: it's about how you feel, not superficial traits). For those in relationships, Ilana shares the communication strategies that prevent small frustrations from becoming relationship-ending resentments. Her creative approach to maintaining excitement through intentional traditions like "date card days" demonstrates how simple thoughtfulness can keep long-term love thriving. Perhaps most powerfully, Ilana provides compassionate guidance for those healing after breakups. Her advice on giving yourself permission to grieve, leaning on your support network strategically, and recognizing when you're truly ready to date again offers a roadmap through one of life's most challenging transitions. Whether you're newly single after divorce, perpetually swiping without success, or seeking to strengthen an existing relationship, this episode delivers practical tools for finding and maintaining authentic connection in our complex digital world.

    44 min

  5. 06/06/2025

    Navigating Divorce: The Revolutionary Role of a Divorce Coach

    The traditional family law approach is being revolutionized, and this groundbreaking conversation between attorney Jonathan Merel and certified divorce coach Kristina Lindsay reveals exactly how. As possibly the nation's only family law firm with an in-house divorce coach, Merel Family Law is pioneering a more holistic approach to divorce representation that addresses both legal needs and profound emotional challenges. Kristina shares her journey from domestic violence advocacy to high-conflict divorce coaching, explaining how she bridges critical gaps in client care. "What a divorce coach does is really we're an expert guide, to walk alongside somebody in the process," she explains, helping with boundaries, co-parenting strategies, and the overwhelming emotional burden that attorneys aren't trained to handle. The episode takes a deep dive into the realities of high-conflict divorces, particularly those involving domestic violence. Kristina's certification in lethality risk assessment allows her to recognize when a situation might turn deadly – revealing shocking statistics like how strangulation history increases murder risk by 750%, and firearm access raises that risk to 1100%. She details the often-overlooked signs of dangerous situations and explains how technology has become both protector and weapon in modern divorce cases. Perhaps most compelling is the discussion of trauma-informed approaches to divorce. "Being trauma informed really means thinking about...in the old way it was what's wrong with you and now it's what happened to you," Kristina explains. This perspective shift helps clients process their experiences, manage court appearances, and ultimately focus forward: "Where are we going to be in six months? Where are we going to be in five years?" Ready to transform your understanding of the divorce journey? Listen now to discover why the future of family law demands more than just legal expertise – it requires compassionate, specialized emotional support for lasting healing.

    27 min

  6. 07/05/2025

    Divorce on Screen: Hollywood's Influence on Modern Breakups

    Divorce stories dominate our screens, social media feeds, and cultural conversations—but why are we so captivated by celebrities splitting up or fictional marriages falling apart? In this fascinating exploration of divorce in pop culture, host Jonathan Merel welcomes attorney Mitchell Dean, a self-proclaimed pop culture expert, to dissect how Hollywood shapes our understanding of marriage dissolution. Mitchell brings a unique perspective as both a practicing family law attorney and a pop culture enthusiast who's tracked celebrity breakups and divorce-themed entertainment for years. Together, they unpack the evolution of divorce portrayals across generations of film and television—from the groundbreaking drama of "Kramer vs. Kramer" to the comedic chaos of "War of the Roses" to the raw emotional honesty of Netflix's "Marriage Story." The conversation delves into why celebrity divorces like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's generate endless headlines while actual world events struggle for attention. Mitchell offers intriguing insights into how these high-profile separations might influence everyday people considering divorce: "Divorce is becoming a much more comfortable thing for people to do, a much more liberating thing... whereas in the past, traditionally, you had to stick it out." Perhaps most valuable is the reality check Mitchell provides about Hollywood versus actual divorce proceedings. While movies showcase dramatic courtroom confrontations, he explains how good attorneys work to "bring down the temperature" and find practical solutions. The episode explores how clients often arrive expecting "World War III" after consuming media portrayals that emphasize conflict over collaboration. Whether you're fascinated by pop culture, considering your own relationship options, or simply curious about how entertainment shapes our perceptions, this episode offers thought-provoking perspectives on why divorce stories continue to captivate our collective imagination. Subscribe, rate, and share your thoughts about the show! Join us next episode when we welcome Christina Lindsay, our in-house divorce coach, for another compelling conversation about navigating relationship transitions.

    27 min

  7. 03/04/2025

    Beyond Legal Jargon: A Fresh Take on All Things Divorce

    Breaking the mold of traditional legal content, the All Things Divorce Podcast launches with host Jonathan Merel and special guest Melissa Caballero Dunn sharing the remarkable journey of building Merel Family Law from the ground up. What began as a Jerry Maguire-style leap of faith during the 2009 financial crisis has flourished into one of Illinois' premier family law practices with over 20 attorneys and 30 team members. This introduction offers listeners a glimpse behind the scenes of a truly modern law firm—complete with an in-house studio, Peloton room, lounge area, and children's rooms within their expansive 25,000 square foot office. While competitors retreated to remote work during the pandemic, Merel Family Law doubled down on creating a vibrant workspace where people genuinely want to be. This commitment to culture and quality talent has become their secret weapon in an industry often perceived as stuffy and outdated. Looking ahead, the ATD podcast promises to deliver content that's anything but boring legal lectures. Future episodes will feature relationship experts, therapists, financial advisors, and entertaining segments on celebrity divorces. Whether you're navigating a divorce, contemplating your relationship, or simply curious about family dynamics, this podcast delivers practical insights wrapped in engaging conversation. Subscribe now for a fresh, honest take on all things divorce from professionals who've transformed how family law is practiced.

    9 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Join Founder of Merel Family Law Jonathan Merel and his guests as they talk through everything from divorce, relationships, legal miscues and pop culture on ATD: All Things Divorce.

Information

  • Creator
    Merel Family Law
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 ATD: All Things Divorce
  • Show Website
    ATD: All Things Divorce