Divorce Dialogues

Katherine Miller

Divorce Dialogues helps people navigate divorce with dignity, clarity, and perspective. Through thoughtful conversations with experts and practitioners, the show explores the emotional, financial, legal, and relational realities of divorce, so listeners can make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and move forward with greater confidence. Because divorce is more than a legal transaction, it’s a deeply human transition.

  1. How to Break Conflict Traps During Divorce with Theresa Lyons

    4H AGO

    How to Break Conflict Traps During Divorce with Theresa Lyons

    Are you emotionally ready for divorce? It’s a question most people don’t consider when starting the process. In this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Katherine Miller and family law expert Theresa Lyons dive into the often overlooked role of emotional readiness in divorce. Theresa shares how the emotional side of divorce can determine the trajectory of the entire process, sometimes more than the legal elements. The conversation uncovers key insights into navigating the process with dignity, prioritizing what really matters, keeping conflict out of your future, and why it’s essential to make thoughtful decisions from the start. Whether you’re facing divorce or helping someone through it, this episode offers practical advice for moving through the process with clarity and confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn: - That divorce is not just a legal process, but a human transition, and how to achieve the emotional and factual readiness needed to make the right decisions and move forward with dignity; - Why understanding the underlying emotions that divorce can trigger is key to resolution, and the most damaging mistake to avoid: using children as pawns; and - How a good lawyer guides clients past emotional reactions to ensure rational decisions aligned with their best interests, leading to long-term well-being instead of momentary choices. Highlights: (00:00) Meet Theresa Lyons (01:37) What Does Emotional Readiness Mean in Divorce? (03:31) The "Gotcha" Moment vs. Tactical Punch in the Mouth (05:28) How Lies in Divorce Impact the Court of Law vs. Court of Public Opinion (09:16) How Emotion Shapes Legal Strategy in Divorce Negotiation (14:08) Understanding Why Parents Use Children in Divorce and How to Avoid Conflict Traps (18:04) How to Avoid the Most Costly Mistakes in Divorce (26:00) The Reframe About our guest, Theresa Lyons Website: https://www.lyonspc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyonsandassociates/ 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/

    29 min
  2. How Childhood Patterns Shape Conflict in Marriage and Divorce with Sayany Ortega

    MAR 19

    How Childhood Patterns Shape Conflict in Marriage and Divorce with Sayany Ortega

    Divorce is often treated as a legal ending. In reality, it is a deeply emotional transition that can bring long-standing patterns, assumptions, and unresolved experiences to the surface. In this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Katherine Miller speaks with CEO & Founder of Love Solutions Consulting, Sayany Ortega about what really happens beneath the legal process of divorce. Their conversation explores how resentment, unmet expectations, and unspoken personal histories can shape the way couples communicate, separate, and move forward. They also reflect on what helps people regain a sense of identity and self-respect during this time, and why compassion, accountability, and clearer communication can make a meaningful difference, especially when children are involved. If divorce is more than a legal process, what does it take to navigate it with greater clarity and dignity? This conversation offers a thoughtful perspective for anyone trying to understand that path forward. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How unspoken expectations and past experiences shape relationship conflict; - Why divorce often requires rebuilding identity and self-respect; and - That protecting children caught in the middle of their parents' divorce requires the essential separation of conflict from the act of parenting. Highlights: (00:00) Meet Sayany Ortega (01:34) When Hidden Resentment And Suppressed Emotions Surface In Divorce (06:53) How Unspoken Expectations Quietly Break Down Relationships (08:02) Rebuilding Identity And Self-Respect During Divorce (18:35) Why Children Should Never Become Allies In Divorce (22:37) Rediscovering Who You Are Outside The Marriage About our guest, Sayany Ortega Website: https://www.yourlovesolution.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sayany-ortega-014bb327/ Book a free consultation at welcome@yourlovesolution.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/

    31 min
  3. Navigating Financial Uncertainty During Divorce with Julia Shteynberg

    MAR 12

    Navigating Financial Uncertainty During Divorce with Julia Shteynberg

    Divorce doesn’t just change your relationships — it can completely reshape your financial life. So how do you move from uncertainty and fear to clarity and control? On this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Katherine Miller speaks with Julia Shteynberg, a financial and mindset coach. Drawing on two decades of corporate finance experience, Julia now focuses on helping high-earning women gain financial clarity, confidence, and control, particularly as they navigate significant life changes such as divorce. Offering essential guidance for individuals facing the financial challenges of divorce, Julia’s approach begins with practical steps to gain clarity, such as understanding your cash flow and tracking your expenses. Sit in on the conversation about the emotional and practical strategies for managing financial uncertainty, focusing on empowering individuals to own their financial future during this transition and overcome feelings of shame. Tune in for actionable advice on managing finances with intention and building a confident, financially secure life post-divorce. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Understanding the critical role of cash flow management during the transition of divorce; - To embrace the process of acquiring financial knowledge and learning without self-criticism; and - Recognizing that making deliberate financial decisions, guided by your personal values, leads to a future that is both secure and empowering. Highlights: (00:00) Meet Julia Shteynberg (01:10) Understanding Your Cash Flow for Divorce (04:12) Overcoming Shame Around Money (07:58) Financial Roles in Relationships (10:00) Starting with Cash Flow After Separation (24:22) Moving from Scarcity to Financial Strategy About our guest, Julia Shteynberg Website: https://www.moneycoachjulia.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliashteynberg/ 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/

    27 min
  4. What Parents Need to Know About Divorce’s Impact on Kids with Dr. Erica Komisar

    MAR 5

    What Parents Need to Know About Divorce’s Impact on Kids with Dr. Erica Komisar

    What if your divorce could be a pathway to preserving your child’s emotional security? In this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Dr. Erica Komisar, psychoanalyst and author of The Parents' Guide to Divorce, joins Katherine Miller in exploring how parents can navigate the emotional complexities of divorce while prioritizing their children's well-being. They discuss the impact of separation on kids and the importance of fostering an amicable co-parenting environment, even in challenging circumstances. Tune in for crucial insights on how parents can navigate separation while prioritizing their children's well-being and avoiding common emotional pitfalls that can make a lasting difference for children in divorce. In this episode, you’ll learn: Valuable insights on how to avoid common mistakes parents make during divorce; The best practice to protect children from adult pain; and How to find ways to preserve family stability. Highlights: (00:00) Meet Dr. Erica Komisar (01:31) How Divorce Lands for Kids Emotionally (05:52) Not Forgetting the Children in the Conversation (10:13) What Children of Divorce Wish Their Parents Knew (18:40) Staying and Separating, and Both Their Consequences (20:49) The Reframe About our guest, Dr. Erica Komisar Website: http://ericakomisar.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-komisar-lcsw-305bb218/ Purchase “The Parent's Guide to Divorce” at: https://www.ericakomisar.com/the-parents-guide-to-divorce 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/

    24 min
  5. Coercion and Power Imbalances in High-Conflict Divorce - with Lyerly Spongberg

    JAN 29

    Coercion and Power Imbalances in High-Conflict Divorce - with Lyerly Spongberg

    "Always try to keep children in the center and out of the middle of whatever that is." - Lyerly Spongberg" - Lyerly Spongberg Lyerly Spongberg is a dedicated divorce coach whose personal journey through a high-conflict divorce as a single mother deeply informs her professional practice. She views high-conflict divorce as a deeply human experience that affects every aspect of life, from identity and emotional well-being to finances and children. Drawing from her own experiences, Spongberg describes the process as overwhelming, akin to being blindfolded and thrown into a washing machine, emphasizing the need for comprehensive preparation and support during this full-body, full-life transition. By utilizing her expertise as a DCA certified ADR divorce coach and co-parenting specialist, she helps clients navigate these complexities, reduce conflict, and make decisions aligned with their values and future aspirations, with a particular focus on minimizing power imbalances and prioritizing children's well-being. Key Takeaways ->Divorce is described as overwhelming and depressing, impacting every aspect of life. ->Emotional challenges during divorce include identity crisis, chaos, and grounding oneself. ->Patterns in high-conflict divorces involve power imbalances, coercion, and emotional manipulation. ->Co-parenting after divorce requires prioritizing children's well-being and considering their emotional needs. ->Parallel parenting minimizes conflict exposure for children by reducing interaction between parents. ->Coercive control in divorce affects autonomy, financial control, and emotional abuse. ->Divorce coaches offer support, guidance, and help individuals make clear decisions during the challenging Connect with Lyerly Spongberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyerly-spongberg-2968483/ https://stepupwithlyerly.com/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

    33 min
  6. Asset Division: Community Property vs. Equitable Distribution - with Diana Romanov

    JAN 22

    Asset Division: Community Property vs. Equitable Distribution - with Diana Romanov

    "For men it's important to feel appreciated, and for women, it is very important to be in charge." - Diana Romanov Diana Romanov, an experienced family law attorney, draws deeply from her own profound personal journey with divorce to guide her clients with empathy and insight. Having navigated a challenging separation while balancing life as an immigrant in the U.S. and studying for the bar exam, she understands the emotional and logistical complexities that can accompany marital dissolution. Romanov's unique perspective emphasizes the importance of building a supportive team that includes therapists to address the emotional aspects of divorce, complementing practical legal advice with compassionate support. Her approach, which advocates for mediation and acknowledges the differing asset division laws in various states, equips her clients to achieve a balanced and informed resolution to their divorce proceedings. Key Takeaways ->Personal experience with divorce influences Diana Romanov's counseling approach for clients. ->Emotional support is crucial in divorce, balancing empathy, compassion, and practical legal guidance. ->Diana Romanov emphasizes the benefits of mediation in divorce cases for cost-effectiveness and emotional sustainability. ->Differences between community property states like California and equitable distribution states like New York impact asset division in divorce. ->Understanding the source of assets in divorce is important, as seen through Diana Romanov's analogy of an apple tree. Connect with Diana Romanov: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanovska/ https://www.romanovlaw.com/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

    27 min
  7. Mental Health Impact in Family Law Cases - with Dr. Lama Bazzi

    JAN 15

    Mental Health Impact in Family Law Cases - with Dr. Lama Bazzi

    "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/

    31 min
  8. Fostering Stability: Empowering Families Through Divorce Challenges - with Vivian Meraki

    JAN 8

    Fostering Stability: Empowering Families Through Divorce Challenges - with Vivian Meraki

    "I saw the shift and when I saw the shift, I felt like this is something that is clearly working for our family and it's something that I really have a desire to help other families with, that we can." - Vivian Meraki Vivian Meraki, a renowned parenting expert with over two decades of experience, offers a transformative perspective on the challenges of parenting through divorce. Inspired by her own experiences, she addresses the high anxiety children often face during this transition, emphasizing the importance of fostering emotional safety and connection. Through her work as a somatic coach, Vivian developed practical tools, such as a 10-minute "heart to heart" connection ritual, to strengthen parent-child relationships and enhance emotional resilience. Her approach, detailed in her best-selling book "Parenting Through Divorce," reframes divorce as a change in alignment rather than a failure, advocating for practices that reduce suffering and foster stability, ultimately empowering families to navigate this difficult time with dignity and understanding. Key Takeaways -Empowering families during difficult times like divorce is crucial for bringing stability to children's lives -Creating a strong connection ritual like 'heart to heart' can help parents stay present and connected with their children -Refocusing divorce as a change in alignment rather than a failure can empower families to navigate challenges with dignity -Emotional safety and communication are key in helping children cope with stress during divorce -Trusting a child's body cues and teaching them to listen to their instincts fosters emotional resilience and self-trust -The 'heart to heart' connection ritual involves setting aside distractions to engage with each child and build a stronger foundation for the future Connect with Vivian Meraki: https://instagram.com/vivianmeraki https://linkedin.com/in/vivianmeraki Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

    27 min
4.6
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Divorce Dialogues helps people navigate divorce with dignity, clarity, and perspective. Through thoughtful conversations with experts and practitioners, the show explores the emotional, financial, legal, and relational realities of divorce, so listeners can make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and move forward with greater confidence. Because divorce is more than a legal transaction, it’s a deeply human transition.

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