Off the Fence with Karen Covy: Mastering Decision Making, Divorce & More

Karen Covy
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When your future is on the line, making the right decision can feel impossible—especially when emotions are high, the stakes are huge, and the pressure is real. Karen Covy, a nationally recognized divorce coach, lawyer, mediator, and decision strategist with over 30 years of experience, Karen helps high-achieving professionals navigate life's toughest crossroads with clarity and confidence.  Each week on the top-ranking Off the Fence podcast, Karen sits down with thought leaders, industry experts, and people who’ve been through it all to unpack what it really takes to make smart, strategic decisions - whether you're facing a divorce, navigating complicated relationship dynamics, or reinventing your life. Ranked among the top 10% of 4.5 million global podcasts, the Off the Fence podcast offers real talk, practical insights, and powerful strategies for navigating divorce, career pivots, relationship challenges, and midlife transformation with clarity and purpose. If you're standing at a crossroads and wondering what’s next, this podcast will help you get off the fence—and into action. 👉 Get show notes and resources at https://karencovy.com/podcast

  1. 5d ago

    The Divorce Tax Mistakes Most People Miss

    You thought your divorce settlement gave you a fresh start - until an old tax bill pulled you right back into your ex’s financial problems. Tax liens, unpaid taxes, and overlooked filing choices can complicate even the most carefully negotiated divorce. In this podcast episode CPA and IRS tax resolution specialist Patrick Wanzer explains how to spot divorce tax mistakes before they derail your financial future. Patrick shares real client stories that show how much is at stake.  For example, one woman turned what looked like a tax debt of several thousand dollars into an $18,000 refund by taking advantage of a filing status most people never think about during divorce.  Another client found that the divorce decree his lawyer approved of was impossible to follow because of a tax lien that no one had checked for.  This conversation with Patrick touches on tax debts, payment plans, and why a settlement that looks like a perfect 50-50 split on paper may be very different in reality.  The conversation also explores what happens when a tax debt outlasts your marriage, what innocent spouse relief may offer, and how a tax lien can interfere with selling your home. Understanding these issues before you sign can help you ask better questions and negotiate a divorce settlement with a clearer picture of your financial future. If you’re headed toward divorce, or you work with people who are, this is a practical look at the questions worth asking before you sign anything. About Patrick Patrick H. Wanzer, CPA, CTRC, CDS, is a Certified Public Accountant with over a decade of experience and ten years dedicated to IRS Tax Resolution. His practice focuses on empowering individuals and businesses to resolve complex tax issues, stand up to the IRS, and regain financial stability through tailored solutions like Offers-in-Compromise and Installment Agreements. Patrick is also a Certified Tax Representation Consultant, Certified Divorce Specialist, National Trainer with Tax Rep LLC, and author of five books, including Break Free From the IRS: Taxes & Divorce and Break Free From the IRS – Gray Divorce Tax Strategies for Dividing Life’s Second Half. Outside of work, Patrick enjoys reading, watching football, and spending time with his wife, Kimberly, and their dog, Lucy. Connect with Patrick You can connect with Patrick on LinkedIn at Patrick Wanzer. To learn more about how to work with Patrick, visit his website at Breakthrough Tax Resolution. He has just launched his YouTube channel, Breakthrough Tax Resolution, where they offer tax tips and advice for those with IRS issues. You can also sign up to receive a free digital copy of his latest book, Break Free From the IRS – Gray Divorce Tax Strategies for Dividing Life's Second Half, here. Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube. You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.

  2. Oct 21

    How a "No Fight Divorce" Saves Time and Money

    Most people don’t want a bitter, drawn-out divorce, yet many end up in one simply because that’s how the system is set up. Rock Rocheleau, a Las Vegas divorce attorney who has spent years watching couples fight over things they’d mostly agreed on, thinks there’s a better way to begin. His firm has built an approach around what he calls a “no-fight divorce,” and the idea is simpler than you’d expect. In this podcast episode, Rock explains why the court system tends to turn a family problem into a legal battle, and why a single piece of paper can change how two spouses talk to each other. You’ll hear how his firm uses an online structured negotiation tool and an AI assistant to help couples understand the rules of divorce, trade proposals, and avoid having the kinds of conversations that make things worse.  You’ll also discover why he no longer bills clients by the hour, focusing instead on task-based flat fees. Those make the price of fighting more visible and enable clients to clearly weigh the cost of fighting over the value of what they’re fighting for.  Rock also gets honest about the limits of self-representation, alerting clients to situations where NOT having a lawyer could hurt their case. Whether you’re facing divorce, are a divorce professional, or you’re just curious about whether there’s a less painful path through divorce, this episode is worth a listen. About Rock Rock Rocheleau is the managing attorney at Right Lawyers in Las Vegas, Nevada, a firm dedicated exclusively to handling divorce and custody cases. Rock and his firm stand out by utilizing flat-fee pricing rather than traditional hourly rates, bringing predictability and transparency to their clients. Recognized for their exceptional service and dedication to families in transition, Rock and Right Lawyers have been voted Best of Las Vegas Divorce Lawyer eight times in a row. Connect with Rock You can follow Rock on YouTube at @Rightlawyers. To learn more about his work, visit Right Lawyers, and to explore his new AI-assisted legal service, visit No Fight Divorce. Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube. You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.

  3. Oct 14

    Telling the Truth in Divorce Court WON'T Set You Free

    The scariest part of divorce court isn’t knowing you’re right. It’s realizing that being right may not be enough. In this podcast episode, family law attorney Wendy Hernandez, who has spent 27 years in Arizona family courtrooms, explains why preparation is what turns your facts, evidence, and story into something a judge can actually use, and why simply walking into court expecting “the truth” to win can be a costly mistake. From understanding the rules of family court to deciding which battles are worth fighting, Wendy breaks down what it really takes to prepare for divorce. She also reveals what really happens at a divorce trial, where tight time limits, credibility problems, unexpected objections, and a judge’s discretion can dramatically affect the outcome … even when you believe you have a strong case. We also explore why settling can give you something trial never can: more control over what happens next.  Whether you have a lawyer, are considering representing yourself, or are trying to decide whether to settle or keep fighting, understanding the divorce process before you make your next move could save you money, reduce uncertainty, and change the way you approach your divorce. About Wendy Wendy Hernandez has spent 27 years in Arizona family courtrooms, guiding thousands of clients through divorce, custody, and child support with preparation instead of false hope. She is the creator of Command the Courtroom, a popular YouTube channel and education platform with over 46,000 subscribers and 5 million views worldwide. Drawing from decades of courtroom experience, Wendy distills complex legal processes into plain-language strategies, empowering individuals—whether represented or self-represented—to navigate the family court system with clarity, confidence, and peace. Connect with Wendy You can connect with Wendy on Facebook at Command the Courtroom. You can follow Wendy on YouTube at @Commandthecourtroom and on Instagram at commandthecourtroom. To learn more about her book, Legally Ending Love: A Courtroom Savvy Guide to Divorce and Beyond, and access free resources, visit her website at Legally Ending Love. Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube. You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.

  4. Oct 7

    You’ve Had the Same Marriage Fight 100 Times. Now What?

    You can be brilliant, successful, and logical and still feel helpless in the one place that matters most: your closest relationships. In this podcast episode, Dre Baldwin, a former professional athlete turned performance coach, explains why high-achieving people can struggle to make difficult decisions in their relationships, even when they know something needs to change. He explores the mental blocks, rationalizations, and blind spots that can keeps people locked in the same marriage fight instead of confronting what’s really going on. Dre presents a practical way to approach relationship problems before they turn into resentment. HE also shares how to raise a difficult issue, get your partner engaged in the conversation, and figure out whether you’re dealing with a problem that can actually be solved or a circumstance you may just have to accept … or not. Dre also explains why waiting until you have complete clarity before making a decision can keep you frozen, and how taking action can reveal information you simply can’t get by thinking harder. This conversation also digs into a challenge many successful professionals face: the skills that make you a strong leader at work can create conflict when you bring them home.  Dre explores how power, judgment, communication, and curiosity affect connection, and why changing the way you approach a difficult conversation can sometimes change the response you get. Most importantly, he shows how learning to listen for what isn’t being said may be just as important as finding the right words to say. About Dre Dre Baldwin is the founder of Work On Your Game®, a performance system for executives, business owners, and organizations. A former 9-year professional athlete, 4-time TEDx speaker, and author of 43 books, his work has reached over 100 million people worldwide. Dre helps leaders install execution discipline, decision-making structure, and executive presence—eliminating inconsistency and improving organizational performance through repeatable systems. Connect with Dre You can connect with Dre on Facebook at Work On Your Game University. You can follow Dre on YouTube at @DreAllDay, on X at @DreAllDay, on Instagram at DreBaldwin, and listen to his podcast Work On Your Game. You can also get a free copy of his book, The Third Day: The Decision That Separates the Pros from the Amateurs, here. If you’re interested in learning more about Dre’s Power Presence Protocol, visit the appropriate link below: For Leaders & Operators: → http://www.PowerPresenceProtocol.com For Teams: → http://www.WorkOnYourGame.com/ERI Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube. You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.

  5. Sep 30

    Why Your Divorce Fight Isn't Really About Money

    A late-night phone call from a terrified eight-year-old changed how one divorce attorney thinks about conflict forever. In this podcast episode, family law attorney and mediator Sharon deFala shares the story behind that call, and how it pushed her away from conducting divorce fights in court and toward resolving them in a calmer, more compassionate way. What she's learned along the way challenges a lot of assumptions about what actually damages kids, and what keeps exes fighting long after the marriage is over. Sharon breaks down why so many divorce disputes never seem to end, even when the money at stake is small. Sharon discovered that most drawn-out legal fights aren't really about assets or unfairness at all, but about something much harder to let go of.  Sharon explores why some couples remain emotionally attached to the fight, how outside opinions can derail a settlement that actually works, and why dealing with a high-conflict spouse may require you to stop trying to change them and start looking for another path to your goal. By shifting the focus from winning, fairness, and rigid legal positions to dealing with the everyday realities both you and your ex will soon face, you can change your entire divorce process.   What's more, the choices you make during your divorce will determine whether you carry the conflict with you long after the divorce is over. If you're embroiled in a divorce fight that seems like it will never end, this podcast episode may just change the entire course of your divorce. About Sharon Sharon Oberst DeFala is a family law attorney, mediator, holistic divorce professional, and Reiki Master who has been helping individuals and families navigate life's transitions with compassion and clarity since 1992. Known as the "divorce attorney with a heart," Sharon combines decades of legal experience with a holistic approach that prioritizes not only the outcome of a divorce, but how clients move through the process. She is also the author of the book, Love Your Divorce: Your Guide to a Holistic Happier Ever After. Connect with Sharon You can connect with Sharon on Facebook at Sharon DeFala and follow her on Instagram at sharondefala. To learn more about Sharon's work and her book, Love Your Divorce: Your Guide to a Holistic Happier Ever After, connect with her via her social media channels. Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube. You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.

  6. Sep 23

    Menopause and Marriage: Why You’re Questioning Everything Now

    Somewhere between 35 and 40, your body starts a hormonal countdown that can quietly change the way you see your marriage, your career, and even yourself. Women’s health and fitness expert Corry Matthews explains how intertwined menopause and marriage can be and how hormonal changes that begin in your mid-30s can do far more than cause hot flashes. They can affect your mood, metabolism, confidence, relationships, and even your ability to make clear decisions.  Corry explores what happens when shifting estrogen and progesterone collide with the pressures of midlife, and why women who suddenly feel angry, exhausted, foggy, or simply “not like themselves” may want to look at their health before making major life changes. She also explains why standard hormone testing doesn’t always tell the whole story, what other health markers may provide clues, and how stress can make an already complicated hormonal picture even harder to navigate. If your patience is gone, your body feels unfamiliar, and your relationship suddenly feels harder and more frustrating, you’re not alone and you’re not imagining it. But before you blow up your marriage, make sure it’s not just your hormones that are blowing up your life. This episode will show you how to identify whether it’s your marriage or menopause that needs help, and exactly what to do to get back on track. About Corry Corry Matthews is a fitness, nutrition, and women’s health expert with nearly 30 years of experience and a Master’s degree in Sports Medicine, with a background in exercise physiology. She works primarily with women over 40, helping them understand the physical changes of perimenopause, menopause, and midlife so they can make better decisions about their health and their lives. Through Strength & Grace, Corry helps women stop hiding behind their health and build habits that support their confidence, relationships, and the life they want to live. Connect with Corry You can connect with Corry on Facebook at Corry Matthews. You can follow Corry on YouTube at @CorryMatthews and on Instagram at corrymatthews. You can find her recipe cookbook here, and you can learn more about her 21-Day Nutrition Reset here. Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube. You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.

  7. Sep 16

    The Divorce Money Mistakes That Can Cost You $1000s

    Divorce can quietly cost you six figures if you don't know where to look or what to look for. Unfortunately, most people have no idea how many divorce money mistakes they’ve made until their divorce is long over and they’re stuck with a result they can’t change. Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Sue Plisch has spent years helping people uncover hidden income, decode confusing pay stub abbreviations, and catch the kind of overlooked details that can make or break a settlement. Her approach goes beyond just splitting assets down the middle; it's about understanding what a truly fair outcome looks like for your specific situation. From hidden executive compensation and overlooked assets to retirement accounts that aren’t worth what they appear to be, divorce finances are rarely as simple as dividing everything 50/50. Sue explores some of the financial traps people commonly miss, including why keeping the family home may not be as affordable as you think, how joint debt can put your credit at risk, and why two retirement accounts with identical balances may have very different values after taxes. You’ll also discover why preparing financially before your divorce can give you more options and more control both during and after your divorce, especially if your spouse has traditionally handled the money. From tracking your real expenses and establishing credit in your own name to finding financial information you may not have access to, Sue shares practical ways to protect yourself and explains why the way you structure your settlement can sometimes matter just as much as how much money you receive. About Sue Sue Plisch, CFP®, CDFA®, is the founder of Resilient Divorce Solutions. Drawing on more than 17 years as a mathematics educator, financial planner, and her own personal experience with divorce, Sue helps clients make confident financial decisions and avoid costly, six-figure mistakes. Outside of her work empowering clients through life transitions, Sue is a mother of three teens who enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, playing board games, and learning Spanish. Connect with Sue You can connect with Sue on LinkedIn at Sue Plisch and on Facebook at Resilient Divorce Solutions. You can follow Sue on Instagram at smartsplitsue. To learn more about working with Sue, visit her website at Resilient Divorce Solutions. And you can download her free e-book, 10 Financial Mistakes to Avoid in Divorce, here. Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube. You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.

  8. Sep 9

    The New Divorce Alternative That Saves Time and Money

    What if getting divorced didn't mean losing years of your life to an expensive courtroom battle that ruined your finances AND your co-parenting relationship with your ex? That’s the question attorney Amanda Mason set out to answer with her new divorce alternative, Solagree. Amanda is a family law attorney, mediator, and founder of Solagree, a mediated arbitration process that offers couples a structured way to resolve even difficult divorce issues privately, efficiently, and with more control. Instead of starting with litigation, in the Solagree process couples move through education, negotiation, and, when necessary, private decision-making to resolve their divorce issues. The process combines divorce coaches, financial professionals, parenting specialists, attorney-mediators, and arbitrators who work with a couple to guide them through their divorce more efficiently and cost-effectively. What’s most impressive is that this process doesn’t depend on everyone being perfectly cooperative. It contains built-in ground rules that are designed to deal with spouses who delay, refuse to provide financial information, or otherwise try to derail the process. For business owners, high-net-worth couples, and anyone worried about privacy, mediated arbitration can also keep sensitive financial and business information out of a public courtroom while still providing access to tools such as business valuations and forensic accounting.  Divorce doesn’t need to be conducted in an open-ended court battle. Solagree provides a way for couples to get binding decisions, protect themselves, and move forward without putting themselves or their families through exhausting litigation. If you or someone you know is trying to find a better, more efficient, and less expensive way to divorce, this episode is one you won’t want to miss. About Amanda Amanda Mason is the CEO and founder of SOLAGREE®, a groundbreaking nationwide platform that replaces public courtroom battles with a structured, virtual, and flat-fee mediated-arbitration process. A partner at Mason, Mason, & Smith in Wilmington, North Carolina, Amanda brings over two decades of legal experience, with extensive expertise as a dedicated family law attorney and DRC Certified Mediator.  Connect with Amanda You can connect with Amanda on Facebook at Solagree and follow her on Instagram at amandamasonatty. To learn more about how to work with Amanda, visit her website at SOLAGREE®. Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube. You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.

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About

When your future is on the line, making the right decision can feel impossible—especially when emotions are high, the stakes are huge, and the pressure is real. Karen Covy, a nationally recognized divorce coach, lawyer, mediator, and decision strategist with over 30 years of experience, Karen helps high-achieving professionals navigate life's toughest crossroads with clarity and confidence.  Each week on the top-ranking Off the Fence podcast, Karen sits down with thought leaders, industry experts, and people who’ve been through it all to unpack what it really takes to make smart, strategic decisions - whether you're facing a divorce, navigating complicated relationship dynamics, or reinventing your life. Ranked among the top 10% of 4.5 million global podcasts, the Off the Fence podcast offers real talk, practical insights, and powerful strategies for navigating divorce, career pivots, relationship challenges, and midlife transformation with clarity and purpose. If you're standing at a crossroads and wondering what’s next, this podcast will help you get off the fence—and into action. 👉 Get show notes and resources at https://karencovy.com/podcast

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