The Divorce Planner

TDP LLC
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  • Updated Weekly

The Divorce Planner Podcast is your essential guide to navigating divorce with emotional and financial clarity and confidence. Each week, host and divorce prep coach Alex Beattie talks with top divorce attorneys, mediators, financial experts, therapists, and coaches who share actionable strategies for gathering documents, understanding your finances, negotiating well, and reframing this transition as an opportunity to create your best next chapter.  Whether you're thinking about divorce or already in the process, this podcast helps you become your own best advocate. Divorce is hard. Preparing for one doesn't have to be.

  1. The 5-5-5 Rule: Your Divorce Decision-Making Framework

    2d ago

    The 5-5-5 Rule: Your Divorce Decision-Making Framework

    If you're stuck in decision paralysis, overwhelmed by every choice you need to make during divorce, this episode is for you. Today I'm sharing one of my signature coaching frameworks: the 5-5-5 Rule. When you're contemplating divorce or in the middle of one, every decision feels enormous. Should you file now or wait until after the holidays? Should you keep the house or sell it? Should you fight for the retirement accounts or let them go? Should you tell your spouse you want a divorce or stay married? The weight of these decisions can freeze you. You overthink. You ask seventeen people for advice. And then you still don't do anything. The 5-5-5 Rule helps you zoom out when you're stuck in the weeds. It's a simple but powerful framework that helps you figure out which decisions actually matter, and which ones are just emotional noise you need to let go of. Whether you're contemplating divorce, actively going through it, or struggling to make post-divorce decisions, the 5-5-5 Rule will give you a clear lens for moving forward with confidence. Want more resources? Check out my blog for expert interviews, grab my free "24 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney" guide, or sign up for my free 4-Email Divorce Prep Series for a step-by-step roadmap before you meet with an attorney.  Need personalized help? Book a free 15-minute call or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips. The Divorce Planner podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals about your situation. Podcast Original Music, Editing, and Mixing by: Benjamin Robinson

    11 min
  2. How Much Will Your Divorce Cost? Insights from attorney Dennis Vetrano Jr.

    May 20

    How Much Will Your Divorce Cost? Insights from attorney Dennis Vetrano Jr.

    If you've been wondering what divorce actually costs—and getting frustrated with vague "it depends" answers—this episode is exactly what you need. In today's episode, I welcome back Dennis R. Vetrano Jr., a New York-based family law attorney and mediator, for a straightforward conversation about the real costs of divorce. We dive deep into the financial realities most people don't understand until they're already spending thousands more than they expected. What we cover: What divorce actually costs including real ranges for different types of divorceHidden fees that blindside people and catch them off guardHourly rates vs. flat fees and which payment structure works best for your situationWhen you actually need expensive experts like forensic accountants or appraisers (and when you don't)The biggest money mistakes people make that cost them thousandsHow being organized saves you money with your attorney and mediatorWhat to do if you can't afford divorce including resources and optionsSmart strategies to keep costs down without screwing yourself over in the settlement Whether you're just starting to consider divorce or actively going through the process, this conversation provides the practical financial information you need to make smart decisions about how you spend your money and protect your interests. Want more resources? Check out my blog for expert interviews, grab my free "24 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney" guide, or sign up for my free 4-Email Divorce Prep Series for a step-by-step roadmap before you meet with an attorney.  Need personalized help? Book a free 15-minute call or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips. The Divorce Planner podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals about your situation. Podcast Original Music, Editing, and Mixing by: Benjamin Robinson

    26 min
  3. Co-Parenting with a Toxic Ex: Boundaries & Survival Strategies for Single Moms with Leah Marie Mazur

    May 13

    Co-Parenting with a Toxic Ex: Boundaries & Survival Strategies for Single Moms with Leah Marie Mazur

    If you're struggling to co-parent with a toxic or high-conflict ex, you're not alone—and you're not crazy for finding it exhausting. In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Leah Marie Mazur, a certified divorce recovery coach and founder of Mindfully Ready, for a practical conversation about protecting your peace while co-parenting with someone who makes everything harder. Leah specializes in helping single moms heal, set boundaries, and thrive after divorce, especially when dealing with difficult co-parents. We dive deep into the real strategies that actually work when you're dealing with someone who ignores boundaries, manipulates situations, or makes co-parenting feel impossible. What we cover: How to identify if your ex is truly toxic vs. just difficult to deal withWhat "protecting your peace" actually means when you share kids with someoneSetting and enforcing boundaries with someone who constantly ignores themOvercoming mom guilt when you need to put yourself firstHandling parental manipulation and alienation tacticsMinimizing contact while still effectively co-parentingProtecting your mental health from a draining co-parent relationshipWhen to involve lawyers and how to document concerning behaviorFirst steps to take when you feel completely overwhelmedTalking to your kids about the situation without causing harmWhether you're navigating parallel parenting, dealing with high-conflict situations, or just trying to survive co-parenting with someone who turns everything into drama, this conversation offers real, actionable strategies that prioritize both your children's wellbeing and your own mental health. Want more resources? Check out my blog for expert interviews, grab my free "24 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney" guide, or sign up for my free 4-Email Divorce Prep Series for a step-by-step roadmap before you meet with an attorney.  Need personalized help? Book a free 15-minute call or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips. The Divorce Planner podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals about your situation. Podcast Original Music, Editing, and Mixing by: Benjamin Robinson

    24 min
  4. Divorce for Dads: Custody, Child Support & Parenting Rights with Attorney Bill Farias

    May 6

    Divorce for Dads: Custody, Child Support & Parenting Rights with Attorney Bill Farias

    If you're a dad navigating divorce, you know the challenges are different than what most people talk about. How do you advocate for equal parenting time when the system feels stacked against fathers? What happens to your finances when you're the breadwinner? How do you create a parenting plan that works with demanding work obligations? In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Bill Farias, a family law attorney, for an honest conversation about the real hurdles fathers face during divorce—and we didn't hold back. Bill breaks down what dads actually need to know to protect their relationships with their children and their financial futures. We dive deep into the misconceptions that hurt fathers in divorce proceedings and the strategic moves that help level the playing field. What we cover: The biggest misconceptions about fathers going through divorce and how they hurt your caseHow to advocate for equal parenting time when you're fighting outdated assumptionsWhat breadwinning dads need to know about child support and alimony calculationsCreating a parenting plan that works with demanding work obligationsFinancial strategies to protect yourself while supporting your childrenLegal realities vs. what fathers assume about their rightsThe one piece of advice Bill wishes every dad could hear before starting the divorce processCommon mistakes fathers make that cost them time with their kidsIf you're a dad going through this—or you know someone who is—this episode will help you understand your rights and advocate effectively for yourself and your kids. Want more resources? Check out my blog for expert interviews, grab my free "24 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney" guide, or sign up for my free 4-Email Divorce Prep Series for a step-by-step roadmap before you meet with an attorney.  Need personalized help? Book a free 15-minute call or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips. The Divorce Planner podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals about your situation. Podcast Original Music, Editing, and Mixing by: Benjamin Robinson

    26 min
  5. Rewire Your Brain During & After Divorce: The Neuroscience of Healing and Moving On with Dr. Nicole A. Tetreault

    Apr 29

    Rewire Your Brain During & After Divorce: The Neuroscience of Healing and Moving On with Dr. Nicole A. Tetreault

    If you're experiencing brain fog, replaying painful conversations on an endless loop, or feeling like you can't think straight during your divorce, you're not imagining it—there's actual neuroscience behind what you're experiencing. In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Dr. Nicole A. Tetreault, a neuroscientist, for a fascinating conversation about what's really happening in your brain during divorce and, more importantly, what you can do to heal and rewire it. Dr. Nicole breaks down the science behind why everything feels harder right now—from making decisions to regulating your emotions to stopping negative thought loops—and explains how you can use neuroplasticity to literally rewire your brain for healing and growth. What we cover: What's actually happening in your brain during divorce (stress hormones, frontal cortex access, trauma response)Why you can't think clearly when you need to make major decisionsThe negative thought loop and how to break it using neuroscienceThe power of the pause and how deep breathing resets your nervous systemStress response patterns (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) and which one you default toNeuroplasticity explained and how you can actually rewire your brainHow to stop reacting to your ex by creating new neural pathwaysWhy midlife divorces happen and how they catalyze post-traumatic growthAvoiding toxic patterns when dating again by understanding your triggersOne thing you can do today to start healing your brain (writing down your intention)The role of gratitude in rewiring your thoughtsWhy you need support and how talking things through helps your brain healWhether you're in the middle of divorce feeling like you're losing it, or you're healing on the other side and want to avoid repeating patterns, this conversation provides science-backed strategies to help you understand what's happening and take control of your healing. Want more resources? Check out my blog for expert interviews, grab my free "24 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney" guide, or sign up for my free 4-Email Divorce Prep Series for a step-by-step roadmap before you meet with an attorney.  Need personalized help? Book a free 15-minute call or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips. The Divorce Planner podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals about your situation. Podcast Original Music, Editing, and Mixing by: Benjamin Robinson

    29 min
  6. Stay-at-Home Mom Divorce Guide: Legal & Financial Tips from Family Law Attorney Sharie Reyes Albers

    Apr 22

    Stay-at-Home Mom Divorce Guide: Legal & Financial Tips from Family Law Attorney Sharie Reyes Albers

    If you're a stay-at-home mom considering divorce and worried about your financial future, this episode is exactly what you need. In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Sharie Reyes Albers, a family law attorney from Virginia Family Law Center, for a crucial conversation about protecting your financial stability when you've been financially dependent during your marriage. Sharie breaks down the legal protections and strategies that stay-at-home moms often don't realize are available to them. We dive deep into practical steps you can take right now to safeguard your future and maximize your negotiating position. What we cover: Health insurance options post-divorce and how to maintain coverageFinancial protection strategies during the separation periodCritical documentation that impacts spousal support determinationsYour rights to remain in the family home with your childrenStrategic negotiation approaches when you've been out of the workforceUnderstanding your true value in the marriage partnershipSharie shared: "The financial power many stay-at-home moms bring to negotiations is often drastically undervalued - both by their spouses and sometimes even by their own legal representation." This conversation perfectly illustrates why I'm so passionate about helping people understand their rights and options before jumping into the legal process. When you know what protections are available and how to document your contributions, you can negotiate from a position of strength instead of fear. For more detailed guidance, check out my blog post "Complete Divorce Preparation Guide for Stay-at-Home Moms: Expert Tips": https://www.thedivorceplanner.net/post/complete-divorce-preparation-guide-for-stay-at-home-moms-2024-expert-tips Want more resources? Check out my blog for expert interviews, grab my free "24 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney" guide, or sign up for my free 4-Email Divorce Prep Series for a step-by-step roadmap before you meet with an attorney.  Need personalized help? Book a free 15-minute call or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips. The Divorce Planner podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals about your situation. Podcast Original Music, Editing, and Mixing by: Benjamin Robinson

    20 min
  7. Creating a Bulletproof Parenting Plan During Divorce: Insights from Family Law Attorney Morgan Given

    Apr 15

    Creating a Bulletproof Parenting Plan During Divorce: Insights from Family Law Attorney Morgan Given

    Creating a parenting plan during divorce can feel overwhelming. You're trying to predict the future, protect your kids, and navigate legal requirements all while dealing with your own emotions about the end of your marriage. How do you create a plan comprehensive enough to anticipate challenges before they arise—from schedule changes to behavior concerns? In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Morgan Given, a Chicago-based family law attorney who specializes in helping parents understand the critical elements most people miss when creating parenting agreements that actually work. Morgan breaks down the legal language that prevents future conflicts and the specific provisions you need to include now to avoid costly modifications later. We dive deep into both the practical and sensitive aspects of parenting plans that many parents don't think about until problems arise. What we cover: Essential elements most parenting plans overlook and how to avoid those gapsHoliday and vacation scheduling that prevents disputes year after yearClear communication protocols between co-parents to minimize conflictSetting boundaries that protect your children's wellbeing during transitionsHow to address sensitive concerns like a spouse's alcohol use or behavior issuesHandling plan modifications as your kids grow and their needs changeLegal language that matters and why vague terms lead to future battlesBoth legal and emotional perspectives on creating sustainable agreementsWhether you're just starting the divorce process or need to modify an existing agreement, this conversation provides actionable strategies to help you build a parenting plan that protects your children and sets clear expectations for years to come. Want more resources? Check out my blog for expert interviews, grab my free "24 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney" guide, or sign up for my free 4-Email Divorce Prep Series for a step-by-step roadmap before you meet with an attorney.  Need personalized help? Book a free 15-minute call or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips. The Divorce Planner podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals about your situation. Podcast Original Music, Editing, and Mixing by: Benjamin Robinson

    21 min
  8. How to Tell Your Spouse You Want a Divorce: Conversation Scripts & Expert Tips with Kim Polinder

    Apr 8

    How to Tell Your Spouse You Want a Divorce: Conversation Scripts & Expert Tips with Kim Polinder

    If you're facing one of the hardest conversations you'll ever have—telling your spouse you want a divorce—this episode is exactly what you need. In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Kim Polinder, a relationship coach, for essential guidance on how to have this life-changing conversation with compassion, clarity, and control. Kim breaks down the practical and emotional aspects of "the talk"—from choosing the right timing and location to managing your spouse's unexpected reactions and protecting yourself emotionally. We dive deep into what actually works when you need to deliver difficult news with as much care as possible. What we cover: Choosing the right timing and why when you have this conversation matters as much as what you sayLocation strategy and why where you have the talk can escalate or defuse emotionsWhat to say and what not to say including specific phrases that workManaging unexpected reactions from shock and anger to denial and bargainingHow to stay grounded when emotions escalate (breathing techniques, mantras, grounding strategies)When to pause the conversation and give both of you space to processProtecting your kids and why the conversation with your spouse happens firstPlanning for immediately after including where you'll go and who you'll callWhat to do if you're still living together and how to create space in a shared homeWhether you've been planning this conversation for months or you're just starting to prepare, this episode provides the scripts, strategies, and emotional support you need to navigate one of life's most difficult moments. For detailed conversation scripts and preparation guidance, check out my blog post "How to Tell Your Spouse You Want a Divorce: A Compassionate Guide." Want more resources? Check out my blog for expert interviews, grab my free "24 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney" guide, or sign up for my free 4-Email Divorce Prep Series for a step-by-step roadmap before you meet with an attorney.  Need personalized help? Book a free 15-minute call or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips. The Divorce Planner podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals about your situation. Podcast Original Music, Editing, and Mixing by: Benjamin Robinson

    26 min
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About

The Divorce Planner Podcast is your essential guide to navigating divorce with emotional and financial clarity and confidence. Each week, host and divorce prep coach Alex Beattie talks with top divorce attorneys, mediators, financial experts, therapists, and coaches who share actionable strategies for gathering documents, understanding your finances, negotiating well, and reframing this transition as an opportunity to create your best next chapter.  Whether you're thinking about divorce or already in the process, this podcast helps you become your own best advocate. Divorce is hard. Preparing for one doesn't have to be.

Information

  • Creator
    TDP LLC
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TDP LLC
  • Show Website
    The Divorce Planner

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