Advertise on podcast: Cover Your Assets – A Divorce & Money Podcast

The divorce may be over, but the financial work is just beginning. In Part 2 of our conversation with Maureen Paley, we’re talking about what happens when you’re suddenly responsible for your own financial life — from organizing accounts, understanding cash flow and managing credit to updating beneficiaries and making the financial decisions that may have been handled by a spouse. Maureen shares how financial coaching can help replace overwhelm and uncertainty with a clearer understanding of what you have, what you owe, where your money is going, and what needs attention. We also dive into her Financial Reset & Empowerment Package, an eight-week coaching program designed to help women organize their post-divorce finances and build the confidence to manage them going forward. 💰 Explore Maureen’s coaching packages + Cover Your Assets services: https://www.coveryourassetsdivorce.com/our-services

I’m Divorced… Now What? Part 1: Rebuilding Your Career After Divorce Starting over after divorce can bring up a big question: “What am I going to do next?” In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Jade and Jo sit down with Maureen Paley to talk about rebuilding your career and earning power after divorce. They discuss returning to the workforce, career gaps, transferable skills, résumés, job-search strategies, interviews, and rebuilding confidence along the way. Maureen also shares how her 90-Day Post-Divorce Career Confidence Plan (Career Reset) helps women create a clear career direction and take practical steps toward getting back into the workforce. 💼 Explore Maureen’s coaching packages + Cover Your Assets services: https://www.coveryourassetsdivorce.com/our-services And stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll talk about rebuilding your financial life after divorce.

Before you file for divorce, the decisions you make—and the ones you don’t—can have a major impact on the process ahead. In this episode, we’re joined by family law attorney, Demetria Graves, to discuss how to prepare financially and emotionally, what to expect when working with a divorce lawyer, and the most common legal mistakes that could have been avoided. From getting organized before you file to making thoughtful decisions instead of emotional ones, this conversation offers practical advice to help you approach divorce with greater clarity and confidence. Follow her on Instagram @legallyuncensored, or visit her website at https://www.losangeles-divorcelaw.com/ to connect and learn more!

What happens when ADHD and divorce collide? Whitney Light shares her personal journey from experiencing a 3-year separation to becoming a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), and how that experience shaped the work she does today. We're breaking down how ADHD-related challenges like procrastination, avoidance, decision paralysis, and difficulty managing financial details can contribute to the "long-divorce spiral" and how the right support can help prevent an already complicated divorce from becoming even more overwhelming and expensive. Visit our website at https://www.coveryourassetsdivorce.com/contact-us to schedule your Complimentary Strategy Session with Whitney today!

Divorce can feel like an ending, but Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Sarah Frontiera helps us reframe it as a beginning—one filled with growth, clarity, and deeper self-understanding. In this episode, Sarah shares how healing happens not by avoiding pain, but by moving through it with intention. We talk about how exploring past patterns can create lasting change, why building support systems matters, and what age-appropriate honesty looks like when parenting through divorce. Whether you're in the middle of it or still processing what happened years ago, this conversation is a reminder that you can find strength and meaning on the other side. Connect with us! Sarah Frontiera, LMFT WebsiteJosephti Cruz on LinkedIn Jade Eagles on LinkedIn Divorce might be the end of one chapter, but it’s also a brand-new journey filled with hope and growth. Join us for practical tips for financial empowerment and insights to make this time a little less daunting. Invite us on your journey at coveryourassetsdivorce.com.

In this emotional episode, three adults reflect on what it was really like to watch their parents' marriages fall apart as children—and how those early experiences still shape them today. From Lesa becoming a stand-in parent at age 12, to Jo escaping a violent home at four, to Donna leaving behind her life in the Philippines, their stories reveal the silent impact divorce has on kids. What hurt most wasn't the separation itself, but the lack of honest communication and emotional support. If you're navigating divorce with children, their insights offer a powerful reminder that how you show up now can shape your child's future for decades to come. Key takeaways: Children are more aware than parents often realize during divorceSilence and confusion leave lasting emotional gapsOpen, age-appropriate communication can help prevent long-term damageConnect with us! Lesa Ferguson on LinkedInActivate Your LightDonna FletcherJosephti Cruz on LinkedIn Jade Eagles on LinkedInDivorce might be the end of one chapter, but it’s also a brand-new journey filled with hope and growth. Join us for practical tips for financial empowerment and insights to make this time a little less daunting. Invite us on your journey at coveryourassetsdivorce.com.

Dividing assets in a divorce might seem fair on the surface, but taxes can quietly tip the scales. In this episode, we share why a Roth IRA is not the same as a 401(k), and why keeping the house might come with hidden costs later. We also break down child-related tax benefits, how to avoid penalties when splitting retirement accounts, and why your divorce decree needs to get specific. If you are negotiating a settlement, this conversation will help you cushion your financial future by thinking a few steps ahead. Key takeaways: Equal numbers on paper do not always mean equal after-tax valueThe parent with more overnights usually gets the child tax benefitsA QDRO can help avoid early withdrawal penalties when dividing retirement fundsConnect with us! Josephti Cruz on LinkedIn Jade Eagles on LinkedIn Divorce might be the end of one chapter, but it’s also a brand-new journey filled with hope and growth. Join us for practical tips for financial empowerment and insights to make this time a little less daunting. Invite us on your journey at coveryourassetsdivorce.com.

Divorce is hard enough, but when domestic violence is involved, the stakes become life-altering. In this episode, licensed psychotherapist Stephanie Seal breaks down what non-physical abuse really looks like and how the cycle of control, gaslighting, and isolation keeps victims stuck. She shares essential tools for creating a safe exit strategy, from documenting abuse to planning a secure separation. Most of all, she reminds listeners that healing an abuser is never their responsibility and that safety, support, and freedom are within reach. Key takeaways: Domestic violence includes emotional and psychological abuse, not just physical harmSafety planning is essential, especially during separation when risk is highestVictims are not responsible for fixing their abuser and must prioritize their own well-beingResources:  National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or thehotline.org Text “START” to 88788 for 24/7 confidential support. Create a Safety Plan: Reach out to trusted friends, keep important documents safe. Connect with us! Stephanie Seal on LinkedInStephanie Seal’s WebsiteJosephti Cruz on LinkedIn Jade Eagles on LinkedIn Divorce might be the end of one chapter, but it’s also a brand-new journey filled with hope and growth. Join us for practical tips for financial empowerment and insights to make this time a little less daunting. Invite us on your journey at coveryourassetsdivorce.com.

Family law attorney Ksenya Kogan doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of divorce litigation, especially when domestic violence is part of the picture. In this episode, she shares what really happens in family court, how well-meaning laws can be misused, and why finding the right attorney makes all the difference. We talk about the high emotional and financial costs of domestic violence allegations, how restraining orders really work, and what clients need to understand before heading into court. If you're navigating separation or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and some tough but necessary truths. Key takeaways: A domestic violence finding can reshape custody and spousal support outcomes.Restraining orders offer legal weight but limited physical protection.Honest, experienced legal support matters more than flashy marketing when your family's future is on the line.Connect with us! Ksenya Kogan on LinkedInKsenya Kogan’s WebsiteJosephti Cruz on LinkedIn Jade Eagles on LinkedIn Divorce might be the end of one chapter, but it’s also a brand-new journey filled with hope and growth. Join us for practical tips for financial empowerment and insights to make this time a little less daunting. Invite us on your journey at coveryourassetsdivorce.com.

Divorce can be emotionally brutal, but it doesn't have to break you. In this episode, Dr. Leanne Miller, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist, shares how simple tools like the “practice of the pause” and box breathing can help you regain control in high-stress moments. We also unpack why men often struggle more with emotional processing and how shifting support systems are starting to change that. Whether you're considering divorce or already in the thick of it, this conversation offers a clear path toward healing with clarity and strength. Key takeaways: The “practice of the pause” helps stop reactive decisions and brings calm to heated moments.Men benefit from therapy and support groups now more than ever, even if they’re late to the party.Emotional regulation directly shapes how your kids cope with the changes around them.Connect with us! Dr. Leanne Miller on LinkedInDr. Leanne Miller’s WebsiteJosephti Cruz on LinkedIn Jade Eagles on LinkedInDivorce might be the end of one chapter, but it’s also a brand-new journey filled with hope and growth. Join us for practical tips for financial empowerment and insights to make this time a little less daunting. Invite us on your journey at coveryourassetsdivorce.com.

The financial fallout of divorce is full of myths, especially when it comes to child support and alimony. In this episode, we cut through the confusion to explain how these obligations actually work, from calculation methods and common misconceptions to modification rules and termination triggers. We explore why lifetime alimony is mostly a thing of the past, how support models differ across states, and why child support remains non-negotiable even when alimony isn’t. Whether you're navigating divorce yourself or advising someone who is, this episode will give you the clarity you didn’t know you needed. Key takeaways: Lifetime alimony is rare, with courts favoring short-term, rehabilitative support.Child support calculations vary by state and cannot be permanently waived.Alimony can be modified or waived entirely, but only under specific legal conditions.Connect with us! Josephti Cruz on LinkedIn Jade Eagles on LinkedInDivorce might be the end of one chapter, but it’s also a brand-new journey filled with hope and growth. Join us for practical tips for financial empowerment and insights to make this time a little less daunting. Invite us on your journey at coveryourassetsdivorce.com.

Divorce doesn’t have to mean emotional warfare and courtroom showdowns.  In this episode, attorney Nicole Stednitz introduces the collaborative divorce model—an out-of-court approach where couples work with a team of legal, financial, and emotional professionals to find sustainable, family-focused solutions. We unpack how the disqualification clause builds real accountability, why collaborative divorce often costs less than litigation, and how this model protects both your privacy and your peace. If you’re navigating separation and want something more thoughtful than a legal battle, this conversation is your starting point. Key takeaways: The disqualification clause incentivizes resolution over court battles.Collaborative teams provide tailored, multi-expert support in legal, financial, and emotional areas.The process is private, often more affordable, and results in lasting, customized agreements.Connect with us! Nicole Stednitz on LinkedInTorrance Family LawJosephti Cruz on LinkedIn Jade Eagles on LinkedInDivorce might be the end of one chapter, but it’s also the start of a brand-new journey filled with opportunities. Join us for practical tips for financial empowerment and insights to make this time a little less daunting. Invite us on your journey at coveryourassetsdivorce.com.

What do kids really need when parents divorce? In this episode, licensed psychotherapist Stephanie Seal joins us to talk about how children experience separation—and what parents can do to protect their emotional well-being along the way. We cover common misconceptions, including why younger kids often internalize divorce more than we realize, and how even well-meaning silence can leave lasting impact. Stephanie offers practical guidance for age-appropriate conversations, co-parenting with compassion, and helping kids stay connected to both parents without loyalty binds or confusion. Key Takeaways:  Why younger kids may struggle more than older onesHow to keep communication ongoing, not just one-and-doneWhat to avoid saying about your exWhen therapy can help (and why it’s not just for crisis)Connect with us! Stephanie Seal on LinkedInStephanie Seal’s WebsiteJosephti Cruz on LinkedIn Jade Eagles on LinkedInDivorce might be the end of one chapter, but it’s also the start of a brand-new journey filled with opportunities. Join us for practical tips for financial empowerment and insights to make this time a little less daunting. Invite us on your journey at coveryourassetsdivorce.com.

Co-parenting isn’t always easy, but it can be done! As long as it’s built on a foundation of respect, teamwork and love. In this heartfelt episode of Cover Your Assets, Lesa Ferguson joins us to share her real-world experiences as a step-parent—and how she helped create a harmonious, blended family after divorce. From setting boundaries to putting kids first, we dive into the emotional side of co-parenting, the challenges step-parents face, and why communication between all parents is key. In this episode, we cover: How setting clear boundaries strengthens relationships between parents and step-parentsWhy giving kids emotional stability before introducing new partners mattersHow open communication between all parents helps avoid confusion and conflictWhy keeping the focus on the kids makes blended families stronger Connect with us! Lesa Ferguson on InstagramActivate Your Light Josephti Cruz on LinkedIn Jade Eagles on LinkedInDivorce might be the end of one chapter, but it’s also the start of a brand-new journey filled with opportunities. Join us for practical tips for financial empowerment and insights to make this time a little less daunting. Invite us on your journey at coveryourassetsdivorce.com.

On this episode of Cover Your Assets, we’re breaking down the critical — and often overlooked — difference between date of separation and legal separation during divorce. Attorney Diane Nguyen explains why this distinction matters, especially in high-asset cases where bonuses, stock options, or home appreciation could be at stake. We cover how California defines separation, why the exact timing can significantly impact your financial settlement, and when legal separation might be the right choice for couples navigating complex finances.  Connect with us! Diane Nguyen on LinkedInClement, Fitzpatrick and Kenworthy, IncJosephti Cruz on LinkedIn Jade Eagles on LinkedInDivorce might be the end of one chapter, but it’s also the start of a brand-new journey filled with opportunities. Join us for practical tips for financial empowerment and insights to make this time a little less daunting. Invite us on your journey at coveryourassetsdivorce.com.