After 34 years of marriage, a painful divorce, and a moment of unexpected magic in a grocery store, a retired truck driver with over 3 million miles on the road became Santa Papa John — a full-time professional Santa Claus with 100,000+ social media followers and a mission to bring joy to anyone who's forgotten what it feels like to smile. Life after divorce, midlife reinvention, and starting over at 50 have never looked — or felt — like this.

Santa Papa John joins host Becky Sampson for one of the most joyful, unexpected, and deeply moving conversations in Divorcing Strong™ history. His story of divorce recovery, personal reinvention, and healing after divorce is proof that your second chapter isn't just possible — it might be the one you were always meant to live.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• ✅ How a 34-year marriage ended — and what Santa Papa John wishes he'd known sooner about his own happiness
• ✅ The grocery store moment that changed everything: how two misbehaving children and a bag of candy canes sparked his life's greatest purpose
• ✅ Why his current wife saw something in him he couldn't see in himself — and how the right partner transforms your midlife reinvention
• ✅ The raw truth about growing a beard "to spite" his first wife — and what it taught him about lost identity in a deteriorating marriage
• ✅ Two elderly sisters, ages 68 and 70, sitting on Santa's lap for the first time since childhood — the story that will break you wide open (in the best way)
• ✅ The "Share a Smile" challenge: the one tiny daily action that can begin rebuilding your life after divorce TODAY
• ✅ Why choosing joy is not toxic positivity — it's a survival strategy for divorce recovery and midlife reset
• ✅ How stepping completely out of your comfort zone — including wearing a Santa suit year-round as "July Santa" — can rebuild your confidence and your identity
• ✅ The simple, powerful message Santa Papa John delivers to every adult who sits in his chair: it's never too late to start over

Memorable moments:

"I've got a story!" — Santa Papa John, the moment he heard Becky helped women through divorce

"Share a smile with someone you don't know today. That's all. Just start there." — Santa Papa John

Whether you're freshly separated, deep in your healing after divorce, or standing at the crossroads of a midlife reinvention you didn't plan — this episode is your reminder that rebuilding after divorce can look like something you never expected. You are not just surviving. You are becoming YOU 2.0.

💌 Download your FREE "100 Divorce Terms You Need to Know": https://onlysubpoenas.com/free

About Santa Papa John: 

Santa Papa John is a full-time professional Santa Claus, known as "July Santa," with over 100,000 social media followers across platforms where he shares daily messages of joy and positivity. A former long-haul truck driver with over 3 million miles logged and a former DJ, Santa Papa John discovered his calling after his own divorce — when his new wife helped him find the magic he'd buried inside himself. He is now happily remarried and dedicated to creating joyful memories for people of all ages.

Connect with SANTA PAPA JOHN

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santapapajohn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/santapapajohnmn/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SantaPapaJohn
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrosdobutko/
• Website: https://santapapajohn.com/

About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast: 

Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast is where real stories meet real strategies for surviving and thriving through divorce. Each episode brings expert insights from top divorce attorneys, family law specialists, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and step into YOU 2.0.

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: The content on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult a licensed attorney, financial advisor, or mental health professional for guidance specific to your situation. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

#DivorcingStrong #LifeAfterDivorce #HealingAfterDivorce #MidlifeReinvention #StartingOverAt50

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

Is a peaceful divorce actually possible — even when things feel broken beyond repair? Can mediation protect your children, your finances, and your future without going to war with your ex?

Florida Family Law Attorney Anthony Diaz, Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator and Board Member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, joins host Becky Sampson to show you exactly how the divorce process can look when dignity — not destruction — leads the way.

With a background as a former CPA and Assistant State Attorney, and his own deeply personal divorce story, Anthony reveals the creative legal options most attorneys never tell you about, the rights you have in mediation that could save your settlement, and why the peaceful divorce path may actually be your strongest move.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• ✅ What collaborative divorce and mediation actually mean — and how they're different from what you've been told
• ✅ The "nesting" strategy that lets your children stay in the family home while YOU come and go — and how to negotiate it outside of court
• ✅ The #1 right you have in mediation that nobody tells you: you never have to sign anything on the spot
• ✅ Why a judge can't give you the outcome you actually need — and what the divorce process looks like when you stay out of court
• ✅ The "needs vs. wants" framework that unlocks creative solutions and breaks impasse in mediation
• ✅ How to protect yourself if your spouse is negotiating in bad faith during mediation
• ✅ Why conscious uncoupling isn't just for celebrities — and how regular people use it to protect their families
• ✅ Anthony's raw, personal story of going through his own highly emotional divorce — and how it transformed his entire legal practice
• ✅ The one thing Anthony wants every listener to know: there is hope.

Memorable moment:

"When you get to the 'why' behind things, you open up this whole universe of possibilities." — Anthony Diaz

Whether you're in the early stages of separation, deep in a high-conflict divorce, or trying to find a way to uncouple with grace, this episode is your playbook for taking back control of the divorce process — and walking out stronger on the other side as YOU 2.0.

💌 Download your FREE "100 Divorce Terms You Need to Know": https://onlysubpoenas.com/free

About Anthony Diaz:

Anthony Diaz is a Florida Divorce Attorney, Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator, former CPA, and former Assistant State Attorney. As a Board Member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), Anthony has dedicated his practice to helping families navigate the divorce process with dignity, creativity, and compassion. Known as "the collaborative peacemaker," he specializes in mediation, collaborative, and uncontested divorce.

Connect with ANTHONY DIAZ

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollaborativepeacemaker/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnthonyDiazThePeaceMaker/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the1peacemaker/
• Website: https://anthonydiazlaw.com/

About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast:

Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast is where real stories meet real strategies for surviving and thriving through divorce. Each episode brings expert insights from top divorce attorneys, family law specialists, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and step into YOU 2.0.

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: The content on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult a licensed attorney, financial advisor, or mental health professional for guidance specific to your situation. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

#DivorcingStrong #PeacefulDivorce #FamilyLaw #HealingAfterDivorce #ConsciousUncoupling

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

With 24+ years of experience and her own personal divorce story, Rebecca breaks down the lending rules lenders won't volunteer, the documentation mistakes that derail approvals, and the strategies that help women reclaim financial independence and buy a home on their own terms.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• ✅ Whether you can qualify for a mortgage before your divorce is even finalized
• ✅ The #1 documentation mistake that tanks mortgage applications during divorce
• ✅ Why your alimony or child support MUST go into a separate account (and what happens if it doesn't)
• ✅ How joint debt affects your credit — even if your ex is legally responsible for the payments
• ✅ Why getting pre-approved NOW gives you negotiating power at the settlement table
• ✅ The truth about shared debts: you don't have to pay them off before buying a home
• ✅ Creative homeownership strategies when your income feels uncertain
• ✅ Becky's own raw, personal story of losing a condo to foreclosure during her first divorce — and what she'd do differently

Memorable moment: "It's better to know, because then you can take focused action — versus just flailing." — Rebecca Richardson

Whether you're in the middle of a high-conflict divorce, newly separated, or rebuilding after settlement, this episode is your financial playbook for protecting your housing future and stepping into YOU 2.0.

💌 Download your FREE "100 Divorce Terms You Need to Know": https://onlysubpoenas.com/free

Connect with REBECCA RICHARDSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.mortgage.mentor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccawalshrichardson

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.mortgage.mentor?lang=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the.mortgage.mentor

Website: https://www.rebeccarichardsonmortgage.com/divorce

About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast: Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast is where real stories meet real strategies for surviving and thriving through divorce. Each episode brings expert insights from top divorce attorneys, family law specialists, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and step into YOU 2.0.

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: The content on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult a licensed attorney, financial advisor, or mental health professional for guidance specific to your situation. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

#DivorcingStrong #DivorceFinancialPlanning #MortgageAfterDivorce #HealingAfterDivorce #HighConflictDivorce #FamilyLaw #CreditRepairAfterDivorce #BuyingAHomeAfterDivorce #CoParenting #DivorceRecovery #WomenAndMoney #FinancialFreedom #TheMortgageMentor #OnlySubpoenas

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

If your divorce is spiraling out of control, there's a reason — and it has nothing to do with your attorney. It's because you're mixing your Bowl of Emotions with your Spreadsheet, and those two things can never coexist in the same conversation.

Paulette Rigo is a Certified Divorce Coach, ADR Credentialed Private Mediator, Certified Divorce Specialist, and founder of the Better Divorce Academy. She didn't learn this in a classroom. She survived an 8.5-year fully litigated divorce — including a 12-day trial and a 4-year appeal all the way to the State Supreme Court. Then she studied 272 divorce cases around her and built a framework that works even when your spouse is a narcissist, a liar, or completely unwilling to cooperate.

In this episode, Paulette breaks down the two non-negotiable strategies for anyone divorcing a difficult or high-conflict spouse: Radical Acceptance (believing your ex truly IS who they are — and stopping the exhausting fight to prove otherwise) and Realistic Expectations (understanding that narcissists are actually predictable — once you know the pattern, you can outmaneuver them). She also explains why mediation almost always fails with narcissists, how to calculate your ROI on litigation before spending a dollar you'll never recover, and why your divorce coach — not your attorney — is your most powerful strategic weapon.

Whether you're early in the process or knee-deep in a custody battle, this episode hands you the blueprint to stop reacting and start moving with strategy, composure, and power.

In this episode:

• The "Bowl of Emotions vs. Spreadsheet" framework that changes everything
• Why leaving an abusive marriage often makes things worse first — and how to prepare
• Radical Acceptance: the #1 mindset shift for divorcing a difficult person
• Why narcissists are predictable — and how to use that against them
• How to calculate your ROI on litigation before fighting a battle you can't win
• The hidden step before mediation, most people skip entirely
• Why your attorney is NOT your advocate — and whose job it actually is
• How Paulette's clients save an average of $45,000–$70,000 and 8–22 months

💌 Download your FREE "100 Divorce Terms You Need to Know": https://onlysubpoenas.com/free

About Paulette Rigo: Paulette Rigo is a Certified Divorce Coach, ADR Credentialed Private Mediator, Certified Divorce Specialist, Certified Amicable Divorce Professional, and founder of the Better Divorce Academy. She is the author of the Better Divorce Blueprint and host of the Better Divorce Podcast. After navigating an 8.5-year litigated divorce including a 12-day trial and a 4-year State Supreme Court appeal, Paulette built a proven framework that helps clients in long-term, high-asset, and high-conflict divorces save tens of thousands and move forward with clarity and power.

Connect with PAULETTE RIGOInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauletterigo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterdivorceacademy/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@betterdivorceacademy

X: https://x.com/paulettegloria

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6xmhF1sMo-nQaNhgSRfrfQ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betterdivorceacademy/

Website: https://betterdivorceacademy.com/

About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast: Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast is where real stories meet real strategies for surviving and thriving through divorce. Each episode brings expert insights from top divorce attorneys, family law specialists, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and step into YOU 2.0.

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: The content on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult a licensed attorney, financial advisor, or mental health professional for guidance specific to your situation. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

healing after divorce, high conflict divorce, narcissistic abuse recovery, divorcing a narcissist, divorce recovery, divorce coach, divorce podcast, narcissistic abuse, co-parenting with a narcissist, divorce tips for women, radical acceptance, divorce financial abuse, divorce mediation, high asset divorce, better divorce academy, Paulette Rigo

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

In this episode of Divorcing Strong, host Becky Sampson sits down with Margarita to map every step of her journey from rock bottom to empire — so you can borrow her blueprint for starting over after divorce, no matter how far down you feel right now.

This isn't just a story of divorce recovery. It's a masterclass in divorce after 40, rebuilding after divorce with debt, single mom entrepreneurship, and the decision to choose yourself when every system — legal, financial, and emotional — feels stacked against you.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

✅ How Margarita navigated a simultaneous business dissolution AND personal divorce — with a newborn and four other children at home 

✅ The moment she hit rock bottom and the one phone call that became her lifeline (mindset coaching changed everything) 

✅ The "God drop" moment: how she found her divorce attorney at a conference when she was ready to go pro se because she couldn't afford legal help 

✅ The hardest decision she made — leaving the marital home — and what she would do completely differently today 

✅ Why she stayed in a toxic marriage longer than she should have, and the guilt-driven legal mistakes that cost her in court 

✅ The therapy breakthrough that ended her "provider OR present mom" battle — and how the word "AND" transformed her entire identity 

✅ How she built Marketing Boss from scratch as a single mom of five, and why her clients are primarily law firms and business owners 

✅ Why Margarita still believes in marriage — and exactly where she draws the line between "working on it" and walking away 

✅ Her definition of Divorcing Strong: "Doing it with love — and being happy, being joyful."

MARGARITA'S BIGGEST LESSONS FOR DIVORCEES:

1. Do NOT leave the marital home prematurely — it has legal and custody consequences
2. Hire a divorce attorney — even if you have to ask for help to find one
3. Don't let guilt dictate your legal strategy — your ex's attorney won't have that problem
4. Find your mindset support FIRST — clarity before strategy
5. You don't have to choose between being a provider and a present parent — you are BOTH

MEMORABLE QUOTES: 

"I was a new mom. I had just given birth to my fifth child. And my business was dissolving at the same time as my marriage." — Margarita Eberline

"I didn't have to choose. I could be AND. I could be a present mom AND a provider. That was the breakthrough." — Margarita Eberline

"Divorcing strong means doing it with love — and being happy, being joyful." — Margarita Eberline

ABOUT MARGARITA EBERLINE:

Margarita Eberline is a single mother of five, an entrepreneur, and the founder of Marketing Boss — a data-driven marketing agency supporting law firms and small business owners. After leaving an abusive marriage, navigating $150K in debt, and rebuilding her life from the ground up, Margarita became living proof that midlife reinvention is possible at any starting point. Her story is one of radical resilience, strategic rebuilding, and the power of choosing joy after divorce.

CONNECT WITH MARGARITA: 

🔗 Marketing Boss — https://margaritaeberline.com/

🔗 Connect with Margarita — https://www.linkedin.com/in/margieeberline/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/margieeberline/https://www.linkedin.com/in/margieeberline/

BECKY'S FREE RESOURCE: 

📘 100 Divorce Terms You Need to Know — https://onlysubpoenas.com/free

🔗 Only Subpoenas™ — https://onlysubpoenas.com/

https://onlysubpoenas.com/

ABOUT THE DIVORCING STRONG PODCAST:

Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, Divorcing Strong brings real stories and real strategies for surviving and thriving through divorce. Every episode features divorce attorneys, psychotherapists, certified divorce financial analysts, family law experts, and healing coaches — because rebuilding after divorce takes a full team, not a single voice.

Subscribe so you never miss your next strategy session.

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚠️ DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing shared here constitutes legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult a qualified divorce attorney, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, or licensed mental health professional for guidance specific to your situation. If you are in a crisis or unsafe situation, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or text START to 88788.

KEYWORDS:

midlife reinvention, starting over after divorce, rebuilding after divorce, divorce after 40, single mom after divorce, mompreneur, life after divorce, abusive marriage recovery, midlife transformation, divorce resilience, women entrepreneurship, divorce financial recovery, healing journey, single mom entrepreneurship, divorce recovery for women

#DivorcingStrong #MidlifeReinvention #StartingOverAfterDivorce

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

Oona has spent 15 years running in-person divorce support groups for women. She didn't just study grief after divorce — she lived it. Her personal experience, combined with three decades of clinical expertise, gives this episode a rare combination: professional credibility and raw, honest vulnerability that will make you feel less alone in every stage of your process.

Host Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, brings her own powerful story — losing 130 pounds, leaving her career, and navigating divorce in the same month — to this conversation about divorce recovery for women, emotional healing, and what it truly means to be Divorcing Strong.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

✅ Oona's 5 Stages of Divorce Grief — and the exact warning signs you're skipping one 

✅ Why "The Rollercoaster" is the longest stage and how to survive it without burning out your support system 

✅ The self-care practices that don't cost a dime (and why perfectionism makes it worse) 

✅ The one thing Oona wished she had during her own divorce — and how it changed her entire career 

✅ How to communicate with a high-conflict ex — the BIFF method, Our Family Wizard, and the "separate email box" strategy 

✅ How to draft every message to your ex as if a judge will read it — because they might 

✅ How language shapes your divorce outcome — and the "peace linguistics" approach that can protect you legally and emotionally 

✅ Why "letting go" doesn't mean forgetting — it means freeing up your energy for YOU 2.0 

✅ The moment Becky knew she had to rebuild her whole life — and what finally gave her permission to start

OONA'S 5 STAGES OF DIVORCE GRIEF:

1. Heartbreak — The loss of dreams, promises, and identity
2. The Rollercoaster — Unpredictable emotions triggered by dates, places, and even weather
3. Mending — Shifting focus from your ex to yourself
4. Letting Go — Releasing your ex, the narrative, expectations, and old identity
5. Moving On — Investing your energy into the new version of your life 6.

MEMORABLE QUOTE:

"When somebody is strong, somebody is willing to ask for help. Asking for help does not mean you are weak — it means you are strong." — Oona Metz

"You have to feel it to heal it." — Oona Metz

ABOUT OONA METZ: Oona Metz is a licensed psychotherapist with over 30 years of clinical experience specializing in divorce recovery for women. She is the founder of a long-running divorce support group program and the author of "Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women," your comprehensive roadmap for healing after divorce — from heartbreak to becoming the boldest version of yourself. Having navigated her own divorce, Oona brings both professional expertise and deeply personal insight to every conversation about life after divorce.

OONA'S RESOURCES: 

📗 "Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women" — https://www.amazon.com/Unhitched-Essential-Divorce-Guide-Women/dp/1668075385

🔗 Connect with Oona Metz — https://www.linkedin.com/in/oona-metz-licsw-cgp-6a14a41b/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/oona-metz-licsw-cgp-6a14a41b/

BECKY'S FREE RESOURCE: 

📘 100 Divorce Terms You Need to Know — https://onlysubpoenas.com/free

🔗 Only Subpoenas™ — https://onlysubpoenas.com/

ABOUT THE DIVORCING STRONG PODCAST: Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, Divorcing Strong brings real stories and real strategies for surviving and thriving through divorce. Each episode features top divorce attorneys, psychotherapists, certified divorce financial analysts, family law experts, and healing coaches — because rebuilding after divorce takes a full team, not a single voice.

Subscribe so you never miss your next strategy session.

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing shared here constitutes legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult a qualified attorney, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, or licensed mental health professional for guidance specific to your situation. If you are in a crisis or unsafe situation, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or text START to 88788.

KEYWORDS: healing after divorce, rebuilding after divorce, stages of grief after divorce, divorce recovery for women, life after divorce, divorce support for women, coping with divorce, how to heal from divorce, emotional healing after divorce, divorce therapist, BIFF method, co-parenting communication, divorce advice for women, high conflict divorce, divorce recovery

#DivorcingStrong #HealingAfterDivorce #DivorceRecovery

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

Divorce journalist Illysa Panitz — creator of The Divorce Hour (nationally syndicated radio, streaming on Spotify, Amazon, Audible, and 14 platforms) and Why Through Divorce (streaming in 100+ countries on Roku and Your Home TV) — joins host Becky Sampson to break down the divorce process explained through the lens of two decades of reporting and her own personal journey.

This is your divorce financial planning playbook — and it starts with a counter-intuitive truth: the attorney comes LAST, not first.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

✅ Why calling a divorce attorney first is your biggest (and most expensive) mistake 

✅ What a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) is — and why you need one before you file 

✅ How to build your "divorce team": attorneys, CDFAs, therapists, and mediators working FOR you 

✅ Divorce financial planning 101: assets, debts, income, and expenses — know yours BEFORE you lawyer up 

✅ Why anger toward your ex is literally costing you money — and how to stop the financial bleed 

✅ The truth about how common high-conflict divorce really is (hint: it's only 18–20% of cases)

✅ The Wizard of Oz framework for navigating your divorce journey — and who plays each role

✅ How to "interview" professionals before hiring them — treat it like dating, not desperation 

✅ How to reframe divorce from failure to a powerful "do-over" and the start of YOU 2.0

MEMORABLE MOMENT:

"The most common thing I hear is, 'I'm filing for divorce, and I need your attorney.' And I'm like, no, no, no, no, no. That is your biggest mistake." — Illysa Panitz

ABOUT ILLYSA PANITZ:

Illysa Panitz is a nationally recognized divorce journalist with a 25-year media career. She is the creator and host of The Divorce Hour — a nationally syndicated radio show now streaming on Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, and 14 platforms — and Why Through Divorce, a streaming TV series available on Your Home TV and Roku in over 100 countries. Her mission: to fill the gap in mainstream media by giving women real education, honest resources, and strategic guidance through the divorce process.

RESOURCES & FREE TOOLS:

📘 100 Divorce Terms You Need to Know — https://onlysubpoenas.com/free

🔗 Connect with Illysa Panitz — https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilyssa-panitz-74b1275/

🔗 Only Subpoenas™ — https://onlysubpoenas.com/https://onlysubpoenas.com/

ABOUT THE DIVORCING STRONG PODCAST:

Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, Divorcing Strong brings real stories and real strategies for surviving and thriving through divorce. Every episode features top divorce attorneys, family law experts, certified divorce financial analysts, and healing coaches — because you deserve a full team in your corner, not just one voice.

Subscribe so you never miss your next strategy session.

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚠️ DISCLAIMER:

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing shared here constitutes legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult a qualified divorce attorney, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, or licensed mental health professional for guidance specific to your situation. If you are in a crisis or unsafe situation, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or text START to 88788.

KEYWORDS:

healing after divorce, divorce financial planning, divorce tips, how to survive divorce, high conflict divorce, CDFA, certified divorce financial analyst, divorce attorney advice, divorce mediation, divorce advice for women, divorce process explained, divorce recovery for women, rebuilding after divorce

#DivorcingStrong #DivorceAdvice #FamilyLaw

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

Tess House didn't start her career in a courtroom. She started in a classroom. As a teacher, she once found a child hiding — scared, silent, powerless — and felt completely unable to help. That moment of helplessness changed everything. She went to law school to make sure no parent or child would ever have to stand before a judge unprepared and unprotected again. Today, her San Antonio-based firm handles some of Texas's most complex family law cases — and in this conversation, she hands you the insider knowledge most people don't get until it's too late.

The central truth Tess delivers: "Court is not about the truth. It's about what you can prove." And once you understand that — once you stop operating on feelings and start operating on facts, documentation, and strategy — everything changes. Becky reinforces this with her own story of creating a detailed spreadsheet for her child's custody case, turning lived chaos into documented evidence that a judge could understand and act on.

Whether you're facing a custody battle, navigating a CPS investigation, trying to uncover hidden assets, or just trying to understand how to walk into family court without getting destroyed — this episode is your playbook.

🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why "the truth" is not enough in family court — and what you actually need to win
• How to document everything in a custody or divorce case so a judge can follow it — Becky's personal spreadsheet method
• What triggers a CPS investigation in a divorce — and how to protect yourself if one is filed against you
• How money trails work in divorce: why hidden assets are rarely hidden for long and how discovery uncovers them
• The child custody battle mistakes parents make that silently destroy their credibility with judges
• How to choose a family law attorney who will actually fight for you — not just bill you
• What "aggressive representation" really means — and when it helps vs. when it backfires
• How to control your behavior, appearance, and communication to maintain credibility throughout a high-conflict case
• What CPS actually looks for — and how to present yourself as the safe, stable parent
• Why your opponent's bad behavior doesn't automatically help you — and what does
• Tess's definition of "Divorcing Strong": understanding the process deeply enough to feel empowered, not just to survive it

💡 This Episode Is For You If:

• You're in a custody battle or about to be — and you feel outmatched
• You're worried about a CPS investigation being used as a weapon against you
• You suspect your spouse is hiding assets and want to know what you can actually do about it
• You're in a high-conflict divorce and your emotions keep getting in the way of your strategy
• You want to understand how to present yourself in family court before you walk in unprepared
• You need to know what to look for — and what to run from — when hiring a family law attorney

🎙️ About Our Guest: Artessia "Tess" House is the founder and lead attorney of Tess House Law, PLLC, based in San Antonio, Texas. Rated by Super Lawyers and featured on CNN and Forbes, Attorney House is a fierce advocate for families navigating divorce, child custody disputes, CPS investigations, child support, protective orders, and parental rights termination. Before becoming a lawyer, she was a classroom teacher — an experience that fueled her commitment to protecting children and empowering parents who feel unheard by the legal system. Her firm's guiding philosophy: "Our top priority is to tell your side of the story in a way the courts value and understand." 

🔗 Learn more:

Tess House Law, PLLC

📱 Follow Tess:

@tesshouselaw on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/tesshouselaw/

🎧 About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast: Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast brings you insights from top divorce attorneys, family law experts, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and thrive through divorce. Whether you're navigating high-conflict divorce, co-parenting with a narcissist, or rebuilding your identity as a SurTHRIVER — you belong here.

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚖️ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.

🏷️ Keywords: protecting yourself in divorce, child custody, child custody battle, child custody tips, how to win custody, family law attorney, family law, high conflict divorce, CPS investigation, CPS and custody, hidden assets divorce, custody battle tips, family court, divorce documentation, divorce lawyer Texas, Tess House, Tess House Law, custody hearing tips, divorce attorney advice, Divorcing Strong

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

Kimberly shares her own story: a 23-year marriage, the heartbreak of the life she imagined ending, and the overwhelming reality of single parenthood—while still showing up professionally as a therapist. She opens up about the fear, shame, and isolation that can come with divorce, and why she created Blossom Coaching LLC: to be the support she didn’t feel like she had when she needed it most.

Together, Becky and Kimberly unpack the emotional side of divorce recovery—nervous system overload, fear of the unknown, boundary-setting, and the power of community support. If you’re in the middle of the storm, considering divorce, or rebuilding afterward, this episode will remind you: you matter—and you’re going to be okay.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why divorce can feel like identity loss—and how to reconnect with your authentic self
• How fear and “what if” thinking keep people stuck—and how to shift into hope and grounded decision-making
• What nervous system overload looks like in divorce (sleep issues, panic, dread, emotional flooding, even hair loss)
• Practical regulation tools: mindset work, breathwork, journaling, movement, self-care, and support mapping
• Why prepping emotionally before talking to your attorney can save money and reduce overwhelm
• The difference between being kind vs. being nice—and how that impacts boundaries
• Why boundaries are for you, not the other person—and how to set and hold them without guilt
• How to co-parent with less conflict (including low-contact strategies and parenting apps)
• Why community matters—and how safe groups help you heal without “horror story” spirals
• The real transformation: rediscovering your voice, rebuilding confidence, and stepping into your next chapter

A powerful takeaway

Divorce may end a marriage—but it doesn’t end your life. With the right support, you can move from survival mode to stability, and from heartbreak to rebuilding with courage and intention.

Connect with Kimberly Lorah

Kimberly offers a free consultation and works virtually (based in New Jersey). Her coaching and groups are designed to be a safe place to share, heal, and grow—without judgment.

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

In this episode of Divorcing Strong, Becky Sampson (Bulldog Becky Brochovich) sits down with Joyce Ays, a heart-centered divorce coach who helps women move through the emotional aftermath of separation with real tools—not just pep talks. Joyce is certified in Conscious Uncoupling and trained in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) and hypnosis, and she teaches women how to stop living from old patterns, release the “lost dream,” and rebuild a life rooted in truth, self-trust, and purpose.

This conversation goes deep into what rebirth after divorce actually looks like—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—especially for women who have spent years people-pleasing, staying quiet, or losing themselves inside roles like wife, mom, and caretaker.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why divorce can feel like an identity collapse—and how to rebuild your “North Star”
• How patterns formed early in life (often ages 0–7) show up in marriage and divorce
• What “rebirth” means in real life: grief, release, self-forgiveness, and reclaiming your voice
• Why staying in the victim story can feel easier—and how to gently move into responsibility without shame
• How NLP helps you disassociate from trauma, shift perspective, and rewrite the emotional imprint of the past
• Why healing doesn’t require dragging pain out for years—and how to move through it with compassion
• The difference between being “guarded” vs. being wise with boundaries
• What to do when you feel stuck in bitterness or tethered to your ex—years after the divorce
• The truth about the fear: “I’m not healed enough to date again”—and why building trust in yourself comes first
• How to stop repeating the same relationship dynamics by filling the “void” with intention, not fear

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

In this special day-before-Thanksgiving episode of Divorcing Strong, Becky Sampson (Bulldog Becky Brochovich) sits down with Lisa Lisser, founder of LZL Coaching and creator of the BEH2O Co-Parenting Program—a structured, values-driven method designed to turn reactive co-parenting into a calmer, more collaborative partnership that protects the kids.

Lisa is a former attorney turned educator, mediator, spiritual counselor, and divorce coach. As a divorced mom of three (now grown), she shares what she wishes she’d known when her own children were 11, 14, and 16—and how “Disney parenting,” inconsistent rules, and unresolved conflict can quietly destabilize kids even when parents mean well. Her approach is clear: divorce isn’t what hurts children most—conflict is. And the good news? It often only takes one parent to shift the entire family dynamic.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why holidays can amplify triggers—and how to stay grounded through them
• What BEH2O means (flexible strength + adaptable calm) and how the program works
• How co-parents can build shared values across two homes (without controlling the other house)
• Why you don’t need veto power—you need agreements and a system
• The core tool that changes everything: The Power of the Pause
• How triggers work biologically (fight/flight/freeze/fawn) and how to interrupt the cycle
• How to use Nonviolent Communication and “I feel…” statements without blame
• Why anger is often a “cover emotion” and what’s underneath it
• A simple communication framework Lisa teaches: CLEAR > Concise - Listener-ready - Essential - Appropriate - Relevant
• Why kids sometimes tell you what they think you want to hear—and how to keep your side of the road clean so they feel safe
• How co-parenting can become transformational—when you align behavior with your values (peace, safety, reliability, consistency)

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

Here's what nobody tells you when you file for divorce: the system isn't designed to protect your family. It's designed to process your case. And unless someone shows you the rules of the game before you walk into that courtroom, you will lose — not because you're wrong, but because you didn't know how to play. Ravit Rose learned this the hardest way possible. Fifteen years ago, she was a devoted mother and entrepreneur who believed her divorce would be simple. It wasn't. It cost her six figures, years of conflict, and nearly everything she'd built. But instead of staying broken, she became obsessed with understanding why the system fails families — and she built a better way.

In this episode, Ravit breaks down her signature philosophy: "The success of your divorce will start and end with you." She explains why divorce is 90% mindset and only 10% the legal system, how to approach family court like a strategic game (not an emotional war), when representing yourself is empowering vs. when it's dangerous, and how to stop the financial bleeding before it drains you. Becky also opens up about representing herself in court — twice — adding raw, first-hand credibility to a conversation most podcasts are afraid to have.

Whether you're considering divorce without a lawyer, trapped in a high-conflict case that feels endless, or need someone to tell you the truth about what's ahead — this is the episode that hands you the playbook.

🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Ravit calls divorce a "game" — and why understanding the rules is the difference between winning and being destroyed
• The 90/10 rule: how your mindset, preparation, and emotional discipline account for 90% of your divorce outcome
• What it really means to represent yourself in divorce — when it works, when it backfires, and what to prepare for
• How Ravit spent over $100,000 in legal fees before discovering the system wasn't built to protect her family
• The IRooze method: how to build a strategic divorce plan that covers legal, financial, emotional, parenting, and life-transition needs — not just courtroom tactics
• How to separate your emotions from the business of divorce — Ravit's personal courtroom preparation strategy
• Why rushing your divorce out of desperation leads to long-term regrets — and how to slow down strategically
• Warning signs that you're escalating a "bloody war" instead of moving toward resolution
• Becky's personal story of representing herself in court twice — and what she'd do differently
• How Ravit helped a father overcome his fear of single-parenting and step into his power
• What "Divorcing Strong" actually means: being smart, methodical, and logical with your eyes on the end goal — not revenge

💡 This Episode Is For You If:

• You're thinking about representing yourself in divorce and don't know if it's the right move
• You're drowning in legal fees and wondering if there's a smarter way to navigate the process
• You're stuck in a high-conflict divorce that feels like it will never end
• You need a divorce mindset shift — you know the emotional chaos is costing you, but you can't seem to separate feelings from strategy
• You want to understand how family court actually works before you walk in unprepared
• You're looking for a divorce coach or mentor and want to know what that kind of support actually looks like

🎙️ About Our Guest: Ravit Rose is the Divorce Scientist and Founder of Irooze, a platform that matches divorcing parents with vetted professionals across legal, financial, emotional, physical, and life-transition needs. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in Marketing and Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management, along with a Human Resources Certificate. After her own six-figure, high-conflict divorce, Ravit spent over a decade studying divorce from every angle — legal, emotional, and psychological — and authored Unwanted Nasty Divorces (available on Amazon & Kindle) to expose the hidden pitfalls of the traditional system. Irooze serves parents contemplating, navigating, or healing from divorce across the U.S. and Canada through coaching, a free self-assessment, and a curated Divorce Directory of resolution-focused professionals. 🔗 Learn more:

Irooze — Meet Ravit Rose

RavitRose.com

🎧 About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast: Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast brings you insights from top divorce attorneys, family law experts, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and thrive through divorce. Whether you're navigating high-conflict divorce, co-parenting with a narcissist, or rebuilding your identity as a SurTHRIVER — you belong here.

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚖️ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation.

🏷️ Keywords: divorce tips, divorce coach, divorce without a lawyer, high conflict divorce, divorce advice, divorce mindset, representing yourself in divorce, pro se divorce, family court tips, divorce strategy, divorce game plan, how to navigate divorce, divorce mistakes to avoid, emotional divorce support, divorce coaching, strategic divorce planning, Ravit Rose, Irooze, Unwanted Nasty Divorces, Divorcing Strong

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

Marco Brown didn't plan to become a divorce attorney. He grew up in a village of 85 people in Alaska — a place where kids weren't expected to become lawyers. But when a close friend called in crisis and needed help getting divorced, Marco stayed up until 3 a.m., teaching himself family law. They won. And that one case changed the trajectory of his career. Today, he runs one of Utah's most respected family law firms with over 1,000 five-star client reviews — and in this conversation, he holds nothing back.

This episode is a masterclass in what your divorce attorney wishes you knew before your first consultation. Marco explains why most people choose the wrong lawyer, how your own behavior directly impacts your case timeline and cost, what "fighting for everything" actually costs you, and the moment in 2015 when — after winning Utah's top family law award — he realized his approach to running a practice was broken and rebuilt it from the ground up.

Whether you're about to file, mid-process and frustrated, or just trying to understand how divorce actually works — this is the episode that gives you the insider playbook.

🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to choose the right divorce attorney — and the red flags that signal you've picked the wrong one
• The divorce mistakes that cost clients the most money, time, and emotional energy
• Why the most expensive attorney isn't always the best one — and what actually matters
• How your own preparedness and willingness to engage constructively can speed up (or stall) your entire case
• What "fighting for everything" really costs — and why high legal fees sometimes force the clarity you need
• Marco's 2015 wake-up call: winning Utah's top family law award while realizing his business model was burning out his team and hurting clients
• Why Marco limits attorney caseloads at his firm — and how that one decision transformed client outcomes
• The role of attorney-client communication: what to expect, what to demand, and when silence is a red flag
• How long divorce actually takes — and the factors that shorten or extend the timeline
• Marco's personal transformation: how a dramatic health and mindset shift changed his practice and his life
• Honest advice on what makes marriages work — from someone who's seen thousands fail

💡 This Episode Is For You If:

• You're looking for a divorce attorney and don't know how to evaluate your options
• You're already in the process and wondering if your lawyer is doing a good job
• You want to understand how the divorce process actually works from the inside — timeline, costs, and strategy
• You're overwhelmed by the legal system and need someone to explain it without jargon
• You want to hear from an attorney who'll be honest about the industry's problems — not just sell you services
• You need a reality check on what's worth fighting for and what's costing you more than it's worth

🎙️ About Our Guest: Marco Clayton Brown is the founding partner of Brown Family Law, LLC in Sandy, Utah. Named Utah's Outstanding Family Law Lawyer of the Year (2015), Marco holds a J.D. with Distinction from the University of Nebraska College of Law and a B.S. in Psychology from Brigham Young University. He is the Editor of the Utah Journal of Family Law, former Chair of the Davis County Domestic Violence Coalition, and is licensed to practice in Utah, New Mexico, and multiple federal courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. His firm has earned over 1,000 client reviews with a 4.8-star rating. Marco speaks English, Spanish, and Italian. 🔗 Learn more:

Brown Family Law — Marco Brown

🎧 About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast: Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast brings you insights from top divorce attorneys, family law experts, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and thrive through divorce. Whether you're navigating high-conflict divorce, co-parenting with a narcissist, or rebuilding your identity as a SurTHRIVER — you belong here.

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚖️ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation.

🏷️ Keywords: divorce tips, divorce attorney advice, divorce advice, divorce mistakes to avoid, choosing a divorce lawyer, divorce process explained, family law, how long does divorce take, divorce lawyer tips, high conflict divorce tips, co-parenting during divorce, Utah divorce attorney, divorce law, Marco Brown, Brown Family Law, divorce attorney, divorce lawyers give advice, what to expect in divorce, Divorcing Strong, attorney client communication

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

You did everything right. You filed for protection. You told the truth. And now your ex is using the court — the very system that was supposed to protect you — to control, punish, and silence you. You're not imagining it. It's called legal abuse, and family law attorney Heather O'Connor has spent her career fighting it.

Heather didn't just study high-conflict divorce — she lived it. She left an unhealthy marriage with three young children and a high school diploma, put herself through college and law school, and built O'Connor Family Law into one of Massachusetts' most recognized family law firms. Her practice focuses on the cases other attorneys avoid: domestic violence, parental alienation, weaponized restraining orders, and the high-conflict custody battles where everything is at stake.

If you feel like the system is rigged against you, your ex is making false allegations to win custody, or you're losing hope that anyone in family court actually cares about the truth — this episode will make you feel seen and give you a strategy.

🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How abusers weaponize the court system — false allegations, frivolous motions, and manufactured emergencies designed to drain you financially and emotionally
• The difference between legitimate restraining orders and those filed as a tactical weapon in divorce and custody disputes
• How to fight back when your ex files a false restraining order or domestic violence complaint to gain leverage
• What parental alienation looks like, why courts are slow to address it, and what evidence you need to prove it
• Why high-conflict personalities thrive in family court — and how to stop playing their game
• The critical mistakes survivors of domestic violence make when representing themselves in court
• How to find a family law attorney who actually understands high-conflict dynamics (not every lawyer does)
• What "winning" actually looks like in a high-conflict custody battle — and why it's not what you think
• How Heather went from domestic abuse survivor to founding attorney — and what that journey taught her about resilience and advocacy
• Why the family court system is failing survivors — and what needs to change

💡 This Episode Is For You If:

• Your ex is using the court to continue the abuse — filing false allegations, draining your finances with motions, or trying to take your kids
• You've been served a restraining order you didn't deserve and don't know how to fight it
• You suspect parental alienation but can't prove it — and the court doesn't seem to care
• You're a domestic violence survivor navigating divorce alone and terrified of losing custody
• You feel like the family court system is broken, and no one is listening to you
• You need to hear from someone who has been exactly where you are — and came out the other side

🎙️ About Our Guest: Heather A. O'Connor, J.D., is the founding attorney and CEO of O'Connor Family Law, a Massachusetts family law firm with offices in Westborough and Hanover. Heather specializes in high-conflict divorce, domestic violence, parental alienation, and complex custody disputes. A certified mediator and Massachusetts Bar Association Leadership Academy graduate, she has been recognized as a Multi-Year Lawyer of Distinction. Heather's personal experience of leaving an abusive marriage with three young children and building her career from the ground up informs every case she takes. Learn more at familylawma.com

🎧 About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast: Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast brings you insights from top divorce attorneys, family law experts, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and thrive through divorce. Whether you're navigating high-conflict divorce, co-parenting with a narcissist, or rebuilding your identity as a SurTHRIVER — you belong here.

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚖️ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. If you are in immediate danger, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Please consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation.

🏷️ Keywords: high conflict divorce, parental alienation, domestic violence divorce, restraining order divorce, family law attorney, false allegations divorce, legal abuse, custody battle, family court, abuser uses court, coercive control, divorce attorney advice, narcissist divorce, weaponized court system, divorce strategy, domestic abuse survivor, custody battle narcissist, divorce advice for women, protecting children in divorce, Divorcing Strong, Heather O'Connor

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

Who is actually protecting your children in divorce court? What's the difference between a Guardian ad Litem and a child representative — and what do you do if they're not doing their job? How do financial affidavits expose hidden assets? And why does choosing the wrong attorney cost you more than money? Erin Wilson has the answers — from every side of the courtroom.

As the founder of The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson LLC in Chicago, Erin has spent over 15 years exclusively practicing family law — as a litigator, mediator, parenting coordinator, and court-appointed Guardian ad Litem and child representative. She's fought for clients, advocated for children, and mediated between warring spouses. That 360° perspective makes this conversation unlike anything you'll hear from a typical legal podcast.

If you feel lost in the divorce process, don't understand the legal terms being thrown at you, or you're terrified the court system won't protect your kids — this episode is your playbook.

🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How to find and hire the right divorce attorney — and the #1 red flag to watch for
• Why trust between you and your lawyer matters more than aggression or reputation
• What a financial affidavit is, why it's your "ticket to the courthouse," and how it exposes dishonesty
• How to use subpoenas and formal discovery to uncover hidden assets when your spouse lies on financial disclosures
• Marital vs. non-marital assets explained: what's yours, what's theirs, and what gets split
• The critical difference between a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and a child representative — roles, confidentiality, and advocacy
• What to do when a GAL or child representative isn't fulfilling their role (motions for removal, requesting additional experts)
• How family courts determine a child's preference in custody — and why age, maturity, and the "why" behind their choice matter
• Why filing a parenting plan early in the divorce process calms fears and protects your kids
• Erin's definition of "Divorcing Strong": emerging happier, freer, and more empowered

💡 This Episode Is For You If:

• You're entering the divorce process and don't understand what a Guardian ad Litem does or why the court appointed one
• You suspect your spouse is hiding assets and don't know how to prove it
• You're overwhelmed by legal terminology and feel like you're losing control of your own case
• You don't know how to choose a family law attorney — or you're questioning whether you chose the right one
• You want to understand how your children's voices are heard (or silenced) in family court
• You're worried the legal system is failing your kids, and you need to know your options

🎙️ About Our Guest: Erin M. Wilson is the founder and managing attorney of The Law Office of Erin M. Wilson LLC in Chicago, Illinois. She has practiced family law exclusively for over 15 years and is frequently appointed as a Guardian ad Litem and child representative by the courts. Erin is also a trained mediator, collaborative law practitioner, and parenting coordinator. She serves on the boards of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) and the Decalogue Society, and is a founding member of the Illinois Association of Independent Attorneys. Learn more at ewilsonfamilylaw.com

🎧 About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast: Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast brings you insights from top divorce attorneys, family law experts, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and thrive through divorce. Whether you're navigating high-conflict divorce, co-parenting with a narcissist, or rebuilding your identity as a SurTHRIVER — you belong here.

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚖️ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation.

🏷️ Keywords: guardian ad litem, child custody, family court, family law attorney, divorce lawyer, hidden assets in divorce, financial affidavit divorce, divorce process explained, child representative, parenting plan, divorce attorney tips, protecting children in divorce, divorce advice for women, divorce strategy, custody battle, marital vs non-marital assets, divorce subpoena, high conflict divorce, co-parenting, Divorcing Strong, Erin Wilson

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

Your kids are watching how you handle this. And the good news? Divorce doesn't have to break them — it can be the moment they learn to lead their own lives. Lorraine Connell, M.Ed, MS, spent over 20 years in the classroom before founding Peers Not Fears, a leadership development program that helps teens build confidence, resilience, and real-world skills — without fear or comparison. Her message to parents navigating divorce: stop rescuing and start coaching.

If you're worried your kids are falling apart, terrified you're damaging them, or struggling to co-parent through the chaos — this conversation will shift your entire mindset.

🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why resilience is built in the "challenge zone" — not the comfort zone or the panic zone — and how to guide your kids there
• The #1 mistake divorcing parents make: over-protecting kids from failure and discomfort
• How to let your children fail safely — and why it's the most loving thing you can do
• Why asking for help is a leadership skill, not a weakness (and how to model it during divorce)
• How high-conflict divorce and co-parenting stress affect teens — and what actually helps
• The alarm clock test: a simple parenting story that reveals whether you're rescuing or coaching
• How to talk to your kids about divorce without projecting your own fear onto them
• Why college pressure, social comparison, and perfectionism are crushing today's teens — and what parents can do differently
• Lorraine's "every kid is already a leader" philosophy and how it applies to children of divorce
• Practical strategies to build your child's confidence and self-worth when their world feels unstable

💡 This Episode Is For You If:

• You're going through a divorce and worried about the impact on your kids
• Your children seem anxious, withdrawn, or acting out since the separation
• You feel guilty about "breaking up the family" and want to know how to rebuild their sense of security
• You're co-parenting with a difficult ex and need strategies to keep your kids emotionally safe
• You want to raise kids who are strong, adaptable, and confident — not just "okay"

🎙️ About Our Guest: Lorraine Connell, M.Ed, MS, is the founder of Peers Not Fears, a leadership development program for teens. A former chemistry teacher with 20+ years in education, Lorraine is a certified coach, author, speaker, and podcast host on a mission to help every student feel seen, heard, and capable. She works with schools, families, and organizations across the country. Learn more at PeersNotFears.com

🎧 About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast: Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast brings you insights from top divorce attorneys, family law experts, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and thrive through divorce. Whether you're navigating high-conflict divorce, co-parenting with a narcissist, or rebuilding your identity as a SurTHRIVER — you belong here.

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚖️ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation.

🏷️ Keywords: raising resilient kids, parenting through divorce, kids and divorce, co-parenting tips, helping children cope with divorce, teen leadership, teen mental health, children of divorce, building resilience in children, parenting after divorce, divorce and children, comfort zone challenge zone, how to help kids through divorce, blended families after divorce, raising strong kids, high conflict divorce, co-parenting, Divorcing Strong, Lorraine Connell, Peers Not Fears

Support Divorcing Strong by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/divorcing-strong

Donna Cates has spent over 25 years empowering women to take control of their finances — and her signature message hits hard: "A man is NOT a financial plan." As the founder of Money Matters Wealth Solutions and a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), Donna brings real-world expertise in divorce settlement analysis, post-divorce cash flow projections, tax implications, and long-term wealth building for women starting over.

If you feel overwhelmed by the financial side of divorce, don't know what you don't know about hidden assets or settlement mistakes, or you're terrified of running out of money — this episode is your path back to power.

🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why women must stop outsourcing their financial futures — and what to do instead
• The biggest divorce money mistakes that can cost you thousands (or more)
• What a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) actually does — and why you may need one on your team
• How to evaluate a divorce settlement beyond the dollar amount on paper
• Tax traps and hidden financial landmines in property division
• Post-divorce cash flow planning: how to know if you can really afford your life after divorce
• How to rebuild financial confidence and create a wealth plan from scratch
• Why financial planning for divorce is different for women over 50 (gray divorce)
• The emotional money blocks that keep women stuck — and how to break through them

💡 This Episode Is For You If:

• You're considering divorce, but terrified of the financial unknowns
• You've never managed money on your own and don't know where to start
• You're in the middle of a divorce and want to avoid costly settlement mistakes
• You're post-divorce and need a roadmap to rebuild wealth and financial independence
• You want to understand what a CDFA® can do that your attorney can't

🎙️ About Our Guest: Donna S. Cates, CDFA®, CRPC®, is the founder of Money Matters Wealth Solutions and has been a financial advisor, wealth builder, divorce financial mediator, and speaker since 2000. Her mission is to level the playing field for women in investing and wealth management. Learn more at MoneyMattersWealth.com

🎧 About Divorcing Strong™ Podcast: Hosted by Becky Sampson, CEO of Only Subpoenas™, the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast brings you insights from top divorce attorneys, family law experts, financial planners, and healing coaches to help you protect your rights and thrive through divorce. Whether you're navigating high-conflict divorce, co-parenting with a narcissist, or rebuilding your identity as a SurTHRIVER — you belong here.

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

⚖️ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or mental health advice. Please consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation.

🏷️ Keywords: divorce financial planning, women and money, divorce money mistakes, financial planning for women, CDFA, certified divorce financial analyst, divorce settlement tips, hidden assets divorce, divorce over 50, gray divorce, women financial independence, rebuilding finances after divorce, divorce financial checklist, divorce property division, financial confidence after divorce, divorce recovery, high conflict divorce, financial freedom after divorce, Divorcing Strong, Donna Cates

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In this episode of Divorcing Strong, Becky Sampson (Bulldog Becky Brochovich) is joined by Liz Vaz, a New York–based collaborative divorce attorney and Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, for a practical conversation about choosing peace over combat—and how to build a divorce process that protects your children, your finances, and your future.

Liz shares how growing up in the crossfire of a contentious divorce shaped her life’s work: helping families avoid courtroom chaos and move through separation with clarity, dignity, and full financial transparency. Together, Becky and Liz unpack what mediation and collaborative divorce actually look like, how to prepare financially and emotionally, and how to recognize when a process is working—or when it’s time to pivot.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The difference between mediation, collaborative divorce, and litigation—and how to tell what fits your situation Why Liz says to start with the assumption that you can work it out (even if you don’t agree yet) The non-negotiables for mediation to work: good faith + full disclosure How to avoid wasting money in “presumptive” court-ordered mediation when documents aren’t produced What to gather before mediation: tax returns, bank accounts, retirement, credit cards, mortgage/leases, crypto, and more Why a divorce coach/therapist can be crucial so you don’t process emotions in negotiations How to define a “bottom line” and negotiate from stability (and when to bring in a CDFA) Why “neutral” matters: what a mediator can and can’t do—and why clients often try to pull mediators to their side How mediation logistics work (virtual sessions, caucusing in separate rooms, attorney participation) Liz’s blunt reminder: most contested divorces settle anyway—so don’t start in court unless you have to

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

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Rob shares how his own divorce (with three young kids and the world shutting down during the pandemic) pushed him from “I have no idea what I’m doing” into becoming a connector—curating professionals, bite-sized Q\&A podcast episodes, and relatable content that uses humor as a bridge to support people through divorce, co-parenting, and dating after divorce.

Becky and Rob also talk candidly about why divorce often hits men differently, what many women experience in the “do I stay or do I leave?” stage, and why self-care, boundaries, and community matter more than ever during this season.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

How Rob went from poker pro / marketing guy → building WTF Divorce after his own divorce Why divorce can feel so isolating (and why “your married friends don’t get it”) How humor helps people cope and connect—and then find real help when they need it What most people are really searching for at the start: answers, speed, clarity, and not feeling alone Why divorce can be emotionally harder for men (support gaps, fewer outlets, feeling blindsided) Co-parenting with young kids: recalibrating expectations and learning on the fly The post-divorce growth muscles: boundaries, discomfort tolerance, and hard conversations Why having a directory of vetted pros + short video intros makes it easier to choose support

Mentioned in the episode:

WTF Divorce Directory: wtfdirectory.com (also referenced as “the WTF directory”) Rob created it so people can watch quick videos, get a feel for a professional, and reach out for consults—without spending hours researching.

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

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In this episode of Divorcing Strong, Becky Sampson (Bulldog Becky Brochovich) sits down with Jill Kaufman, a divorce coach who brings uncommon depth to the table: she’s a licensed therapist, certified mediator, co-parenting expert, and parenting educator who has helped families rebuild for over two decades. Jill also shares the hard-earned truth behind her work—during her own divorce, even as a therapist, she “did everything wrong,” felt isolated, and learned firsthand how easy it is to lose your voice when attorneys do all the communicating.

This conversation is all about helping parents move through divorce with less damage, more dignity, and a clearer path forward—especially when kids are involved. Jill breaks down why research shows the biggest predictor of how kids do isn’t divorce itself, but the relationship between parents, and how to shift from surviving to truly thriving after divorce.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why going straight to attorneys can put both spouses on defense (and drive up costs)

How Jill finally settled her own divorce by advocating directly and focusing on what mattered most

The #1 truth about kids and divorce: conflict is what harms them most

A myth to drop: the relationship with your co-parent won’t magically improve after divorce

How to handle two different parenting styles across two homes (and what you can control)

What kids’ emotional outbursts really mean—and why not taking it personally matters

Why it’s worth doing the work to be in the same room again someday (for kids and grandkids)

Jill’s definition of “thriving” and how to know when you’ve turned the corner

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

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Sharnice shares her remarkable journey from answering phones in a law firm as a teenager to working every role in the legal field—receptionist, paralegal, and eventually attorney—while raising eight children and working full-time through law school. Her path took a pivotal turn when her first case out of law school was her own divorce, representing herself pro se. That experience shaped her mission: helping people—especially overwhelmed parents—leave unhealthy marriages in the best possible position and rebuild life on the other side.

Together, Becky and Sharnice cover how to set realistic expectations, how to advocate for yourself (even if you have an attorney), and what to do if domestic violence is part of the story—especially the importance of documenting incidents and including key details early in filings.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why Sharnice says in divorce “no one truly wins”—and what “justice” looks like in real life The importance of understanding legal language and managing expectations (not TV, friends, or the internet) What to do when you feel overwhelmed at the start—and the “don’ts” that can protect your case (including social media) Domestic violence in the legal system: why documentation matters and how “he said / she said” plays out Why details belong in your initial filings—and how self-help resources can support the process The reminder every listener needs: it gets better, and this season is temporary

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

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In this episode of Divorcing Strong, Becky Sampson (Bulldog Becky Brochovich) sits down with Krista Shelton, president and founder of Focused Forensic Solutions and a former IRS Special Agent, to break down how forensic accounting can uncover hidden income, missing documents, manipulated business numbers, and financial red flags that change everything in settlement and support.

Krista explains the difference between a regular accountant and a forensic accountant (think: financial detective), when you do and don’t need forensics, and what to look for if your spouse controls the money—especially when there’s a small business, incomplete bank statements, or a lifestyle that doesn’t match reported income.

You’ll learn:

The biggest red flags Krista sees in divorce (small business manipulation, hidden accounts, missing months) Why bank statements are powerful third-party proof—and how one “small” transaction can expose a new account How forensics can help even at the start of discovery by guiding what to request (especially business bank records) How tax issues can sometimes be used as leverage to reach settlement (without rushing into choices that backfire) Krista’s Red Flag Analysis process: what she reviews, what she flags, and how she equips you with next steps Why “forensic” doesn’t have to mean “out of reach” (Krista shares a flat-fee model based on document volume)

Becky and Krista also talk about a key truth: you don’t need revenge—you need facts. When you have the paperwork, you can negotiate from clarity instead of fear.

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

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In this episode of Divorcing Strong, Becky Sampson (Bulldog Becky Brochovich) sits down with Karen Covy—divorce coach, mediator, collaborative divorce professional, and “recovering” divorce attorney—to break down how to move through divorce with less conflict, less chaos, and more control.

Karen shares why traditional divorce court often makes no sense (“cross-examine your spouse… then sit next to each other at your kid’s soccer game”), and how to reclaim your power by getting clear on your values, setting a North Star goal, and building the right support team—so you don’t waste thousands paying an attorney to do what a coach or therapist should be doing.

You’ll learn how to:

Stop treating your lawyer like a therapist (and save serious money) Communicate with your attorney without rapid-fire emails (and get better answers than “it depends”) Avoid the expensive mistake of firing your attorney mid-case—and what to do instead Understand legal language so you don’t fight the wrong battles (custody vs. parenting time) Choose your divorce process first (mediation vs. litigation), then hire the attorney who fits that process

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

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In this episode of Divorcing Strong, Becky Sampson (Bulldog Becky Brochovich) interviews Doug Noll, a lawyer-turned-peacemaker who has trained hundreds of thousands of people to de-escalate conflict—from maximum security prisons to high-stakes leadership environments where one wrong conversation can explode.

Doug breaks down why “just breathe” advice often fails in real conflict, and teaches a neuroscience-backed tool he calls the 90-Second Reset Protocol. The core skill is affect labeling: naming emotions out loud to immediately calm your brain and help the other person feel seen—without agreeing, fixing, or defending.

You’ll learn how to: Name your emotions in the moment (“I’m angry…betrayed…terrified…ashamed”) to regain control Use you-statements to de-escalate someone else (“You’re really angry…you feel disrespected…”) Stop getting hooked by the words and treat them like white noise—then reflect the emotion underneath Support kids through divorce by validating emotions (and avoid the damage of invalidation) Practice safely in daily life (Doug’s favorite “lab”: Starbucks) before trying it with your ex

Doug also shares the powerful story behind Prison of Peace, where teaching reflective listening and emotional validation helped transform prison culture—and why these skills can transform families, co-parenting, and high-conflict divorce.

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

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In this episode of Divorcing Strong, Becky Sampson (Bulldog Becky Brochovich) sits down with Carrie Jacobson, Esq., founder of Jacobson Family Law, to break down a calmer, smarter path forward: mediation and collaborative divorce—so you can protect your peace, reduce conflict for your kids, and reach a durable agreement without letting the court control your timeline.

Carrie shares why litigation often fuels unnecessary stress and delay, what mediators actually do (and don’t do), and the biggest mistakes people make at the start of divorce—like hiring the wrong kind of attorney for the outcome they want. You’ll also learn how to keep emotions from driving legal decisions, how to use the court strategically only when necessary, and why judges respect good-faith efforts to resolve things peacefully.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What mediation and collaborative divorce really mean—and how they differ from litigation Why you should negotiate first (when possible) so the court doesn’t control the pace How to “compartmentalize” emotions so you can negotiate with clarity What to do when your spouse is uncooperative—without instantly escalating the conflict Why the right attorney “fit” matters (and why you should interview before you hire)

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

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Jimbo shares how avoidance and weak communication patterns [KW: conflict avoidance] stretched a struggling marriage into 17 years—and how family health crises and financial stress compounded everything. He also talks candidly about the moment he realized he was giving his daughter relationship advice he wasn’t living… and why he chose to take action.

If you’re in the middle of it, this episode helps you slow down and make choices that protect your future—especially when you’re tempted to agree to anything just to stop the pain. Jimbo explains what he wishes he knew about hiring an attorney (hint: specialization matters) [KW: family law attorney] and why patience and consistency with kids can matter more than “winning” the moment [KW: divorce with teenagers].

Key takeaways:

Don’t make short-term pain-relief decisions that turn into long-term regrets [KW: divorce decision-making].

Keep showing up for your kids—patient, consistent, honest—even when they pull away [KW: parenting through divorce].

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

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Ameenah shares her story of leaving Japan with her kids after learning her husband had been unfaithful and married to another person in another country—and how “definitive information” helped her move from questioning and being gaslit [KW: gaslighting in marriage] to acting from an empowered place. You’ll hear practical strategies for identifying your values, creating healthy boundaries with an ex [KW: boundaries with ex], and narrowing communication when manipulation has been part of the pattern.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to anchor to self-worth, self-love, and connection to God [KW: self-worth after divorce] when emotions run high

Why shifting communication to email/text/voice notes only can protect your peace [KW: divorce communication boundaries]

🌺For information on working with Only Subpoenas™, visit our website at https://onlysubpoenas.com/ or contact us at this number: 650-910-6659 🌺

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