Divorce tips, divorce attorney advice, and the divorce mistakes to avoid — straight from an award-winning family law attorney who's handled thousands of cases. Utah divorce lawyer Marco Brown, founding partner of Brown Family Law and Utah's Outstanding Family Law Lawyer of the Year, joins Becky Sampson on the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast to pull back the curtain on what really happens inside divorce cases — and what you can control to change your outcome.

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 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.

👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies

👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/

👉 Follow Becky on social media:

BECKY SAMPSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beckysampson11/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DivorcingStrong

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

🌺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 get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

🏷️ 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

High-conflict divorce, parental alienation, weaponized restraining orders, and how abusers manipulate the family court system — Massachusetts family law attorney Heather O'Connor joins Becky Sampson on the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast with a raw, unflinching conversation about what happens when the legal system becomes your abuser's newest weapon.

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 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.

👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies

👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/

👉 Follow Becky on social media:

BECKY SAMPSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beckysampson11/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DivorcingStrong

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

🌺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 get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

🏷️ 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

Child custody, guardian ad litem, hidden assets in divorce, and how family court really works — Illinois family law attorney Erin Wilson joins Becky Sampson on the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast to pull back the curtain on the legal process no one explains to you before you're already in it.

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 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.

👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies

👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/

👉 Follow Becky on social media:

BECKY SAMPSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beckysampson11/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DivorcingStrong

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

🌺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 get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

🏷️ 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

Raising resilient kids through divorce, co-parenting tips, and how to help children cope when everything changes — teen leadership expert and educator Lorraine Connell joins Becky Sampson on the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast with a practical framework every divorcing parent needs to hear.

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 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.

👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies

👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/

👉 Follow Becky on social media:

BECKY SAMPSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beckysampson11/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DivorcingStrong

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

🌺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 get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

🏷️ 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

Divorce financial planning, money mistakes women make, and how to rebuild wealth after divorce — financial strategist and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) Donna Cates joins Becky Sampson on the Divorcing Strong™ Podcast to deliver the financial playbook every woman needs before, during, and after divorce.

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 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.

👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies

👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/

👉 Follow Becky on social media:

BECKY SAMPSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beckysampson11/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DivorcingStrong

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

🌺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 get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

🏷️ 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

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

Divorce doesn’t have to be a war—and it doesn’t have to drag your kids through the fallout.

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

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.

👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies

👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/

👉 Follow Becky on social media:

BECKY SAMPSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beckysampson11/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DivorcingStrong

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

🌺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 get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

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

Divorce can feel overwhelming, isolating, and confusing—especially when you don’t even know what questions to ask yet. In this episode of Divorcing Strong, Becky Sampson (Bulldog Becky Brochovich) sits down with Rob, a divorced dad of three and the founder of WTF Divorce—a fast-growing online community and directory built to help people feel less alone and find trusted divorce resources in one place.

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.

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.

👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies

👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/

👉 Follow Becky on social media:

BECKY SAMPSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beckysampson11/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DivorcingStrong

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

🌺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 get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

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

Divorce doesn’t have to destroy your family—but conflict can.

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

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.

👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies

👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/

👉 Follow Becky on social media:

BECKY SAMPSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beckysampson11/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DivorcingStrong

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

🌺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 get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

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 Florida family-law and estate-planning attorney Sharnice Perry to talk about what most people don’t realize until they’re already in the system: education is power, and your outcome improves when you understand the process, the language, and what evidence actually matters.

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

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.

👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies

👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/

👉 Follow Becky on social media:

BECKY SAMPSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beckysampson11/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DivorcingStrong

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

🌺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 get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

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

If you weren’t “the finance person” in your marriage—and now you’re staring at divorce paperwork thinking, “I don’t even know where anything is”—this episode is for you.

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.

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.

👉 Subscribe for more empowering divorce stories and strategies

👉 Learn more about working with Becky: https://beckysampson.com/

👉 Follow Becky on social media:

BECKY SAMPSON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcingstrongbeckysampson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beckysampson11/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DivorcingStrong

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

🌺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 get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

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