S1:E10 – LIZ VAZ "End the Marriage, Protect the Family"
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
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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.
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