205. The 50/50 Divorce Myth: What Equitable Distribution Actually Means

Most people assume divorce means everything splits 50/50. In most of the country, that's not how the law works — and learning it mid-process can cost you dearly. In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down with Jessica Fagan, founder of Fagan Law Group, an Atlanta-based family law firm focused on complex divorce, custody, and high-asset family matters. Jessica breaks down what equitable distribution really means, why "fair" and "equal" are not the same thing, and how her "zone of settlement" approach helps clients negotiate from knowledge instead of fear. In this episode: Why only 9 states follow strict community property rules The tax traps hiding inside a "50/50" account split (Roth vs. traditional, tax basis, risk) How fairness is evolving when one spouse earns the income AND runs the household The zone of settlement: your best day vs. worst day in court Why judges are a wild card — "a sledgehammer, not a scalpel" Being heard in mediation without being pressured into a bad deal Why alimony is declining — and when more than 50% of assets is the smarter ask What AI gets wrong about analyzing divorce finances Connect with Jessica Fagan: Website: https://FaganLawGroup.com Instagram: @faganlaw Get financially clear before you negotiate. Learn about the MDS Financial Portrait™ and join the free MDS Community at https://MyDivorceSolution.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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207. How to Trust Yourself in Divorce: Stop Overthinking and Make Clear Decisions with Amy Armstrong

Divorce can make even the most confident person question every decision. When fear, conflicting advice, and financial uncertainty take over, how do you determine what is truly right for you? Divorce ...

5 Elo 45min

206. Hidden Assets or Costly Rabbit Holes? How Much Financial Discovery Is Enough?

One missing financial document could change the outcome of a divorce—but spending thousands tracing an account that once held only a few hundred dollars may not. So how do you know when you have enoug...

29 Heinä 32min

204. Should You Move Money Before Divorce? Why One-Off Financial Advice Backfires

Someone tells you to move money out of the joint account. Someone else says stop depositing your paycheck. Your attorney raises temporary orders. Each piece of advice may sound reasonable on its own —...

15 Heinä 23min

203. Why Clients Leave Good Attorneys: Communication, Financial Clarity & AI in Divorce with Jessica Marshall

In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down with Chicago family law attorney Jessica Marshall for a candid conversation about what really protects you during divo...

8 Heinä 36min

202. Inheritance and Divorce: What Gray Divorce Couples Don't Know Can Cost Them

Is inherited money really "yours" in a divorce? Not necessarily — and the details of how that money was handled can make or break your case. In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Cathe...

1 Heinä 23min

201. Is This Gaslighting? How to Recognize, Document, and Protect Yourself in High-Conflict Divorce

Is what you’re experiencing actually gaslighting? In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down with narcissistic abuse expert Tracy Malone — author of Divorcing Yo...

24 Kesä 31min

200 Episodes Later: What Ten Years Taught Us About Money & Marriage

After 200 episodes and a decade of helping thousands of individuals navigate one of life’s most difficult transitions, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan step back from the typical divorce topic to ...

17 Kesä 22min