Welcome to Splitsville | Navigating Divorce in a Modern World

Abuse doesn't always end when a relationship does. For some survivors, the courtroom becomes the next battleground. In situations where one party repeatedly weaponizes the court system against the other, often referred to as litigation abuse, lawyers find themselves on the frontlines. “I can see where an attorney could be utilized to perpetuate the discovery and the invasive maneuvers to get evidence of conduct that we've been told...

"Communication is key," says Dr. Tracy Masiello, but for high-conflict divorced parents, even simple messages about a tired child can escalate into legal battles. When that happens, parenting coordinators have the skills and court authority to resolve communication breakdowns.

Dr. Masiello, founder of Reaching Resolution, specializes in court-involved therapy, family reunification work, and high-conflict family systems. She and host...

Divorce or separation can be challenging, especially when co-parenting with an ex becomes difficult—or even impossible. In this episode of Welcome to Splitsville, licensed professional counselor and parent coach Jenevieve Wardell joins host Leigh Sellers to explain how parent coaching can help a parent navigate high-conflict situations and ensure children thrive.

Leigh and Jenevieve discuss the differences between therapy, co-parent...

Divorcing parents are rarely “alienated” from their children, but children of divorcing parents do frequently “resist or refuse” a parent. In the latter scenario, “it’s not that the other parent is intentionally and actively trying to undermine the relationship between a parent and child, but, instead, it's that something has happened to that child,” explains Dr. Tracy Masiello, a psychologist, licensed clinical mental health couns...

If you’re going through a divorce, one thing you can count on is a bill from your attorney. Hourly rates differ, but as Touchstone Family Law lawyer Brione Pattison explains, “each attorney is going to provide you with a bill at some point in time.” Brione and colleague Lea Finegan developed a “Top 10” list of best practices to help people save on attorney’s fees. Tune in as they break down critical strategies, from the heart (get ...

Sarah and John are fictional characters going through a divorce. As Lea Finegan explains, they could take two avenues: litigation or collaboration. In the litigation scenario, their case could drag on for years, personal details would become public record, legal fees mount, and a judge who doesn't know them would make a one-size-fits-all decision. But through the collaborative family law approach, Sarah and John would craft persona...

Todd Owens often encounters family law clients who insist they simply want what they’re entitled to. His answer? "[In court] You're entitled to only one thing, and that's the opportunity to go in the courtroom, stomp your foot, pound your fist on the table, make your argument, and then cross your fingers and hope to God that the judge sees it exactly the same way you do." His guidance? “I need them to keep an open mind and understa...

"There's always a lot of fear around a divorce situation. Everyone's always worried that the outcome's going to be something that is going to negatively impact them," says Kristen Shearin, a certified divorce financial analyst (CDFA). 

In this conversation with host Sheila Passenant, Kristen describes how CDFAs can reduce that very fear throughout the divorce process. They do this by providing a range of financial projections a...

Divorcing couples often find themselves at a loss when trying to determine how to handle what is often their largest asset, the family home. Who stays in the home? What does the person who is leaving the home do for a substitute home? How do you finance these decisions?

On this episode of Welcome to Splitsville, we have invited Senior Mortgage Consultant Rebecca Richardson to help answer some of those questions. With over 19 years o...

A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a community volunteer appointed by the court to serve children by advocating for their best interests before the court. When appropriate, the court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem in a child custody action. If you’re currently involved in or about to enter a contested custody battle, divorce, or separation, this episode will help you understand the role of a GAL and what you can expect from the process.

The world has been facing a public health crisis that has caused significant economic changes and uncertainty. In the first two quarters of the year, families that are both intact and separated are facing increasing financial problems and struggles. More so for the latter, if one parent is obligated by the court to pay child support. But, with the ongoing pandemic, are there laws in place that allow for modification of child suppor...

One of the more prominent narratives surrounding separation and divorce involves ex-spouses being at each other’s throats and constantly arguing with one another. Such a hostile environment not only affects the former couple but negatively impacts their children as well. While separation and divorce are difficult for everyone involved, a happy co-parenting ending with your ex is a very real possibility.

Touchstone Family Law f...

The outcome of divorce and custody cases isn’t just dependent on your attorney or the judge. Believe it or not, your attitude and decisions during the whole process are going to affect how it all works out in the end. You have a lot of control over your own success, 01:45 and the divorce attorney is there to guide you along the way in terms of the legal implications and ramifications of your situation.

Leigh Sellers dives into five ...

Child custody cases are often the toughest types of cases that go through family court. Far too often, those cases involve parents with alcohol and substance abuse issues. Some states, including North Carolina, allow for alcohol monitoring systems in child custody cases. In this episode, we talk with Chris Beck of Soberlink, a modern tool that helps parents struggling with alcohol abuse stay involved in their children's lives.

By u...

Child custody cases are often the toughest types of cases in family court. Frequently, lawyers must call upon experts outside the legal field for assistance. In this episode of Welcome to Splitsville, we explore what a custody evaluation is, who is involved, and how it can affect your child custody case.

Today’s conversation is with Sean Knuth, a licensed psychologist in North Carolina who specializes in forensic psychology. Sean w...

On this episode of Welcome to Splitsville, we explore what a divorce coach does and explore how utilizing a coach can help you navigate your divorce. Today's conversation is with Sandra Lee, a divorce coach in Charlotte, NC, with more than 20 years of experience.

First, we hear Sandra explore the differences between divorce coaching and therapy. 4:15 Then she discusses the role of a divorce coach in the divorce process. 9:02 Becaus...

You did the proposal, the ring, and the "yes!"  Now, you're attacking your wedding planning To-Dos. The modern wedding planning to-do list frequently includes some variation of "discuss getting a prenup." On this episode of Welcome to Splitsville, we explore the question of whether you need a prenuptial agreement or "prenup."

Today's conversation is with Mollie Ellis, an associate at Touchstone Family Law and the newest newlywed in...

Often a breakup is too stressful for a person to handle on their own. Divorce attorneys are often asked for recommendations on finding a good therapist. On this episode of Welcome to Splitsville, we explore how to pick a therapist and the therapist's role in helping you through a divorce.

Today's conversation is with Dr. Sean Knuth, a licensed psychologist in North Carolina who specializes in forensic psychology. Sean works with th...

There are many things to consider during a divorce. How will the assets be split? Where do the kids spend the holidays? Who gets the record collection? One question we are starting to hear with regularity is, "who gets custody of the family pets after a divorce?" On this episode of Welcome to Splitsville, we explore what happens to pets when a marriage (or any relationship) ends.

Today’s conversation is with Jovanna Mastro, an asso...