Drama-Free Divorce Podcast

Divorce is rarely just a legal matter — and that's especially true when spouses come from different countries, cultures, or legal systems. In this episode, Cary Jacobson is joined by Diana Romanov, a San Francisco family law attorney licensed in both California and Germany, to talk about what makes cross-border divorce so uniquely challenging. Diana is a Certified Family Law Specialist, media...

Custody cases are some of the most emotionally charged parts of any divorce—and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, attorney and mediator Cary Jacobson sits down with Maryland family law attorney Michael Mastracci, Esq., who has been practicing since 1989 and has represented hundreds of clients in custody disputes. What makes Michael's perspective especially valuable: he's se...

Money and emotions collide during divorce — and the decisions you make in those moments can shape your financial future for years. In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast, Cary Jacobson sits down with Jennifer Lee, founder of Modern-Wealth, to talk about what smart financial guidance looks like during one of life's biggest transitions. Jennifer brings nearly 30 years of financial se...

Money is one of the most emotionally charged parts of divorce — and the decisions you make during the process can follow you for decades.   In this episode, Cary Jacobson sits down with Amanda Campbell, CFP® and CDFA®, for her return appearance on the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast. Amanda has worked in financial services since 2010 and has focused exclusively on divorce financial planning since 2014,...

Domestic violence does not discriminate by title, income, or education—yet silence often thrives in professional circles. In this episode, Cary Jacobson sits down with Amanda Lee, founder of The Lee Consultants, to discuss the hidden reality of abuse among high-achieving professionals. Amanda brings a unique perspective as a former litigator and survivor. Together, they shatter the false narrative...

Financial fear is often the biggest driver of conflict in a divorce. Questions like "Is my spouse hiding money?" or "Can I afford my future?" can keep you paralyzed. In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast , Cary Jacobson sits down with Ryan Finley , Founder of Freedom Financial Services Group. Ryan is a CPA, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), and Forensic Ac...

How has divorce changed over the last 20 years? In this episode, Cary Jacobson welcomes Kirk Stange, Founding Partner and President of Stange Law Firm, PC. Kirk manages a family law practice across nine states and brings a wealth of knowledge on how to keep the "drama" out of the legal process. We discuss: The Evolution of Divorce: How technology and modern laws have changed the client e...

EP #9: Mental Health & The Decision to Separate with Guest Laurie McNulty Divorce isn’t just a legal event—it’s an emotional evolution. In this episode, Cary Jacobson welcomes therapist Laurie Chaikind McNulty to discuss how to navigate the mental health challenges of separation. Inside this episode: The Decision Phase: Navigating the "should I stay or should I go" anxiety. The Ancho...

Divorce doesn’t have to mean courtroom battles. In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast , Cary Jacobson sits down with Colorado family law attorney Katelyn B. Parker to explore Collaborative Divorce—a process built around cooperation, transparency, and a team-based approach to resolving divorce. Together, they discuss how the collaborative process works, who is involved in the profession...

In this solo episode, Cary Jacobson breaks down how traditional hourly billing can increase anxiety, hesitation, and even conflict during negotiations. When every email and phone call adds to the bill, people often delay decisions or avoid asking important questions — and that uncertainty can slow progress. Cary explains how flat-fee structures provide clarity, predictability, and financial transp...

What if the best way to avoid a high-conflict divorce starts long before the wedding day — with better conversations before marriage? In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast , attorney and mediator Cary Jacobson sits down with Angel Thompson, MA , a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience in premarital and couples counseling, to explore how proactive relationship work can dra...

What if the traditional divorce system actually makes things worse — not better? In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast , host Cary Jacobson , attorney and mediator at Jacobson Family Law, is joined by Regina DeAngelis , founder of Family Transitions® Divorce Coaching & Mediation and creator of the 21st Century Family Transition® program. Regina is a former divorce attorney with dec...

Estate planning isn’t just about documents — it’s about protecting your family, preserving wealth, and creating clarity during life’s biggest transitions. In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast , host Cary Jacobson , attorney and mediator at Jacobson Family Law, is joined by Priscilla Castlebary , a Personal Family Lawyer and passionate advocate for Latinx families, blended families, an...

Divorce doesn’t have to be destructive. In Episode 3 of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast , Cary Jacobson is joined by James Traub , a CDC Certified Divorce Coach®, to discuss how divorce coaching helps individuals make intentional decisions and work toward their best possible divorce . James shares how his experience as a child of divorce shaped his approach, what divorce coaching actually is, and h...

Divorce is common — but for years, it was rarely discussed openly or thoughtfully in the media. In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast , Cary Jacobson sits down with veteran journalist Ilyssa Panitz to explore how journalism can shine a light on divorce and help people heal. After a successful career covering entertainment and celebrity news, Ilyssa experienced a harrowing divorce that...

Divorce can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to money. In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast , Cary Jacobson sits down with financial empowerment expert Rhonda Noordyk to break down the financial side of divorce in a clear, practical, and empowering way. Rhonda shares why so many women feel uncertain about finances during and after divorce, and how to shift from fear and conf...

In this episode of Divorce Diaries: Lessons from the Trenches, host Cary Jacobson is joined by Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Allison Terrill to explore how financial experts can help individuals navigate the complex financial aspects of divorce. From understanding asset division and business valuations to planning for long-term stability, this conversation sheds light on the strategies that...

Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator at Jacobson Family Law, explores when and how custody and child support orders can be modified in Maryland. Cary brings her extensive family law experience to help parents understand their options and responsibilities when circumstances change after a court order has been established.  If you’re weighing a modification or just want to be prepared, listen now an...

Host Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator with Jacobson Family Law, is joined by Rita Morris, Co-Parent Coach and Mediator. Together, they explore the challenges of co-parenting after divorce and share strategies for creating healthier family dynamics. Discover how to stay anchored in your values, manage differing parenting styles, reduce conflict, and prioritize your child’s peace for a stronger...

When divorce looms, most people fixate on the emotional fallout or legal battles ahead – rarely do they understand how profoundly financial decisions made during this vulnerable time will shape their future for decades to come. Host Cary Jacobson sits down with Melissa Murphy Pavone, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst who brings mindfulness to the dollars and cen...

Divorce can be one of life’s most overwhelming transitions—but it can also be an opportunity for growth, strength, and transformation. In this episode of Divorce Diaries: Lessons from the Trenches, host Cary Jacobson sits down with Heather Quick, founder and CEO of Florida Women’s Law Group, to discuss why women often feel pressure to “give in” during divorce and how they can reclaim their power i...

Attorney and mediator, Cary Jacobson, is joined this week by Lance Hilsinger as he pulls back the curtain on the misunderstood world of child welfare after spending 34 years on the frontlines. His candid conversation reveals surprising truths about the system designed to protect our most vulnerable children. Lance's advice resonates with compassion and practicality: normalize life for childre...

Forget everything you thought you knew about divorce. The battlefield metaphor? The years of expensive court battles? The permanent damage to family relationships? None of that is inevitable. Family law attorney and mediator Cary Jacobson pulls back the curtain on divorce mediation—a powerful alternative that's transforming how couples navigate separation. Preparing for successful mediation m...

In this powerful conversation, host Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator, is joined by Olivia Howell, founder of Fresh Starts Registry. Olivia shares how personal experience led her to create the world's first divorce registry – a platform where friends and family can tangibly support loved ones rebuilding their lives. Whether you're experiencing divorce yourself or supporting someone wh...

What happens when you realize the courtroom isn’t the only path to divorce? In this episode, attorney and mediator Cary Jacobson sits down with Azizah Ahmad, Esq., whose personal four-year battle in family court transformed how she now helps others navigate divorce. Azizah shares her story of moving from high-conflict litigation to out-of-court mediation — and how choosing dignity and collaboratio...