I Now Pronounce You Divorced

The holiday season can bring joy, but for some co-parents, it can also bring stress. From juggling schedules to managing emotions, communication can easily get complicated. In the Season 2 premiere of I Now Pronounce You Divorced , Charles Hatley and Dan Cuneo sit down with Danielle Kestnbaum from OurFamilyWizard to explore how co-parents can navigate the holidays with less conflict and more coope...

In the 100th, and final, episode of Season 1 of I Now Pronounce You Divorced, our hosts take a deep dive into one of the most common questions in family law: “How much does divorce really cost?” From the unpredictability of legal expenses to the importance of setting clear client expectations, this episode unpacks the financial realities of divorce. The discussion explores why costs can vary so wi...

We've said many times that divorce isn’t just a legal process. It’s an emotional journey that can leave people feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and uncertain about the future. In this episode of I Now Pronounce You Divorced , hosts Charles Hatley, Rebecca Melone, and Dan Cuneo sit down with Madisen Rose, CEO of Better Half to Whole , to unpack the emotional hurdles of divorce and what it really take...

Going through a divorce brings more than emotional changes; it reshapes your financial future. In this episode, Charles and Dan sit down with financial advisor Erin Jackson from Your Financial Growth Partners to discuss the key steps to achieving financial clarity during and after divorce. Erin explains why clarity and emotional detachment are vital for making sound financial decisions, and how bu...

In this episode, Charles Hatley and Chris Rice, a Home Mortgage Originator with OVM with Annie Mac Home Mortgage, dive into the critical financial steps you need to take during and after a divorce. From protecting your credit score to managing joint accounts, refinancing mortgages, and planning for financial independence, this conversation clears up common myths and offers practical guidance to he...

In this special episode of I Now Pronounce You Divorced , hosts Dan Cuneo and Rebecca Melone sit down with Wes Mason of Principal Strategies to explore the intersection of family law, workplace relationships, and HR policies. From navigating confidentiality in HR reporting to managing corporate scandals with integrity, the conversation dives deep into how personal and professional lives collide—an...

Divorce doesn’t just end a marriage; it reshapes the lives of children in ways that can last a lifetime. In this episode of I Now Pronounce You Divorced , Charles Hatley sits down with Melissa Zentner, from It Begins Within , to uncover the hidden impact divorce has on children’s mental health and emotional security. Together, they dive into the complexities of childhood trauma, how different pare...

It’s Child Support Awareness Month, and we’re diving into one of the most crucial yet misunderstood topics in family law: child support during divorce. In this episode, family law attorneys Charles Hatley and Dan Cuneo break down the real-world impact of child support orders, from retroactive and temporary support to what qualifies as reasonable child care costs. Whether you're in the middle of a...

In this episode of I Now Pronounce You Divorced , we explore the often-overlooked consequences of long-term separation in the divorce process. Charles, Rebecca, and Dan break down how prolonged separations can complicate everything from the legal definition of separation to property division, capital gains tax, and financial liabilities. Gain insight into why the separation date matters, how marit...

In this episode, hosts Rebecca Melone and Dan Cuneo delve into one of the most critical—and confusing— aspects of family law: jurisdiction in custody cases . From determining which state has authority to hear your case to understanding the role of the UCCJEA (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act) , they break down what every parent should know before stepping into family court. W...

In this episode, Dan Cuneo sits down with Melone Hatley's family law attorney, Lelan Kirk, to break down the divorce process in Texas. From filing the original petition to finalizing the divorce decree, they walk listeners through every critical step, including the mandatory 60-day cooling-off period, temporary orders, and the importance of mediation. They also unpack what happens when one spo...

In this episode of I Now Pronounce You Divorced , we unpack the emotional and legal landmines of conflict during divorce. From outbursts that can hurt your custody case to digital footprints that may be used as evidence, the hosts explore how emotional intelligence and strategic communication are essential during separation. You’ll learn how to stay grounded when tensions run high, present yoursel...

In this follow‑up episode, Dan Cuneo continues his conversation with Melone Hatley's Managing Attorney Erik McCauley and Manager of Legal Operations Jessica Hayden to delve deeper into the symbiotic partnership between paralegals and attorneys in family law, with a special focus on divorce cases and trial readiness. They unpack advanced strategies for hands‑on legal training, seamless client c...

In this episode, Dan Cuneo is joined by Melone Hatley PC's Managing Attorney Erik McCauley and Manager of Legal Operations Jessica Hayden to spotlight the often-unsung heroes of the legal world: paralegals. Together, they dive into paralegals' indispensable role in family law, from client communication and legal billing to trial preparation and calendaring. Learn how paralegals support att...

In part II of our Mental Health episode series, our hosts dive deep into the emotional and mental challenges that surface during divorce, especially when faced with gut-wrenching allegations and defamation. From the complexities of family law to the personal toll of reading false claims, this conversation sheds light on what clients really experience in the trenches of family court. Learn why main...

This week on the "I Now Pronounce You Divorced" podcast, we discuss the emotional realities that come with ending a marriage and helpful tips to mitigate any associated mental strain. Hear practical tips that we've seen actually help clients navigate divorce and also hear the missteps that almost always backfire. Whether you're in the early stages or deep in the process, we’ll co...

In Part Two of our conversation with Jennifer Kuhn, Executive Director of Mary Lee’s House, we continue to discuss the vital relationship between child advocacy centers and the court system. Jennifer explains how their collaborative, multidisciplinary model leads to stronger, more informed outcomes in custody cases, and beyond. She also shares powerful, real-life stories of resilience and recovery...

In this powerful episode, we explore the pivotal role child advocacy centers play in protecting vulnerable children involved in family law cases. Joined by Jennifer Kuhn, Executive Director of ⁠Mary Lee's House⁠ , we dive into how trauma-informed care, court collaboration, and community support can transform outcomes for children facing abuse, neglect, or custody disputes. From the importance...

In Part 2 of our courtroom deep dive, Charles, Rebecca, and Dan continue the conversation with a sharper focus on strategy, mental preparation, and what to expect when tensions rise. They discuss how to maintain composure under pressure, when and how to object, and why understanding the flow of courtroom procedure can be just as critical as knowing the law. The hosts reflect on emotional moments i...

In this episode, Melone Hatley PC's Founder, CEO, and COO, Rebecca Melone, Charles Hatley, and Dan Cuneo, discuss the complexities of navigating the court system, especially within the realm of family law. From understanding local courthouse rules to building rapport with court clerks, they unpack the critical elements that can shape the outcome of a case. Whether you're a practicing attor...

In this episode of I Now Pronounce You Divorced , hosts Charles Hatley, Rebecca Melone, and Dan Cuneo discuss the essential first steps in the separation process. They explore the importance of legal guidance, setting realistic expectations, and managing the emotional challenges of separation. The discussion sheds light on common divorce myths, the dangers of rushing decisions, and why proactive p...

In honor of Women's History Month, Melone Hatley, P.C. presents a special discussion featuring our incredible female attorneys as they share their insights into family law, divorce, child custody, domestic violence, and more. Join us as we explore the unique perspectives women bring to the legal field, the importance of seeking professional legal advice, and the role of mediation and guardians...

In this episode, Dan Cuneo, Rebecca Melone, and Melone Hatley PC's Managing Attorney Stephen Lukacs dive into the complexities of parenting plans, child support, and financial responsibilities during and after divorce. They discuss the importance of maintaining stability for children, the role of third parties in educational expenses, and key considerations around 529 plans and college funding. Th...

In this episode of I Now Pronounce You Divorced , host Charles Hatley sits down with special guest Jenny Bittman, a seasoned tax strategist, to delve into the intricate tax implications of divorce. Together, they explore how life changes during separation can dramatically alter your tax status and filing options—whether you're filing jointly or separately—and why understanding IRS rules about mari...

In this episode of  I Now Pronounce You Divorced , hosts Charles Hatley and Dan Cuneo tackle one of the most challenging aspects of divorce: its tax implications. They explain the financial intricacies that can make or break a divorce settlement, from understanding how child tax credits are assigned to the custodial parent to the shifting tax landscape of spousal support and capital gains. Listene...