Legal Lounge

Family law matters can bring up a lot of raw emotions, especially if they trigger memories of past trauma. In this episode, Theresa sits down with Veronica Del Pino, LCSW , to discuss the effect trauma has on our bodies, grounding exercises to work through triggering moments, and how to raise kids that know how to advocate for their own boundaries. Veronica is a licensed therapist who specializes...

If you are worried that a divorce will be costly because your spouse is going to drag it out, avoiding the divorce is likely not your best option. In this episode, our Podcast Producer Kristen Stegall, CEO of Novice Studios, shares her experience of her mother-in-law’s sudden passing and the legal difficulties that emerged from her being separated, but not divorced. To compound issues further, the...

Estate planning is something we agree is important, but there is nothing easy about leaving your family behind upon your death. In this episode, estate planning attorney Sabrina Winters  - who has walked hundreds of people through the process of planning for their estate, medical powers of attorney, financial powers of attorney, and more - shares what’s important - and what’s not - to include in y...

Immigration law and its intersections with family law is a timely topic. With immigration news and policies evolving so quickly, there is no better time to have an immigrant attorney on the Legal Lounge. Mary Lynn Tedesco, ESQ., Founder and Senior Attorney of Tedesco Legal, PC, joins Theresa to discuss the nuances of immigration law, why it’s so important to secure your own immigration attorney if...

We fully believe that sometimes getting a divorce is what’s best for the children in a home, but that doesn’t mean divorce will be a smooth-sailing process for them. That’s one of the reasons that Brynn Ungerleider, a nanny with over 20 years of professional childcare experience, founded the Premier Nanny Network. In this episode, Brynn joins Theresa to discuss how nannies can support with childca...

Divorce is such an overwhelming process, and there are many intense emotions involved. In this episode, we’re peeling back the curtain on the process of divorce and what to expect when you first reach out to a family law firm like Modern Legal. Adrienne Dewberry, Firm Administrator at Modern Legal, joins Theresa to take you step-by-step through the process so you can feel prepared and understand w...

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Bernadette Joy joins Theresa to dive into the deeper layers of financial wellness. This isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about addressing the emotional and physical toll of financial challenges. We discuss why professional guidance should be a part of your financial strategy, how societal structures like the patriarchy play a role, and the importan...

If wealth management isn’t on your radar, it’s time to reconsider. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Jennifer Goode, J.D., the National Director of the Institute for Trust and Estate Planning at Bernstein Private Wealth Management. Jennifer and Theresa discuss how planning for life’s “what if’s” can protect and empower your loved ones. From navigating the nuances of prenuptial and postnuptial ag...

With the change in administrations this year, there are a lot of questions about whether Obergefell vs. Hodges - the 2015 Supreme Court decision that made same-sex marriage a federal constitutional right - could be overturned, leaving same-sex marriage rights up to the states. In this episode, Theresa and Tiffany discuss the possible repercussions and implications that could result due to a change...

The decision to separate from your spouse is a difficult one, and finances are a top reason why people stay in unhappy and unhealthy marriages. In this episode, Theresa Viera and Deb Dilman discuss what it actually costs to go through the divorce process, why talking to an attorney early can save you money, and more ways to cut down costs while separating. Deb L. Dilman is an award-winning family...

If you want to avoid going to court, or can’t afford to hire an attorney, mediation can be a great tool to help you negotiate any disputes for your divorce in as calm and equitable of an environment as possible. In this episode, Deb Dilman joins Theresa to discuss the logistics, benefits, and limitations of mediation in the divorce process. Deb is one of the newest members of the Modern Legal team...

You’ve probably heard of business coaches, life coaches, and health coaches, but have you ever heard of a divorce coach? If you haven’t, let us introduce you to this incredible resource. In this episode, Lynn Myrick, a Redfern Certified Personal Coach and the Owner of Divorce Concierge, joins Theresa on the podcast to share what a divorce coach does, how they can support you through the divorce pr...

Navigating a life transition such as divorce can be really challenging. Even exciting and joyous transitions like marriage, becoming a parent, or changing careers can bring some anxiety and fear of the unknown. In this episode, Brittany Canaski, a Life & Leadership Coach and Trainer, joins us to share how you can set yourself up for success in these transitions so you can approach them calmly...

A lot of people’s impression of divorce is that it’s an all-out war: you and your ex mud slinging in court, your attorneys personally attacking each other, and constant tension and turmoil. Don’t get me wrong, this can be the case… unless your attorneys work together to get the best result for both you and your ex-spouse. In this episode, Jaime Davis, a Raleigh-based family law attorney, joins The...

As family law attorneys, we see people asking for advice on social media all the time. In this episode, we’re addressing some of those scenarios and questions, specifically about custody of children. Sabrina M. Frenette from Modern Legal joins Theresa to discuss how the law and courts affect these scenarios, when the parents get to make decisions, how children’s preferences get factored in, and mo...

Divorce and custody disputes are stressful to begin with, but they can be especially difficult with an abusive ex-partner. In this episode, Theresa is joined by Courtney Gilmartin , the Co-Founder of New Jersey Protective Moms , an 501(c) (3) grassroots organization advocating for support of mothers going through custody disputes with abusive ex-partners. Courtney shares her own experience of real...

This week, Theresa is spotlighting one of Modern Legal’s non-profit partners: The Relatives. The Relatives is a system of resources that helps youth find shelter and support in Charlotte, NC through housing, education resources, and career counseling to build their independence and confidence. In this episode, Trish Hobson, Executive Director of The Relatives, shares their mission, their holistic...

You probably know that it’s best to be fully transparent with your future or current spouse about your financial circumstances, but what about transparency about your tax history and issues? In this episode, Theresa is joined by Brian Bernhardt , Tax Attorney at Fox Rothschild, to discuss what happens if there are tax liabilities before marriage, how to protect yourself from tax issues during the...

Tiffany and Theresa are back in the Legal Lounge! In this episode, they discuss how family law can impact business owners in the event of a marriage, separation, or divorce. If you’ve worked hard to build something, you want to protect that asset, protect yourself, and protect your partner financially in the event the business fails. We cover all that and more in this episode! Need legal help in y...

Financial planning can bring up a lot of stress and anxiety, but it’s so important for you to have a solid financial understanding and foundation. In this episode, Theresa is joined by Leah Williams, the Founder of Savvy Financial, to discuss why women should be thinking more about their financial futures, how to talk about finances with your partner, and where to start first. Connect with Leah: W...

The concept of trauma is widespread but ever elusive, especially when analyzing trauma amidst a divorce, custody dispute, or ongoing litigation of family law matters in court. In this episode, Tiffany and Theresa of Modern Legal are joined by Rachel Yount, MSW , a mental health professional based in Charlotte, NC. Rachel shares her experience in defining trauma and in helping her clients work thro...

Divorce can complicate a lot of things, and your mortgage is included - both for your marital home and any future home! In this episode, Pam Abirached, a Certified Divorce Lending Professional, joins Theresa to share the ways divorce, alimony, mortgage rates, and trust payments can affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage in this new chapter of life. Connect with Pam! Website Facebook From pr...

There are a lot of misconceptions about what it’s like working with a family law attorney, especially if you are mainly researching through Google or Facebook groups! One of the people who truly understands how to connect you with family law services is  Adrienne Dewberry, Modern Legal’s Firm Administrator. Adrienne is often the first point of contact for prospective clients, and offers them empat...

As divorce professionals, one of our biggest challenges is battling misinformation online. We see tons of questions asked in social media groups (such as Facebook) - usually anonymously - that many times elicit concerning responses because no two divorces or families are the same. In this episode, Gabriella E. Martinelli is back on the podcast joining Theresa to discuss some of these questions and...

The word “forensic accounting” sounds like something straight out of CSI, but it’s actually used in more practical applications than you might think. In this episode, Theresa sits down with Greg Reagan, a CPA and Founder of forensic accounting firm Reagan FVL, to discuss what exactly a forensic accountant is and why they might be brought into divorce cases. About Reagan FVL Reagan FVL was formed a...