The Gray Divorce Podcast

Episode 98 explores the emotional and financial realities families face when a parent decides to remarry later in life. Why do adult children often react so strongly? How can parents protect both a new spouse and their children? And what estate planning strategies can prevent future conflict?  This episode provides practical guidance for families navigating second marriages, blended families, and...

Gray divorce doesn't just divide assets—it often transfers decades of financial responsibility overnight.  In Episode 97, Andrew Hatherley shines a light on a growing issue facing women after divorce: the gap between the financial responsibility they're about to inherit and the financial confidence many have been given the opportunity to develop.  Andrew explores the coming Great Wealth...

How do finances shape dating and relationships after gray divorce?  In Episode 95, Andrew Hatherley sits down with Dr. Lauren Harris, researcher and Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of New Hampshire, to explore how older adults approach love, money, independence, and remarriage later in life.  From prenups and inheritance concerns to caregiving and adul...

High-conflict divorce can feel endless, emotionally exhausting, and financially devastating, especially later in life.  In Episode 96, Andrew Hatherley welcomes Karen McMahon, high-conflict divorce strategist, to explore emotional regulation, post-traumatic growth, adult children, high-conflict personalities, and why healing—not just the legal settlement—is the true path to freedom after divorce....

Social media may seem harmless—but during divorce, it can quietly intensify conflict, damage relationships, and even impact legal outcomes.  In Episode 94, Andrew explores the hidden dangers of social media during divorce, particularly for those navigating gray divorce and later-life transitions. From emotional escalation and online comparison to privacy risks and legal consequences, Andrew explai...

What if the key to a better divorce isn’t just hiring a lawyer—but building the right team from the start?  In Episode 93, Andrew Hatherley sits down with Melissa Murphy Pavone, (CDFA) to discuss how a proactive, team-based approach can help you navigate divorce more efficiently—and avoid costly mistakes.  Thanks for listening! We'd be very grateful if you'd subscribe to the podcast and...

Social Security decisions can mean the difference between financial security and costly mistakes—especially after divorce.  In Episode 92, Andrew Hatherley is joined by Regina Hess, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), CFP®, and founder of Forge Wealth Management, for a deep dive into how Social Security works in mid-to-late life divorce.  From eligibility rules and common misconceptions to...

How do global conflicts—like rising tensions with Iran—impact your investments, especially if you’re divorcing or nearing retirement?  In Episode 91, Andrew Hatherley breaks down what major geopolitical events really mean for financial markets and, more importantly, for people navigating gray divorce or entering retirement.  Thanks for listening! We'd be very grateful if you'd subscribe...

Divorce can feel like climbing a mountain—exhausting, uncertain, and sometimes overwhelming. But what if the view at the top offers strength, clarity, and a new beginning?  In Episode 90, Andrew Hatherley speaks with Oona Metz, therapist, writer, and author of Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women . Drawing on 15 years of experience helping women navigate divorce, Oona explains how the...

What happens when gray divorce collides with a cancer diagnosis—and the response is laughter?   In Episode 88, Andrew Hatherley is joined by Greg Schwem , veteran stand-up comedian, corporate speaker, and author of Turning Gut Punches into Punchlines , for a candid, insightful, and often funny conversation about surviving—and growing—through life’s toughest disruptions.  Thanks for listening! We&a...

What if divorce didn’t have to mean courtroom battles, skyrocketing legal bills, and emotional devastation?  In Episode 88, Andrew Hatherley welcomes three members of the Collaborative Law Institute of Minnesota — family law attorney Janna Hefty, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Michelle Leisen, and marriage and family therapist Brian Burns — for an in-depth conversation about collaborative div...

What happens when a divorce settlement looks perfect on paper—but falls apart at the mortgage desk?  In Episode 87, Andrew Hatherley welcomes back Tami Wollensak , Certified Divorce Lending Professional and mortgage industry veteran, to explore one of the most overlooked risks in gray divorce: real estate financing after settlement .  From mortgage assumptions and refinancing timelines to income q...

Sex and intimacy don’t disappear with age, but they do change. Andrew Hatherley welcomes JenMG, intimacy coach and educator, for a candid conversation about sex, desire, and connection in midlife and beyond.  From long-term marriages and sexless relationships to rediscovering pleasure after divorce, this episode explores how intimacy evolves with aging bodies, changing hormones, and deeper self-aw...

Why is January called “Divorce Month? Why do divorce filings spike in the new year?  Andrew explains that marriages don’t suddenly fail in January—rather, many couples postpone action until the holidays are over. Contributing factors include:  A “holiday truce” to avoid disrupting family traditions  Financial stress from travel, gifts, and year-end expenses  Increased time together that can intens...

In Episode 84, Andrew talks with Amanda Mason, founder of the Solagree, about the innovative new approach to divorce that replaces courtroom battles with cooperation, predictability, and peace of mind.  Amanda—an experienced family law attorney and creator of this groundbreaking process—shares how Solagree blends mediation, arbitration, and flat-fee transparency to help couples resolve their diffe...

Would you help your ex if they needed you?   In Episode 83, Andrew chats with Elizabeth Verwey, author of Brave New Endings: True Stories of Caring for an Ex , to discuss how people show care for former partners through illness, aging, and life’s unexpected challenges.   Thanks for listening! We'd be very grateful if you'd subscribe to the podcast and give us 5 stars! Please visit Transc...

When Oprah Winfrey dedicates an episode of her podcast to Gray Divorce , people pay attention. In Episode 82, Andrew Hatherley shares his reflections on Oprah’s recent discussion, “Gray Divorce and Adult Children: The Fallout for the Family,” offering insight into what the episode got right—and what it overlooked.  From missing male voices to underexplored financial realities, Andrew breaks down t...

How do you handle the holidays after a late-life divorce? In Episode 81 of The Gray Divorce Podcast , Andrew Hatherley welcomes back Dr. Carol Hughes—renowned psychologist, mediator, and author of Home Will Never Be the Same Again —to discuss how individuals and families can navigate the emotional challenges of divorce during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other meaningful seasons.  This heartfelt c...

Equity compensation—like restricted stock units (RSUs) and stock options—can be one of the most confusing (and valuable) assets in a divorce. In Episode 80, Andrew welcomes Laurie Itkin, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) and founder of The Options Lady , to demystify this complex topic.  Laurie shares how equity compensation works, what divorcing couples need to know about taxes, vesting,...

How do you start one of the hardest conversations of your life—the one where you tell your spouse you want a divorce?  In Episode 79, Andrew Hatherley speaks with family law attorney Alexandra Geczi , about the six steps to approaching this emotional and delicate moment with honesty, compassion, and clarity.  From emotional preparation to timing and communication, Alex shares insights on how to mi...

Is political polarization just a national issue—or is it playing out in our marriages too? In Episode 78, Andrew Hatherley explores how today’s divisive political climate may be impacting relationships in later life. Through personal observations and expert insight, this episode asks: could our political obsessions be contributing to the rise in gray divorce?  Thanks for listening! We'd be ve...

What if your financial plan didn’t start with your money, but with your life? In Episode 77, Andrew dives into the transformative power of life-centered financial planning, especially for those navigating the challenges of gray divorce. Discover how to prioritize purpose, relationships, and personal goals—without waiting for a “magic number” in your retirement account.  Thanks for listening! We&ap...

Andrew is joined by Lori Hawkins, a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE™) and seasoned Realtor® who specializes in guiding divorcing couples through the emotionally charged process of selling the family home. With neutrality, clarity, and a client-centered approach, Lori ensures smoother transitions and smarter financial outcomes.  Thanks for listening! We'd be very grateful if you&apo...

Life insurance is often misunderstood in the divorce process—especially in gray divorce. In Episode 75, Andrew breaks down how different types of life insurance play into divorce settlements, spousal support protection, and marital asset division. Whether you’re the one paying or receiving support, this episode will help you make smarter insurance decisions during divorce and beyond.  Thanks for l...

Andrew is joined by Melissa Farag, a family law mediator, former divorce litigator, and host of the High Vibe Divorce podcast. A recovering litigator turned compassionate conflict-resolution guide, Melissa brings a transformative approach to divorce through insight-based mediation. She shares how curiosity, emotional intelligence, and a non-adversarial mindset can change not only the divorce proce...