Hi, welcome to The Divorce Allies Podcast, a podcast and video series where we dive into all things divorce, the process of creating a settlement offer with a team of financial professionals, including divorce, mortgage, parenting, and relationship coaches. We cover all the areas of the divorce settlement process from financial to emotional wellbeing. I'm Melissa Gragg, our financial mediator and business valuator, and I'm with Emile Flowers, our divorce mortgage planning specialist.

Today, we're discussing how to prepare for divorce, particularly focusing on decisions about home ownership. We've often talked about this in our discussions, and it's clear that when deciding whether to keep the house during litigation, mediation, or personal deliberation, there are generally three options: one spouse keeps the house, the other keeps the house, or you sell the house. Are there any other options we should consider?

Questions address in the episode:
What are the key factors to consider when deciding whether to keep or sell the house during a divorce?

How does the stage of divorce affect mortgage planning?

Can you explain the role of income and support payments in qualifying for a mortgage post-divorce?

How do credit scores and other financial liabilities impact one's ability to secure a favorable mortgage?

How should the house be addressed in the settlement agreement to ensure a smooth mortgage process during or after a divorce?

Key Podcast Takeaways:
Understanding Housing Options in Divorce: It's crucial to understand the available options regarding home ownership during a divorce—whether one spouse keeps the house, the other does, or it's sold. This decision is central to negotiating settlements.

Evaluating Financial Feasibility: The podcast emphasizes the importance of thoroughly evaluating whether one can afford to keep the house post-divorce, considering mortgage obligations, refinancing options, and personal financial capacity.

Impact of Credit and Income on Mortgage Qualification: The discussion highlights how your credit score, income stability, and debt-to-income ratio influence your ability to qualify for a mortgage post-divorce, which is vital for anyone looking to retain their home.

Legal and Mortgage Planning: Proper planning and understanding of the legal and mortgage processes involved in divorce are underscored, especially how support payments and property ownership affect mortgage planning and refinancing.

Strategic Negotiation and Planning: The podcast stresses the importance of strategic negotiation and thorough preparation in the divorce process, particularly how financial planning and understanding mortgage implications can empower individuals in making informed decisions.

Melissa Gragg, CVA, MAFF
Expert testimony for financial and valuation issues 
Bridge Valuation Partners, LLC 
melissa@bridgevaluation.com 
http://www.BridgeValuation.com 
http://www.ValuationPodcast.com 
http://www.MediatorPodcast.com 
https://www.valuationmediation.com
https://www.thedivorceallies.com/
Cell: (314) 541-8163

Emile Flowers, CDLP®
Divorce Mortgage Consultant
https://www.divorcemortgageplanningservices.com/
https://www.thedivorceallies.com/

Welcome to The Divorce Allies Podcast, a podcast and video series where we dive into all things divorce, the process of creating a settlement offer with a team of financial professionals, divorce, mortgage, parenting, and relationship coaches. We cover all of the areas of the divorce settlement process from financial to emotional wellbeing.

I'm Melissa Gragg, our financial mediator and negotiation specialist, and today I am with Cristin Terri, our divorce coach and parenting specialist.

Key Takeaways:
Prioritizing Children's Needs: Despite financial complexities, children's needs often become a top priority during divorce negotiations. A focused approach on parenting plans is crucial as it sets a foundation for co-parenting and children's stability.

Parenting Plans' Role in Mediation: Parenting plans are not just about scheduling; they encompass detailed co-parenting arrangements including holidays, education, healthcare, and more. They aim to minimize misunderstandings and secure children's best interests long-term.

Customizing Parenting Plans: Parenting plans should be tailored to the family's specific needs, factoring in children's ages, emotional states, and parental dynamics. In volatile situations, more detailed and long-term plans are advisable to reduce future conflicts.

Importance of Detail in Parenting Plans: The parenting plan should address not only immediate concerns but also long-term situations like education and healthcare. It's essential for these plans to be comprehensive to prevent future disputes and legal costs.

The Role of Specialists: Engaging specialists like parenting coaches or mediators can help ensure that all aspects of parenting during and after divorce are considered, providing stability and consistency for the children involved.

Cristin Terri
https://www.cristinterri.com/
cristin@cristinterri.com

Melissa Gragg
CVA, MAFF, CDFA 
Expert testimony for financial and valuation issues 
Bridge Valuation Partners, LLC 
melissa@bridgevaluation.com 
http://www.BridgeValuation.com 
http://www.ValuationPodcast.com 
http://www.MediatorPodcast.com 
https://www.valuationmediation.com
https://www.thedivorceallies.com/
Cell: (314) 541-8163

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Divorce Settlement Case Study and Spreadsheet Example - Property Statement | Financial Mediation

Watch the YouTube video for the full experience: https://youtu.be/O4uuQLiv15s

Interested in joining our membership? https://www.thedivorceallies.com/about-membership

For more divorce related content, head here: https://www.youtube.com/@DivorceAllies

Welcome to The Divorce Allies Podcast, where we delve into all aspects of the divorce process, from financial settlements to emotional well-being. I’m Anna Graham, your small business mentor, here to help you explore your next chapter. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Melissa Gragg, financial mediator and negotiation expert, as we take a deep dive into a real-time settlement case study.

Melissa demonstrates how to use her proprietary spreadsheet to organize assets, debts, and financial data to create a clear and effective settlement offer.

5 Key Takeaways:
The Role of a Settlement Spreadsheet
Melissa’s spreadsheet is a vital tool for visualizing and organizing assets, debts, and financial details, allowing for informed and equitable settlement offers.

Key Financial Details to Gather
Include property values, mortgages, retirement accounts, bank statements, car values, and any debts like credit cards, student loans, or back taxes. Start with factual data to build a solid foundation.

Consideration of Special Cases
Situations like inheritances, separate assets, or hidden finances require detailed documentation and may involve legal challenges if not agreed upon.

Splits Aren’t Always 50/50
Settlements focus on equitable distribution, factoring in income-producing (e.g., businesses, investments) versus income-depleting assets (e.g., homes, cars). Adjustments ensure fairness rather than equal splits.

Take Control of Your Divorce Journey
Whether through tools like Melissa’s spreadsheet or resources from The Divorce Allies, being proactive in gathering information and creating a clear settlement offer can save time, money, and stress.

Melissa Gragg
CVA, MAFF, CDFA 
Expert testimony for financial and valuation issues 
Bridge Valuation Partners, LLC 
melissa@bridgevaluation.com 
http://www.BridgeValuation.com 
http://www.ValuationPodcast.com 
http://www.MediatorPodcast.com 
https://www.valuationmediation.com
https://www.thedivorceallies.com/
Cell: (314) 541-8163

Anna Graham
https://www.ellimarketing.com/
https://www.thedivorceallies.com/
https://www.valuationmediation.com
314-313-5033

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What is a Settlement Agreement? Preparing for Negotiating a Settlement Offer - Divorce Mediation

Welcome to the Divorce Allies podcast, a podcast and video series where we dive into all things divorce, the process of creating a settlement offer with a team of financial professionals, divorce, mortgage, parenting, and relationship coaches. We cover all the areas of divorce, settlement process from financial to even the emotional wellbeing.

I'm Anna Graham, the team's small business mentor, helping our members explore the potential of their next chapter. Today I'm with Melissa Gragg, our financial mediator and negotiation expert. This episode is all about how to prepare for negotiating a settlement offer.

In this episode of The Divorce Allies Podcast, Anna Graham sits down with Melissa Gragg, a financial mediator and negotiation expert, to discuss how to effectively prepare for negotiating a settlement offer during divorce. Melissa breaks down the fundamentals of what a settlement agreement is, emphasizing the importance of creating a property statement that lists all assets, debts, income, and expenses.

The conversation highlights the importance of starting with factual data and avoiding emotional decision-making. Melissa explains why settlements rarely result in a 50/50 split and instead focus on equitable distribution based on income-producing and income-depleting assets. She provides actionable advice for individuals to start collecting key financial documents and organizing information to prepare for negotiations, even if their spouse is uncooperative.

The episode also dives into strategies for presenting a settlement offer, the role of mediators in facilitating discussions, and how early preparation can save time, money, and emotional energy. With practical tips and expert insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of divorce settlements.

Top 5 Takeaways:
What is a Settlement Agreement?
A settlement agreement includes a clear property statement (assets and debts) and an overview of income and expenses. It’s the foundation for equitable negotiation.

Start with Facts, Not Emotions:
Collect financial statements, property values, and debt details. Focus on factual data to create a clear starting point for discussions.

50/50 Splits Are Rare:
Settlements often account for unique needs, like income-producing assets (businesses, investments) vs. income-depleting assets (homes, vehicles). It's more about equitable distribution than an even split.

Prepare for Pushback:
Even if your spouse resists cooperation, continue gathering documents and creating a clear settlement offer. Having this ready positions you for future negotiations or mediation.

Take Action Now:
Start building your settlement offer today by collecting financial details and documenting assets. Many steps are low-cost or free, and early preparation saves time and money in the long run.

Interested in joining our membership? https://www.thedivorceallies.com/about-membership

For more divorce related content, head here: https://www.youtube.com/@DivorceAllies

Melissa Gragg
CVA, MAFF, CDFA
Expert testimony for financial and valuation issues
Bridge Valuation Partners, LLC
melissa@bridgevaluation.com
http://www.BridgeValuation.com
http://www.ValuationPodcast.com
http://www.MediatorPodcast.com
https://www.valuationmediation.com
https://www.thedivorceallies.com/
Cell: (314) 541-8163

https://www.thedivorceallies.com/
https://www.valuationmediation.com

Welcome to the Divorce Allies Podcast, a podcast and video series where we dive into the all things divorce; processes and emotions with solutions. We are a team of financial professionals, divorce mortgage planning specialists, parenting and relationship coaches, and small business consultants.

We cover all of the areas of the divorce process from financial to emotional well being. We even offer marketing and business workshops to help you transform your passion project to a sustainable company.

Today's topic is: Redefining Your Identity: Navigating the emotional journey of rediscovering who you are outside of marriage, with practices like meditation, affirmations, and vision boarding.

Melissa Gragg, CVA, MAFF
VALUATION EXPERT
Melissa Gragg, a seasoned divorce mediator and business valuation expert, specializes in the psychology of negotiation, employing mediation as an alternative dispute resolution method before resorting to court testimony. With 20 years of experience as an expert witness, Melissa collaborates with attorneys, mediators, and couples nationwide, offering neutral, third-party services for business valuation, pension valuation, income analysis, and complex financial matters.

Victoria McCooey
NARCISSISTIC DIVORCE COACH
As a Narcissist Divorce Coach, Motivational Speaker, and the creator of the Reclaim Your Power System™, Victoria specializes in aiding clients through the challenges posed by an abusive spouse. Her approach involves empowering clients to transcend pain and fear, breaking free from a victim mentality and embracing newfound possibilities. Utilizing her proprietary system, individuals can reclaim their power, enabling them to make impactful decisions from a position of strength rather than fear.

Cristin Terri
DIVORCE COACH & PARENTING SPECIALIST
Cristin, a certified divorce coach and counselor, specializes in providing expert guidance and support during challenging times, with a particular focus on the well-being of children. Serving as a parent coordinator, coach, and counselor, she assists parents in navigating both personal parenting journeys and joint co-parenting relationships, drawing from her own successful navigation of divorce and personal experiences growing up in a divorced family.

Emile Flowers, CDLP®
DIVORCE MORTGAGE SPECIALIST
As a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®), Emile understands that everyone's financial situation is unique and deserves personalized attention. With her knowledge and expertise, she helps clients make the right choices for themselves and their families. Additionally, during the divorce process, Emile offers specialized guidance to ensure that her clients can navigate the complexities of mortgage considerations and financial restructuring with confidence and clarity.

Anna Graham
Small Business Consultant
Within The Divorce Allies, I assist our clients in discovering and honing their unique voice, particularly during times of significant change. My goal is to help individuals navigate these transitions smoothly and effectively, leveraging strategic insights and personalized support to foster growth and success. Every business started as an idea. With the right support and knowledge, it became what it is today.

Are your children experiencing sleep regression during your divorce or separation? This episode is for you.

Hi everyone and welcome back to The Divorce Allies Podcast, a podcast and video series where we dive into all things divorce: processes, emotions, and solutions. We are a team of financial professionals, divorce mortgage planning specialists, parenting and relationship coaches. We cover all the areas of the divorce process from financial to the emotional wellbeing.

In this episode, we are with Diana Martins, a Pediatric Sleep Coach, with over seven years experience helping families get the rest they need. Diana has worked with more than 1,500 families and today we're diving into how divorce and separation can impact children's sleep.

Diana Martins, Sleep Coach
https://dianamartins.ca/
https://www.instagram.com/sleepgoals_diana/

Cristin Terri, Divorce Coach & Parenting Specialist
https://www.cristinterri.com/
https://www.thedivorceallies.com/

Looking for an empowering divorce community? You've come to the right place.
https://www.thedivorceallies.com/

Understanding Financial Abuse & Protecting Yourself Financially

https://www.thedivorceallies.com/

Welcome to the Divorce Allies podcast, a podcast and video series where we dive into all things divorce with a team of financial professionals, divorce coaches, parenting specialists, and divorce mortgage planning specialists.

Today we're with Melissa Gragg. I'm Victoria McCooey, and we're welcoming Stacy Francis, who is a nationally recognized financial expert. With over 20 years of experience in the financial industry, she frequently appears in media outlets such as Forbes, Kiplinger, the Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, Stacy is dedicated to furthering the financial planning profession and as the director of the Association of Divorce Financial Planners, greater New York Metro Chapter, the National Association of Personal Finance Advisors and the Financial Planning Association. And as much as 10% of all of Francis Financial, which is the company she founded and runs goes to a charity called Savvy Ladies, which is a nonprofit organization. Stacy founded Savvy Ladies in an effort to educate and an empower women to take control of their finances. And she's also the host of her own podcast called Financially Ever After.

Our mission is to empower our clients through all phases of divorce by providing essential resources in parenting support, high-conflict resolution, mortgage planning, business valuation, and post-divorce support. Our mission is to foster a supportive, inclusive community that promotes independence, resilience, and personal growth for each member during their transformative journey.

Stacy Francis
https://francisfinancial.com/
https://www.savvyladies.org/stacy-financial-advice/

Melissa Gragg, Business Valuator & Financial Mediator
https://www.valuationmediation.com/

Victoria McCooey, High-Conflict Divorce Coach
https://www.victoriamccooey.com/

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In this episode, we discuss how to build confidence around divorce, and more specifically, mortgages. This episode's hosts are Emile Flowers, our Divorce Mortgage Planning Specialist, and Victoria McCooey, our High Conflict Divorce Coach.

Welcome to The Divorce Allies podcast, a podcast and video series where we dive into the complexities of the divorce mediation and litigation processes with a team of financial professionals, divorce mortgage planning specialists, parenting and relationship coaches. We cover all the areas of the divorce process from financial to emotional well-being.

www.TheDivorceAllies.com

Victoria McCooey
NARCISSISTIC DIVORCE COACH
As a Narcissist Divorce Coach, Motivational Speaker, and the creator of the Reclaim Your Power System™, Victoria specializes in aiding clients through the challenges posed by an abusive spouse. Her approach involves empowering clients to transcend pain and fear, breaking free from a victim mentality and embracing newfound possibilities. Utilizing her proprietary system, individuals can reclaim their power, enabling them to make impactful decisions from a position of strength rather than fear.

Emile Flowers, CDLP®
DIVORCE MORTGAGE SPECIALIST
As a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®), Emile understands that everyone's financial situation is unique and deserves personalized attention. With her knowledge and expertise, she helps clients make the right choices for themselves and their families. Additionally, during the divorce process, Emile offers specialized guidance to ensure that her clients can navigate the complexities of mortgage considerations and financial restructuring with confidence and clarity.

Cristin Terri
DIVORCE PARENTING COACH
Cristin, a certified divorce coach and counselor, specializes in providing expert guidance and support during challenging times, with a particular focus on the well-being of children. Serving as a parent coordinator, coach, and counselor, she assists parents in navigating both personal parenting journeys and joint co-parenting relationships, drawing from her own successful navigation of divorce and personal experiences growing up in a divorced family.

Anna Graham
ENTREPRENEUR MENTOR
Within The Divorce Allies, I assist our clients in discovering and honing their unique voice, particularly during times of significant change. My goal is to help individuals navigate these transitions smoothly and effectively, leveraging strategic insights and personalized support to foster growth and success. Every business started as an idea. With the right support and knowledge, it became what it is today.

Melissa Gragg, CVA, MAFF
VALUATION EXPERT
Melissa Gragg, a seasoned divorce mediator and business valuation expert, specializes in the psychology of negotiation, employing mediation as an alternative dispute resolution method before resorting to court testimony. With 20 years of experience as an expert witness, Melissa collaborates with attorneys, mediators, and couples nationwide, offering neutral, third-party services for business valuation, pension valuation, income analysis, and complex financial matters.