In this episode of Divorce Confidential, Michelle Dellino and Amy Alpeza are joined by Jennifer Lee, founder of Modern Wealth, to unpack what the non-moneyed spouse needs to understand before, during, and after divorce.

If you’ve ever wondered:

🔍 What assets do I actually have access to in divorce? 💡 Should I keep the house — or will that leave me house-poor? 📈 How do I prepare financially for mediation or settlement? 💬 What is “financial triage,” and why does it matter early in the process? 📝 What is a “family love letter,” and how can it protect my loved ones?

We talk retirement realities, budgeting after divorce, emotional vs. strategic decisions, and how to build a financial plan that supports your next chapter — not just survives it.

If you’re feeling unsure about money, assets, or your financial future, this episode will help you move from fear to clarity.

🎧 Listen now — because clarity creates confidence.

#DivorcePodcast #DivorceFinancialPlanning #NonMoneyedSpouse #WomenAndMoney #DivorceSupport #FinancialTriage #DivorceMediation #AssetDivision #RetirementPlanning #EstatePlanning #RealEstateAndDivorce #SeattleDivorce #WashingtonDivorce #DivorceAdvice #FinancialClarity #DellinoFamilyLawGroup

In this episode of Divorce Confidential, Michelle and Amy break down the key questions every individual navigating divorce and homeownership in 2026 should ask:

🔍 How is the housing market affecting divorcing homeowners—interest rates, inventory, and affordability? 💡 What life events are driving people to sell, keep, or buy homes after divorce? 📈 How can pre-planning and early consultation help you make smarter financial and real estate decisions? 💬 What trends are we seeing in divorce planning—more consultations, proactive strategies, and awareness than ever before?

Whether you’re downsizing, refinancing, or buying a new home post-divorce, this episode gives you the insights to plan your next chapter with confidence.

🎧 Listen now to get the real-world tips and trends every divorcing homeowner needs in 2026.

#DivorceConfidential #DivorcePlanning #DivorceAndRealEstate #WashingtonDivorce #HousingAfterDivorce #FinancialClarity #HighAssetDivorce #EmpoweredAdvocacy #LifeAfterDivorce #DellinoFamilyLawGroup

Don’t miss these practical strategies to help you through life’s big transitions!. 🎧 Listen now and start taking control of your financial future.

#DivorceConfidential #FinancialPlanning #PostDivorceLife #RealEstateAndDivorce #CloudCapital #DellinoFamilyLawGroup

Joyce brings over two decades of expertise in real estate appraisal across the Pacific NW. This episode dives into how Joyce helps clients navigate appraisals during challenging life events, with a focus on providing accurate property valuations.

Tune in for insights on current real estate trends and practical tips.

For appraisals and more info, visit Connerappraisals.com or contact Joyce directly at joycedconner@yahoo.com.

#PropertyAppraisal #RealEstateInsights #DivorceConfidential #DellinoFamilyLawGroup

Join us on 'Divorce Confidential' as we welcome Michele Heffron, Life Strategist, Podcaster, and Writer. Michele shares her personal journey through divorce and how she moved forward, transforming her experiences into powerful lessons for others. Discover how Michele uses her expertise as a certified life, relationship, and divorce coach to help others navigate their life transitions.

Whether you're facing divorce or another major life change, this episode offers invaluable insights and guidance. Tune in now to learn how letting go and seeking help can open new doors in your life. 🌟

#DivorceConfidential #LifeTransitions #DivorceCoaching #MicheleHeffron #Empowerment

Tune into our latest episode of the Divorce Confidential podcast as we explore the topic of Collaborative Law with our guest, Loretta Story. Learn the nuances of this approach, which focuses on cooperation over confrontation in legal disputes and how Collaborative Law can offer a less adversarial, more amicable resolution to complex cases. Don't miss this insightful discussion that could change the way you think about resolving disputes. #CollaborativeLaw #LegalInsights #DivorceConfidential #NewPodcastEpisode #DellinoFamilyLawGroup

Dive into the latest updates in the Real Estate and Family Law industry on our new episode of Divorce Confidential! 💼🏠

This episode, Michelle and Amy bring you up to speed on the most recent trends, legal changes, and insights that could impact your property decisions and family law matters. Whether you're navigating property division, looking into real estate investments, or curious about how legal shifts might affect you, this episode is packed with valuable information.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to stay informed and ahead of the curve in these ever-changing fields. 🎙️🌟

#RealEstateTrends #FamilyLawUpdates #DellinoFamilyLawGroup #DivorceConfidential #LegalInsights #PodcastInsights

Join us on the latest episode of Divorce Confidential as Michele, Amy, and Brian explore 'Tax Strategies for Growing & Maintaining Your Wealth.'

Learn from a leading wealth planner and senior portfolio manager about maximizing your financial potential through savvy tax planning. Grab this chance to gain invaluable insights into enhancing your financial health and securing a prosperous future. 

#TaxEfficiency #WealthGrowth #DellinoFamilyLawGroup #SmartFinance #DivorceConfidential #InvestmentInsights #PodcastInsights

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, this episode is a goldmine of knowledge. Tune in now to level up your financial game! 🎙️📈

Divorce can make it challenging to travel with your children, but it's still possible to have a great time by following a parenting plan and communicating effectively with your co-parent.

If you're planning a trip with your children, tune in to this episode for helpful tips and advice!

#podcast #divorce #coparenting #familydynamics #coparentingplan #FamilyLaw #Seattle #Washington #separation #divorceattorney #DivorceSeason #FamilyCourt #Travelingwithkids

Discover the best time to introduce a new partner into the household, tips for adjusting to a new family system, and how to navigate this emotional process with grace and resilience.

Whether you're contemplating a new relationship or seeking ways to adjust to changes, our podcast has the stories, situations, and advice you need.

Tune in for all the information and insight on healing and finding happiness after divorce!

#podcast #divorce #movingon #relationshipadvice #familydynamics #divorcetips #divorceadvice #FamilyLaw #Seattle #Washington #separation #divorceattorney #DivorceSeason #FamilyCourt #DivorceSupport #EmotionalHealing #Resilience

Whether you are considering divorce, going through one, or simply interested in alternative dispute resolution methods, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in now on our podcast platform or visit the link in our bio to access the episode. Don't forget to subscribe and share with anyone who may find this information valuable.

Whether you're a parent, guardian, or simply interested in understanding the complexities of child protection, this episode is a must-listen.

Divorce can be a highly emotional and stressful experience, but with the right guidance and support, you can make it through to the other side. Whether you're just starting out or in the middle of the process, we cover everything from deciding whether you want to pursue divorce, setting up a support system, and how to handle the grief from separation.

Our goal is to demystify the divorce process and empower you with the knowledge and resources you need to make informed decisions and protect your peace. Listen to this episode for practical tips and more info. 

Learn more about Melissa and connect with her by visiting the Better You Seattle website. Melissa focuses on working with clients who are experiencing emotional distress, adjustment challenges, or communication difficulties. With over 15 years working in mental health, she offers an abundance of experience and a strengths-based, solution-focused perspective to her work with clients.

Tune in, and get all the information, insight, and more!

Going through a divorce can be a difficult and emotional process, and understanding community property laws can add to the stress. In community property states, any assets or debts acquired during the marriage are considered joint property and must be divided fairly in the divorce settlement.

It's important to understand that community property laws don't necessarily mean that everything will be split down the middle. Rather, the goal is to reach a fair and equitable division of assets and debts. Factors such as income, earning potential, and contributions to the marriage will be considered when determining how property will be divided.

If you have any questions or concerns about how community property laws apply to your specific situation, it's important to consult with a lawyer who can provide guidance and help protect your rights.

Listen to the different stories, situations, and tips that might be useful for you!

Tune in, and get all the information, insight, and more

Going through divorce is stressful enough, but when you are faced with harassment and potential danger, this can hinder you from having peace of mind that you deserve during this time and can eventually affect your everyday life. Find out what signs to look for and how you can avoid escalating the situation. Listen to the different stories, situations, and tips that might be useful for you! 

Tune in, and get all the information, insight, and more! 

Nobody wants to go through a divorce. But if you're seeing yourself heading towards one, it would be best to know what type of procedure would you want to be in, what you can expect from that, and what you should do when you find yourself in certain situations.

Listen to the different stories, situations, and tips that they have for you!

Tune in to learn more about what you need to prepare for family court and what you can expect.

Get all the information, insight, and more!

What happens when someone lies in family court, whether it's in your divorce or a parenting plan action that might be post-divorce. Listen to the different stories, situations, and tips that these experts have for you!

Tune in to learn more about what you need to prepare for family court and what you can expect.

Get all the information, insight, and more!

When it gets to a point where you have to know you have to end it, but feel like the other party will make it difficult for you, remember that it is very much possible and doable to leave a high-conflict marriage. Listen to the different stories, situations, and tips that these experts have for you!

If you want to get the best case out of the situation, you want to make sure that you and your legal team outline what you want to achieve in your divorce settlement post-divorce. Bring in professionals to help you, prepare your resources, and get yourself ready.

Tune in to learn more about what what you need to prepare for high conflict situations and what you can expect. Get all the information, insight, and more!

To learn more about the books mentioned in this episode, click below.

The Far Traveler, by Nancy Marie Brown. 

The Price of Motherhood, by Ann Crittenden.

Listen to Michelle and Amy's insight and learn why the DIY divorce might not end up being the best way to divorce, and why investing in your divorce is actually the wise way to handle divorce!

Consulting with a professional ensures that you understand what your options are and really decide what the fair division of assets (and debt) are for your divorce.

Cindy Scobee, Loan Officer of Team Scobee with Evergreen Home Loans joined us today to talk about why talking with a lender before your divorce is finalized is so important. Too many people wait to evaluate their options until after they are divorced, and are not happy with the options they have. These outcomes are preventable, and just take conversations pre-divorce to set you up for success after your divorce is finalized.

Whether you plan to buy your partner out of the family home, sell the house, purchase a new home, all of these scenarios will require education from a lender to ensure that your divorce settlement sets you up for success post-divorce.

The truth is that most people don’t know what life looks like post-divorce and are scared to meet with professionals and end up with settlements that are not beneficial for them long-term post-divorce. They’re concerned that meeting with a lender or real estate agent means they must sell the house or will be forced down a path they’re not ready for. That’s not the case.

Your lender should also be willing to talk with your attorney. You deserve to have a team that works together on your behalf to make sure everyone is on the same page, advocating for the same outcome for you. Letting your lender know what’s going on is helpful, but the truth is that your home buying needs will be focused on you purchasing this home.

A lender will run your credit and talk with you about your income and determine what may prevent you from moving forward independently. You might need to figure out who’s responsible for what balance and who will assume which debt. Things like this will be taken back to your attorney to address these in the divorce settlement.

You’ll need to think of things like, “how do you qualify for a home if you don’t have income?” Maybe you’ll be receiving spousal maintenance or child support but don’t have employment income. These things need to be considered. If your attorney knows these things, they can advocate for you to ensure your income is such that you will be able to qualify indecently for a home after your divorce is finalized.

Your lender is there to educate you, talk about your options, and help to support you in moving forward. There is no commitment to having a conversation about what it will take for you to make the right decisions on your homeownership journey.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and figure out the right settlement for you and your life post-divorce.

Most people have a deep concern for knowing that they will be okay after the divorce is over and they're on their own. This is where a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) comes in. A CDFA® professional can forecast the long-term effects of the settlement and help you put together a budget for 1, 5, 10, 20 years, and beyond to ensure that your divorce's financial outcome will help sustain and support each party through the divorce and beyond.

We were thrilled to have Kimberly Muska, CFP®, CPWA®, CDFA®, of Cascadia Collaborative Divorce on our podcast today to talk about the value of understanding your finances and leaning on a CDFA to ensure you're not leaving any money on the table.

Understanding what you have and your entire financial picture is imperative to do pre-divorce. This will help eliminate a lot of time spent during your divorce mediation. (And we all know--time equals money!)

Don't leave money on the table! A CDFA can work with you and your attorney to ensure that you will be okay post-divorce.

What happens if my ex drains our bank account? What happens if my ex spends our money? What if my ex shuts off my phone? What if my ex doesn’t pay bills with my name on them? What happens if my ex takes me off of our insurance premiums?

These are great questions and, sadly, things that come up every day! Listen to some crazy things that come up every day in divorce cases and how to protect yourself from these pitfalls!

Nowadays, more and more, people are opting not to get married. However, they are still opting to live together. Many people opt to have children before marriage or even live together indefinitely with or without having children and never intend to be married. So, what happens in this case? How do you protect yourself, your finances, and ensure that you are prepared for the day nobody wants or plans for—a break-up?

If you live in Washington State and are in a long-term relationship where you are living with your partner, it’s quite possible you are viewed as a CIR. Washington courts recognize CIRs and want to ensure you have equal rights and will likely be treated as a married couple if you ever part ways and have to go in front of the court during your breakup It’s likely that if your relationship ends, your assets and property will be split just like a traditional marriage. The same goes for 401ks, retirement, investments, and so on. It’s all on the table and all your assets are subject to division. Especially the property acquired during the relationship while the couple lives together.

It's important to know if you’re in what Washington law considers a CIR so that you know how to handle your finances and protect yourself just in case things don’t work out long-term.

If are an unmarried couple who have questions, reach out to us at Dellino Law Group in Seattle and Bellevue, Washington. We can help provide legal advice and answer your questions to ensure you are protected in your relationship.

How do I tell my kids we're getting a divorce?

When do we tell the kids we're getting a divorce?

How much should I tell my kids about the divorce?

Should we wait to divorce until the kids are out of the house?

The truth is that kids want parents to stay together, even if the relationship isn't good. But that's not often the best or healthiest decision for you and your partner. Modeling a healthy relationship for your children is really important! If they see their parents fighting all of the time, that's how they will think relationships are supposed to go. Or maybe you don't fight, but you don't have any real connection or interaction. Do you want that for your kids in their future relationships?

The truth is that honesty is best, both with yourself and your children. It takes two to have a relationship, and if both parties aren't happy, it just won't work. When you decide to end your relationship or marriage, be honest with your kids. (But spare any icky details that might impact their impressions of a parent if that's the case.)

Remind your kids the divorce is between you and your partner. Your dedication is still to provide a loving and healthy home for your kids. You are there to answer their questions and support them through the transition. But remember, you cannot be everything to them. You might have to enlist the help of a therapist as an outlet as they process this change and the new chapter ahead.

At the end of it all, listen to your gut. If you and your partner are committed to what is in your child's best interest and keep them at the forefront of your minds, chances are it'll be ok. Hiccups will arise--take them one at a time. Divorce doesn't have to be hard or traumatizing; it can also be a beautiful story and a new and healthier beginning for everyone involved!

Most people have a lot of uncertainty regarding divorce and splitting property. Maybe you had a 401k before meeting your partner that you want to keep, perhaps you have stocks that you had before meeting your partner, the list goes on. Let's just put it this way; things get complicated regarding divorce and money. This is where people like Michael come in.

Evaluating community property often takes an expert's guidance and support. Considering income, reasonable expenses, assets, hidden money (if one party suspects anyone is hiding money) takes a unique skill set.

Listen to this podcast to learn more about the financial evaluation process that takes place during a divorce and how to best ensure you're getting every penny you're entitled to while protecting your individual property!

Join Melissa Rosenberg, LICSW, Michelle, and Amy as we discuss how to make that decision, and the road to deciding what the right path is for your relationship and self.

Join Michelle and Amy to hear more about how to avoid burnout!

There are all kinds of dynamics with blended families. Michelle, Amy, and Lisa talk about how to have difficult conversations and conquer what otherwise be very awkward situations, and ease the tension for the children involved.

Especially when going through major life changes like divorce, it's important to reach out to your insurance agent to get the support you need and ensure you're getting the best rate possible!

Amy and Michelle chat with Kristen Blosser of Sprague Israel Giles Insurance to learn all about tips and some major 'ah-hah' moments in the insurance world!

Being informed and prepared ahead of time will help to not only ensure your rights are honored but allow you to have the loving and stress-free entrance into parenthood as any other couple would have. (You know, the stressors we can control because parenting = stress central!)

Don't miss this episode as Michelle and Amy talk with Hugo about the journey for a same-sex couple into parenthood. It's sure to put things in perspective no matter your walk in this life!

Michelle Dellino, Managing Attorney at Dellino Law Group, and Amy Alpeza, Certified Divorce Real Estate Specialist are talking about the mistakes they see clients make every day that can be very damaging. 

Check out this episode to learn more!

Should you keep the house, sell the family home, rent the home, or split time? Tune in to learn about how to handle what's commonly the biggest asset during your separation or divorce.