November 2024 – Marriage Is About Love Divorce Is About Money® Podcast

How To Turn Heartbreak Into Hope with Oona Metz (Ep. 10)

By TheBusinessofDivorce | November 22, 2024

Are you facing a divorce?

You don’t have to navigate the financial and emotional rollercoaster alone.

This week, Gabrielle Clemens, JD, LLM, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Accredited Estate Planner, and psychotherapist Oona Metz, bring you a fresh perspective on how to find solid ground and move forward with confidence.

Gabrielle and Oona cut through the noise, breaking down the essentials. They show you why having a rock-solid team—a financial advisor, attorney, and therapist—could make all the difference. Plus, Oona walks you through her five-phase model of divorce grief, from the heart-wrenching early days to the “moving on” stage.

So, tune in as they explore why financial stability and community support aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re must-haves for reclaiming your life.

Key Insights:

Building a Supportive Team: Gabrielle outlines the essential roles a financial advisor, attorney, and therapist play in providing well-rounded support for all aspects of divorce
Emotional Phases of Divorce: Oona shares her five-phase model—Heartbreak, Roller Coaster, Mending, Letting Go, and Moving On—to help women navigate the emotional impact of divorce
Support Groups for Women: Oona’s weekly support groups offer a safe, connected space for women to share, heal, and empower one another.
Navigating Social Shifts: Divorce often brings changes in friendships and family dynamics. Gabrielle and Oona discuss finding support among those who understand the journey
Financial Stability as Empowerment: Gabrielle highlights the importance of financial planning post-divorce, helping clients rebuild with confidence and independence
Moving Beyond Divorce: As time progresses, support group members often find themselves ready to focus on life beyond divorce, embracing new beginnings
And much more!

Resources:

“Marriage Is About Love Divorce Is About Money®” by Gabrielle Clemens

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens:

Connect with Oona Metz:

About Our Guest:

Oona Metz is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, a Certified Group Psychotherapist, and a Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association, bringing 30 years of experience working with individuals, families, and groups. With private practice offices in Brookline and Arlington, Massachusetts, Oona remains active on numerous committees and boards related to group therapy, prioritizing ongoing learning in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The practice focuses on individual adults and group therapy, specializing in supporting women navigating significant life transitions. Whether it’s transitioning from college to graduate school or work, beginning or ending a relationship or job, becoming a parent or empty nester, or coming out to family and friends, Oona views these moments as opportunities for reflection, insight, and meaningful change.

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Protecting Financial Support in Divorce: Life and Disability Insurance Essentials (Ep. 9)

By TheBusinessofDivorce | November 8, 2024

Divorce is tough enough—don’t let unexpected surprises make it even harder.

Without the right insurance in place, child and spousal support could disappear when you need it most.

Gabrielle Clemens, JD, LLM, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Accredited Estate Planner, gets real about why life and disability insurance aren’t just “nice-to-haves” but absolute musts in your divorce plan. She breaks down how to make sure support payments are protected, even if the payor becomes disabled or worse. From tips on who should actually own the policy to how to keep coverage up-to-date, she’s got you covered.

Whether you’re in the middle of a divorce or just thinking ahead, tune in and get the insights you need. Don’t leave your future to chance—find out how to plan ahead.

Key Insights:

Life Insurance and Divorce: Early planning is key. Gabrielle explains why having a life insurance policy in place before finalizing the divorce could ensure child and spousal support obligations are met, even if the payor passes away
Disability Insurance Essentials: Learn how adding disability coverage to your divorce agreement could protect support payments if the payor becomes unable to work
Ownership and Control: For added security, Gabrielle advises that the support recipient should own the life insurance policy, allowing control over policy terms and reducing risks such as changing beneficiaries or coverage lapses
Beneficiary Updates: Stay vigilant with beneficiary designations and ensure policies remain active. Gabrielle offers tips for avoiding potential issues like policy loans or benefit reductions
Adapting Long-Term Coverage: Implement step-down provisions for coverage reduction over time or obtain private insurance policies to protect against employment changes
Forward-Thinking Agreements: Anticipate future life events in your divorce agreement to avoid costly legal disputes later. Gabrielle discusses alternatives such as using retirement account beneficiaries if insurance isn’t an option
Proactive Tips for Smooth Transitions: Start planning policies early, check all the details, and work towards a cooperative post-divorce relationship to help reduce conflicts
And much more!