Category: Finance
Transforming Divorce Challenges into Opportunities with Katie Greeley

Transforming Divorce Challenges into Opportunities with Katie Greeley

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Are you navigating a divorce and wondering how to protect your financial future?

Gabrielle Clemens, JD, LLM, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Accredited Estate Planner, sits down with Katie Greeley, Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP), who shares insights on the unique challenges of managing mortgages during divorce.

Discover why having a certified divorce lending professional on your team is critical when navigating the complexities of keeping or refinancing your home post-divorce. 

Gabrielle and Katie break down the importance of understanding family law’s impact on mortgage decisions, and how to strategically plan for securing your housing future.

Key Insights:

  • Key considerations for home buyouts and refinancing options [00:07:48]
  • The significance of mortgage assumption in divorce [00:11:42]
  • How to handle joint mortgage obligations when separating [00:15:20]
  • Takeaways for individuals seeking to maintain or acquire new housing post-divorce [00:26:55]

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

Connect with Katharine Greeley:

About Our Guest:

Katie Greeley is an experienced mortgage professional with a background in project management and financial services. She brings a well-rounded perspective to her clients. She holds a B.A. from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst and an M.B.A. in Finance and Marketing from Boston College’s Carroll School of Management.

Active in Greater Boston’s real estate and mortgage communities, Katie specializes in guiding clients through major life transitions such as divorce, loss of a spouse, or relocation. She also helps integrate mortgage financing into broader financial plans, working with everyone from first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors.

Katie focuses on education, communication, and preparation to ensure a smooth, stress-free financing process.

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A Modern Approach to Marriage Planning with Catherine Cappelli (Ep. 15)

A Modern Approach to Marriage Planning with Catherine Cappelli (Ep. 15)

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What happens when prenuptial planning becomes an enlightened conversation about life partnerships? 

Join us for a thought-provoking episode as Gabrielle Clemens interviews Catherine Cappelli, a family law attorney with a unique focus on family formation and prenuptial planning. This episode dives into practical ways couples can plan their financial and personal futures together. 

Gabrielle Clemens, JD, LLM, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Accredited Estate Planner and Catherine explore the essentials of financial planning before tying the knot, how prenuptial agreements can evolve, and their relevance beyond just the wealthy. 

Listen in as Catherine shares her expertise on:

  • The unique approach to drafting prenuptial agreements
  • The role and benefits of mediation and collaborative law in these agreements 
  • Financial and practical considerations for couples avoiding traditional marriage 
  • Tools for protecting parental rights in family formation through science 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

Connect with Catherine Cappelli:

About Our Guest: 

Catherine Cappelli is a skilled trial attorney with over twenty years of litigation experience. Catherine is highly skilled at responding to crises, anticipating and solving problems, and negotiating and motivating resolutions.

For seventeen years, Catherine served as an Assistant District Attorney in Norfolk County prosecuting scores of complex criminal investigations and major felonies involving families and violence. She also supervised and trained prosecutors, tried cases in the District and Superior Courts, and argued cases before the appellate courts in Massachusetts. Should your case require litigation, Catherine will provide decisive representation, fighting for your rights every step of the way.

In 2015, Catherine was honored by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly as one of the Top Women of Law. The award highlights women who are innovators, educators, trailblazers and role models. 

Catherine is a frequent commentator on family law topics including Assisted Reproductive Technology (A.R.T.), LGBTQ families, rights and protections, Prenuptial and Marital Agreements and Collaborative Family Law. Catherine is also a trainer in the Commonwealth and nationally for police, corrections, clergy, judges, attorneys, community associations, business leaders, health care professionals, and students in elementary through the graduate school level.

Catherine is an active member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Boston Bar Association, the Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association, and the Massachusetts Women’s Bar Association.

Catherine is committed to providing pro bono legal services. She serves as a volunteer attorney for the Rape Survivors’ Law Project at Boston’s Victim Rights Law Center, Volunteer Lawyer’s Project, Senior Partners for Justice, and the Women’s Bar Foundation.

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Building a Better Post-Divorce Relationship with Ben Stich (Ep. 14)

Building a Better Post-Divorce Relationship with Ben Stich (Ep. 14)

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What makes mediation a powerful tool in resolving high-conflict divorces? 

Gabrielle Clemens, JD, LLM, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Accredited Estate Planner, chats with Ben Stich, a seasoned divorce mediator who specializes in high-conflict situations. 

Together, they uncover the transformative power of mediation, showing how it brings calm and clarity to even the most challenging divorces. Ben shares his journey from social work to mediation, offering unique insights into using effective communication and understanding to help couples work through their differences. 

This episode’s discussion highlights include:

  • The surprising role of social work skills in mediation
  • Understanding high-conflict dynamics and how mediation can help
  • The structure of a mediation process and its benefits
  • How mediation saves time and money compared to litigation
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

Connect with Ben Stich:

About Our Guest:

Ben is a divorce, co-parenting and family mediator. After years working with families as a social worker, Ben fell in love with mediation after taking a training in 2009 and his mediation journey led him to establish Mediation and Family Services in 2014. He has since mediated hundreds of divorces and family disputes helping families stay in control of their decisions while saving time, money, and heartache. Ben is also a Divorce Coach for divorces following the Collaborative Law model.

In addition to mediation and collaborative law, Ben is an Instructor for William James College’s High Conflict Co-Parenting Program, trains Collaborative Problem Solving for MGH Psychiatry’s Think Kids program, and is on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation. Ben regularly presents workshops on mediation, divorce, advanced divorce mediation training for mediators, how therapists can support divorcing clients, and more.

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What You Need to Know About Estate Planning Before, During, and After Divorce With Nancy Weissman (Ep.13)

What You Need to Know About Estate Planning Before, During, and After Divorce With Nancy Weissman (Ep.13)

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How can updating your estate plan make a crucial difference in your life post-divorce?   

Your estate plan can be a game-changer in ensuring your financial and emotional well-being.

Estate planning attorney Nancy Weissman delves into the complexities of updating estate plans amidst a divorce. She also discusses the practical steps for revising wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations to protect your assets and legacy. 

Key conversations include:

  • Understand the importance of revising estate planning documents, including wills and trusts, during and after a divorce  
  • Learn how Massachusetts laws, such as the ‘nisi period,’ can impact your estate planning decisions
  • Discover common pitfalls in trust and estate planning related to divorce and how to avoid them
  • Get expert guidance on managing beneficiary designations to align with your post-divorce financial goals
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

Connect with Nancy Weissman:

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Karen Argetsinger on Navigating Divorce With a Narcissist (Ep. 12)

Karen Argetsinger on Navigating Divorce With a Narcissist (Ep. 12)

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How do you navigate divorce effectively with a narcissistic spouse? 

Join Gabrielle Clemens, JD, LLM, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Accredited Estate Planner, and guest Karen Argetsinger, an attorney and divorce mediator, as they unravel strategies to empower you through divorce mediation, helping ensure a controlled and cooperative resolution.

Together, they share ways to help navigate this difficult terrain with strategies tailored for challenging personalities, including the innovative shuttle mediation approach. 

This episode provides actionable insights on divorce mediation, handling narcissistic spouses, and achieving peace through strategic planning!

Key talking points include:

  • The benefits of mediation over litigation, especially when dealing with narcissism
  • The effectiveness of shuttle mediation to maintain control and ensure a fair process
  • Real-life examples of resolving conflicts even in complex situations
  • Gaining confidence in setting up a supportive team to navigate challenging divorce dynamics
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

Connect with Karen Argetsinger:

About Our Guest:

Karen Argetsinger is a mediator and collaborative attorney concentrating her practice on Family, Probate, Health, Employment, and Elder Law. Karen has over 20 years of legal background which included law firm experience at Hale and Dorr, LLP (currently Wilmer Hale) and Warner & Stackpole, LLP (currently Kirkpatrick & Lockhart, LLP) along with experience as a law clerk and independent consultant. She was a judicial intern for over a year with the United States District Court Magistrate, Honorable Judith Dein.

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Can You Keep the House? Mortgage Moves You Must Know with Katie Greeley (Ep. 11)

Can You Keep the House? Mortgage Moves You Must Know with Katie Greeley (Ep. 11)

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Divorce is hard enough—figuring out what to do with your home doesn’t have to feel like another mountain to climb.

This week, Gabrielle Clemens, JD, LLM, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Accredited Estate Planner, sits down with Katie Greeley, Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP), to discuss the options. Whether you’re thinking about selling, refinancing, or buying out your spouse, Gabrielle and Katie break it down in simple, straightforward terms.

From understanding how spousal support fits into mortgage applications to tackling high-interest rates or tricky separation agreements, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you make decisions you can feel good about. Because it’s all about helping you gain confidence, clarity, and financial independence as you move forward.

Key Insights:

  • Why a CDLP Matters: Discover how a CDLP bridges the gap between legal and financial challenges in divorce, offering customized solutions
  • Deciding on the Marital Home: Should you sell, refinance, or buy out your spouse? Learn how to choose the best path for your situation
  • Spousal Support and Income Documentation: Understand the requirements for using spousal support as qualifying income for a mortgage
  • Refinancing in High-Rate Markets: Explore options like HELOCs and second mortgages to minimize financial strain
  • Drafting Effective Separation Agreements: Ensure your agreement protects you from future liabilities and supports your goals
  • Short- vs. Long-Term Planning: Make strategic refinancing decisions based on your future plans
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

Connect with Katharine Greeley:

About Our Guest:

Katie Greeley is an experienced mortgage professional with a background in project management and financial services. She brings a well-rounded perspective to her clients. She holds a B.A. from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst and an M.B.A. in Finance and Marketing from Boston College’s Carroll School of Management.

Active in Greater Boston’s real estate and mortgage communities, Katie specializes in guiding clients through major life transitions such as divorce, loss of a spouse, or relocation. She also helps integrate mortgage financing into broader financial plans, working with everyone from first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors.

Katie focuses on education, communication, and preparation to ensure a smooth, stress-free financing process.

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

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

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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:

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)

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

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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!

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

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College Funding and Divorce: Strategies for Navigating Educational Expenses (Ep. 8)

College Funding and Divorce: Strategies for Navigating Educational Expenses (Ep. 8)

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Who covers college costs after divorce? 

Sorting out educational expenses can be daunting, especially with the added stress of financial aid rules and safeguarding your child’s future.

Gabrielle Clemens, JD, LLM, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Accredited Estate Planner, shares practical strategies to help co-parents navigate college funding challenges before, during, and after divorce. She covers essential financial topics, including how to craft comprehensive divorce agreements that address tuition and related costs, make the most of tax-friendly 529 plans, and save money with smart transfer strategies. 

Whether you’re in the midst of a divorce or planning ahead, tune in and get the insights you need to confidently handle college funding and protect your child’s educational future!

Key Insights:

  • College Funding in Divorce Agreements: Gabrielle emphasizes the need for detailed agreements addressing college expenses early in the divorce process, covering tuition, prep courses, travel, and other educational costs. Cost-sharing methods can vary, including 50-50 splits or contributions based on income
  • 529 Plans and College Savings: Discover how 529 plans offer significant tax advantages for college savings and why specifying future contributions in your divorce agreement is crucial. Contributions from relatives like grandparents typically don’t count toward the marital estate, offering additional flexibility
  • Transfer and Cost-Saving Strategies: Gabrielle discusses cost-saving options like transferring from community colleges to more prestigious schools and highlights the importance of confirming credit transferability. She also explains how summer courses at target institutions can boost admission chances and earn credits
  • FAFSA Changes and Financial Aid Considerations: Learn how new FAFSA rules prioritize the parent who provides the most financial support, altering financial aid eligibility. Understand the complexities surrounding divorce, remarriage, and step-parents’ financial contributions
  • Co-Parenting Challenges in Financial Matters: Effective co-parenting requires cooperation in financial aid processes, including filing forms and sharing financial data. Gabrielle recommends including provisions in divorce agreements to ensure future compliance
  • The Impact of Remarriage on Financial Aid: Explore how a step-parent’s income can influence financial aid calculations and what parents should know before remarrying
  • The Importance of Comprehensive Agreements: Addressing all potential costs and planning for future changes, such as job loss, can prevent disputes later on. Gabrielle advises consulting with a college financial advisor for a customized plan
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

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Retirement Assets in Divorce (Ep. 7)

Retirement Assets in Divorce (Ep. 7)

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This week on Marriage Is About Love Divorce Is About Money®, Gabrielle Clemens, JD, LLM, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Accredited Estate Planner discusses the financial aspects of divorce, focusing on the division of retirement and non-retirement assets.

She emphasizes the importance of understanding tax implications and the processes involved in equalizing assets during a divorce, covering the distinction between marital and separate property, the complexities of qualified plans, and the necessary steps to ensure a fair division of assets.

Key Insights:

  • Retirement vs. Non-Retirement Assets: It’s essential to differentiate between retirement and non-retirement assets when dividing them in a divorce
  • Challenges of Commingling Assets: By keeping a clear record of pre-marital assets and working with your attorney, you can better identify what remains solely yours
  • IRA Transfers: A straightforward option for dividing retirement assets. A “Transfer Incident to Divorce” can move funds without tax penalties if enough is available in an IRA
  • Tax Planning in Divorce: When dividing retirement assets, be cautious of tax implications, especially if taking distributions before 59.5 years of age, as early withdrawals can trigger both income taxes and a 10% penalty
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

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