Tag: Divorce Financial Planning
Transforming Divorce Challenges into Opportunities with Katie Greeley

Transforming Divorce Challenges into Opportunities with Katie Greeley

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
How To Turn Heartbreak Into Hope with Oona Metz (Ep. 10)

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

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

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

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

By |

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: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
College Funding and Divorce: Strategies for Navigating Educational Expenses (Ep. 8)

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

By |

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: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Keep, Sell, or Rent? Smart Home Decisions During Divorce (Ep. 6)

Keep, Sell, or Rent? Smart Home Decisions During Divorce (Ep. 6)

By |

The marital home is often the heart of a family — but what happens to it during a divorce? 

This week on Marriage Is About Love Divorce Is About Money®, Gabrielle Clemens, JD, LLM, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Accredited Estate Planner, guides listeners through one of the most emotionally and financially charged decisions in divorce: what to do with the marital home.

Divorce is about more than emotional closure — it’s about smart financial planning. Gabrielle skillfully navigates both the emotional ties and practical realities involved, offering critical strategies to help you make informed decisions about your home’s future.

Whether you’re considering staying, selling, or renting, this episode will equip you with the insights you need to safeguard your financial future and embrace a new beginning.

Key Highlights:

  • Should You Stay or Go? Gabrielle explains how to weigh your emotional attachment to the home against practical factors like ongoing costs, taxes, and mortgage qualifications
  • Selling Smart: Learn why it’s essential to get an independent appraisal and how to calculate your net proceeds after transaction costs
  • Renting vs. Buying: If you’re not ready to buy again, renting may be a smart temporary option. Gabrielle explains when this move makes sense
  • Joint Ownership: Some couples opt for temporary joint ownership — Gabrielle shares when this might be a beneficial option, especially for families with children
  • Calculating Home Equity: Get a step-by-step guide to accurately calculate your home’s equity and understand the buyout process between spouses
  • Enforceable Divorce Agreements: Gabrielle emphasizes the importance of detailed agreements about the home — everything from repairs to realtor selection must be clearly outlined to ensure legal enforceability
  • Starting Fresh: Gabrielle encourages involving children in the decision-making process and considering a fresh start rather than holding onto the home for emotional reasons
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Financial Vigilance For Strategic Divorce Planning (Ep. 5)

Financial Vigilance For Strategic Divorce Planning (Ep. 5)

By |

This week on Marriage Is About Love Divorce Is About Money®, Gabrielle Clemens, JD, LLM, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Accredited Estate Planner, reveals why divorce isn’t just a breakup — it’s a business deal that demands smart, strategic moves. 

Tune in as she shares essential steps to protect your financial future, from building a rock-solid plan to staying vigilant with your money. With her guidance, you’ll be equipped to navigate the twists and turns of divorce, ensuring a smooth transition into your next chapter.

Key Highlights:

  • Building Your Dream Team: Assemble a power squad of experts — attorney, financial advisor, therapist — who excel in their fields and communicate seamlessly to strengthen your case
  • Taking Control: Start fresh by opening your own bank accounts and credit cards, and consult with a CPA to explore tax filing strategies that protect you from future liabilities
  • Boosting Your Credit: Safeguard your financial future by monitoring and improving your credit score. This step is crucial as you transition into single life
  • Mapping Your Journey: Treat your divorce like a road trip. Whether you take the scenic route or the fast track, a clear strategy will keep you on course for a successful outcome
  • Stay Organized: Use tools like QuickBooks and Dropbox to keep your financial documents in order, ensuring a smooth transition into your new life
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Preparing For Divorce: Choosing the Right Attorney (Ep. 4)

Preparing For Divorce: Choosing the Right Attorney (Ep. 4)

By |

Don’t let the wrong attorney derail your divorce – learn how to choose the best advocate for your case.

Navigating the early stages of divorce can be overwhelming, but the right preparation can make all the difference. Join Gabrielle Clemens, JD, LLM, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Accredited Estate Planner, as she outlines essential steps for preparing for divorce, focusing on the pivotal role of choosing the right divorce attorney.

Key Highlights:

  • Summer Strategy: Discover how to use the quiet summer months to gather financial documents, reflect, and prepare for the busy divorce season ahead
  • Top Attorney Tips: Learn the secrets to finding a lawyer who truly champions your cause
  • Special Needs Focus: Ensure your attorney understands unique family dynamics. If you have special needs children, disabilities, or other specific circumstances, find out how to select an attorney experienced in these areas
  • Zealous Advocacy: Discover why having a lawyer who advocates zealously is crucial for a successful divorce outcome
  • Litigation Insights: Understand the complexities of the litigation process, from filing a complaint to the often costly and time-consuming nature of court decisions
  • Mediation Magic: Learn how mediation can be a faster, less stressful alternative to litigation, allowing you to address specific issues outside of court
  • Arbitration Uncovered: Find out how arbitration offers a quicker, more private resolution, with binding decisions made by a retired judge or attorney
  • Winning Advice: Discover the importance of having an attorney who has the time for your case and is open to alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and arbitration
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Your Future Starts Now: How To Envision Your Life Beyond Divorce (Ep. 3)

Your Future Starts Now: How To Envision Your Life Beyond Divorce (Ep. 3)

By |

What if your divorce could be the doorway to a life filled with more joy and purpose than ever before?

Explore personal growth and empowerment with Gabrielle Clemens. Discussing Chapter 3 of her book “Marriage Is About Love, Divorce Is About Money®,” Gabrielle, a CDFA and ex-divorce tax attorney, blends financial insights with emotional support. This episode encourages listeners to create a fulfilling future after divorce through vision and self-reflection.

Key Highlights:

  • Crafting a Joyful Future: Discover the power of vision boards in manifesting life goals and aspirations after divorce
  • Self-Reflection for Empowerment: Learn how articulating personal goals aids in crucial decision-making
  • The Evolving Vision Board: Explore how vision boards can dynamically guide you through changing goals during divorce
  • Holistic Life Planning: Gain insights on considering all life facets – from career to personal wellness – for a balanced post-divorce plan
  • Value-Based Decision Making: Understand the importance of aligning choices with your true desires, rather than material gains
  • Overcoming Emotional Hurdles: Learn to trust your instincts and face fears amidst your divorce’s emotional complexities
  • Guided Self-Discovery: Engage with thought-provoking questions to define your future aspirations
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More
Here’s How To Navigate Divorce (Ep. 2)

Here’s How To Navigate Divorce (Ep. 2)

By |

Do you know the secret to managing both your heart and your wallet in a divorce?

Explore the multifaceted world of divorce with Gabrielle Clemens. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) and a former divorce tax attorney, Gabrielle blends her personal divorce experience with her professional expertise, offering unique insights. This episode, based on Gabrielle’s book, is full of financial guidance and emotional wisdom for those navigating through divorce.

Key Episode Insights:

  • Emotional and Financial Readiness: Exploring the emotional intricacies of divorce, with a focus on proactive, future-oriented thinking
  • Essential Support Team: The importance of a comprehensive team – lawyers, financial advisors, and therapists – in facilitating a smoother divorce
  • Divorce Support Groups: Highlighting the benefits of peer support and shared experiences in divorce support groups
  • Holistic Professional Support: Discussing the diverse roles and contributions of divorce coaches, CDFAs, therapists, and attorneys in the divorce process
  • Financial Planning and Organization: Emphasizing the need for efficient financial management, recommending tools like Quicken and Dropbox
  • Empowerment Through Financial Management: Inspiring listeners to take control of their finances for a more empowered approach to divorce
  • Upcoming Episodes and Resources: Future episodes promise insights into selecting the right attorney and more!

Resources:

Connect with Gabrielle Clemens: 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More