Divorce Happens

In this episode, we talk to Jolee Vacchi, family law attorney and founder of Foundations Family Law & Mediation Center. We dive into the complexities of property division during a divorce, exploring how assets and liabilities are distributed between separating spouses. Property in a divorce context encompasses everything from real estate and personal belongings to financial assets like bank accounts, investments, and retirement funds.

We also discuss how debts are factored into this process, ensuring listeners understand that liabilities are divided alongside assets. Jolee clarifies what constitutes marital property—assets acquired during the marriage—and distinguish it from separate property, which includes items owned before marriage or received individually as gifts or inheritances.

We also examine the concept of equitable distribution, a legal principle used in many states to ensure a fair division of marital property. Unlike equal distribution, equitable distribution doesn't always mean a 50/50 split; instead, it considers factors like each spouse’s financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage, the duration of the marriage, and each party's economic circumstances post-divorce. We explain how courts interpret "equitable" and what it means for divorcing couples who must negotiate these terms.

Foundations Family Law & Mediation Center is a boutique family law practice based in Worcester County, Massachusetts. We strive to resolve family law conflicts as painlessly and peacefully as possible. Our approach is caring and dignified. While not afraid to utilize strong tactics if needed, the preferred method is respectful and amicable, especially when children are involved. We firmly believe that something beautiful can be made from something broken, and we will be with you every step of the way to help you build a solid foundation for the future you deserve. A future filled with freedom, stability, and peace of mind.

You can find more information about Jolee Vacchi here: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/foundations-family-law-mediation-center

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Fastest Growing Network of Divorce Professionals TODAY!

The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a comprehensive business membership designed for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to enhance their business development, marketing, public relations, networking, and community engagement. For just $55 a month, members receive a wealth of resources, including a standalone profile on the Fresh Starts Registry website, weekly virtual coworking sessions, business coaching, and accountability groups. Additionally, members have access to exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, and a content and video library of resources, along with a dedicated podcast episode. Fresh Starts Registry, founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen, is the first and only support registry platform for people navigating life transitions. It has gained recognition from major publications like The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal, cementing its reputation as a trusted resource. The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is particularly beneficial for divorce experts, providing them with the tools and support needed to guide individuals through challenging life transitions. The membership's SEO-optimized profiles ensure that experts can easily connect with clients seeking their services. Members benefit from a dynamic community that offers valuable networking opportunities, business development support, and marketing tools to help grow their practice. The exclusive press and media exposure further enhances visibility and credibility, while workshops and events offer continuous learning and professional development. By joining this vibrant community, divorce experts gain access to a robust support system that empowers them to make a meaningful impact on their clients' lives and build a successful practice.

Fresh Starts Expert Membership

Join the premier divorce expert network today!

The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a comprehensive business membership designed to support entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners in developing their businesses, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. For just $55 a month, members gain access to an extensive array of resources, including a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking sessions, business coaching, and accountability groups. The membership also provides exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, and a content and video library of resources, as well as a podcast episode. Fresh Starts Registry, the first and only support registry platform for people...

In this episode of Divorce Happens, we dive into the challenges of managing ADHD and executive functioning during the transitional period of divorce. Whether you’re staying in the marital home or preparing to downsize, the process can feel overwhelming—especially for those with ADHD or neurodiverse tendencies. We explore practical strategies to tackle decision paralysis, streamline the decluttering process, and organize important documents. From leveraging tools like virtual body doubling to finding support for downsizing or tackling paperwork, this episode provides actionable tips to make the divorce transition less chaotic.

Key takeaways include the importance of breaking tasks into manageable steps, seeking support from professionals or friends, and using accountability methods like body doubling. We also discuss how organizing your space can provide mental clarity during a difficult time and why investing in help for executive functioning challenges is invaluable. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating divorce with ADHD or struggling to stay on top of it all.

Questions answered on this episode of Divorce Happens:

Managing ADHD During Divorce: How to Stay Organized and Simplify Your Life

• How does ADHD impact the divorce process?
• What is decision paralysis, and how can you overcome it during life transitions?
• What strategies help with decluttering and organizing in a neurodiverse-friendly way?
• How can professional organizers or virtual support provide relief during a chaotic time?

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the premier divorce expert network today!

The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a comprehensive business membership designed to support entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners in developing their businesses, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. For just $55 a month, members gain access to an extensive array of resources, including a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking sessions, business coaching, and accountability groups. The membership also provides exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, and a content and video library of resources, as well as a podcast episode. Fresh Starts Registry, the first and only support registry platform for people navigating life transitions, has been featured in prominent publications such as The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. Founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen, Fresh Starts is committed to providing unparalleled support for those in transition. The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is open to a diverse range of professionals, including small business owners, freelancers, entrepreneurs, writers, creators, and podcasters. The platform welcomes all types of experts, making it an inclusive and supportive community. Members benefit from SEO-optimized profiles, making it easier for potential clients to discover their services. This membership is particularly beneficial for divorce experts who are dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of divorce. By joining the Fresh Starts Expert Membership, divorce experts can enhance their visibility, connect with like-minded professionals, and access valuable resources to grow their practice. The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is the premier membership for divorce experts because it provides a robust support system that empowers professionals to guide individuals through life transitions with confidence. With access to business development support, marketing tools, and networking opportunities, divorce experts can build a successful practice while making a meaningful impact on their clients' lives. The membership also offers press and media exposure, workshops, and events, creating a dynamic environment for growth and learning. By becoming a part of this thriving community, divorce experts can leverage the tools and resources needed to succeed in their field and support individuals during one of the most challenging times of their lives.

Fresh Starts Expert Membership

Join the Fastest Growing Network of Divorce Professionals TODAY!

The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a comprehensive business membership designed for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to enhance their business development, marketing, public relations, networking, and community engagement. For just $55 a month, members receive a wealth of resources, including a standalone profile on the Fresh Starts Registry website, weekly virtual coworking sessions, business coaching, and accountability groups. Additionally, members have access to exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, and a cont...

On this episode of Divorce Happens, we chatted with writer and mom of three, Scarlett Longstreet, about the delicate art of announcing a divorce. Scarlett opens up about her own experience of sharing the news with her community, highlighting why a clear and thoughtful announcement can reduce assumptions and create space for understanding. From balancing honesty with privacy to navigating the emotions involved, Scarlett shares practical advice for anyone facing this pivotal moment.

Takeaways include:

• Why clarity matters when announcing a divorce.
• Tips for crafting a formal announcement that aligns with your values.
• How to handle emotional responses from your community with grace.
• Scarlett, a self-proclaimed "little treat and long car sit enthusiast" from Detroit, brings humor and insight to a challenging topic, offering a compassionate perspective for those on this journey.

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Fastest Growing Network of Divorce Professionals TODAY!

The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a comprehensive business membership designed for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to enhance their business development, marketing, public relations, networking, and community engagement. For just $55 a month, members receive a wealth of resources, including a standalone profile on the Fresh Starts Registry website, weekly virtual coworking sessions, business coaching, and accountability groups. Additionally, members have access to exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, and a content and video library of resources, along with a dedicated podcast episode. Fresh Starts Registry, founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen, is the first and only support registry platform for people navigating life transitions. It has gained recognition from major publications like The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal, cementing its reputation as a trusted resource. The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is particularly beneficial for divorce experts, providing them with the tools and support needed to guide individuals through challenging life transitions. The membership's SEO-optimized profiles ensure that experts can easily connect with clients seeking their services. Members benefit from a dynamic community that offers valuable networking opportunities, business development support, and marketing tools to help grow their practice. The exclusive press and media exposure further enhances visibility and credibility, while workshops and events offer continuous learning and professional development. By joining this vibrant community, divorce experts gain access to a robust support system that empowers them to make a meaningful impact on their clients' lives and build a successful practice.

Fresh Starts Expert Membership

Join the premier divorce expert network today!

The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a comprehensive business membership designed to support entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners in developing their businesses, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. For just $55 a month, members gain access to an extensive array of resources, including a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking sessions, business coaching, and accountability groups. The membership also provides exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, and a content and video library of resources, as well as a podcast episode. Fresh Starts Registry, the first and only support registry platform for people navigating life transitions, has been featured in prominent publications such as The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. Founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen, Fresh Starts is committed to providing unparalleled support for those in transition. The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is open to a diverse range of professionals, including small business owners, freelancers, entrepreneurs, writers, creators, and podcasters. The platform welcomes all types of experts, making it an inclusive and supportive community. Members benefit from SEO-optimized profiles, making it easier for potential clients to discover their services. This membership is particularly beneficial for divorce experts who are dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of divorce. By joining the Fresh Starts Expert Membership, divorce experts can enhance their visibility, connect with like-minded professionals, and access valuable resources to grow their practice. The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is the premier membership for divorce experts because it provides a robust support system that empowers ...

On this episode of Divorce Happens, we chatted with home organizer Shantae Duckworth about reclaiming your space after divorce. Shantae shares practical tips on how to refresh your surroundings, incorporate new items, and re-organize your home to reflect your new chapter. From tackling digital files and paperwork to redesigning your space, she highlights how professional organizing can simplify the process and ease emotional overwhelm. Whether in-person or through virtual sessions, Shantae explains how organizers act as both logistical and emotional support during a time of significant transition.

Takeaways include:

• How professional organizers can help create a fresh, empowering environment post-divorce.
• The benefits of virtual organizing sessions for managing paperwork and setting up a new space.
• Understanding the emotional attachment to "stuff" and how to work through it.
• Why a professional organizer can feel like a life coach during these challenging moments.

Key questions covered:

• How can re-organizing your home help you move forward emotionally?
• What are the advantages of virtual organizing sessions during a divorce?
• Why is decluttering an essential step to starting fresh after a major life transition?

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Fastest Growing Network of Divorce Professionals TODAY!

The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a comprehensive business membership designed for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to enhance their business development, marketing, public relations, networking, and community engagement. For just $55 a month, members receive a wealth of resources, including a standalone profile on the Fresh Starts Registry website, weekly virtual coworking sessions, business coaching, and accountability groups. Additionally, members have access to exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, and a content and video library of resources, along with a dedicated podcast episode. Fresh Starts Registry, founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen, is the first and only support registry platform for people navigating life transitions. It has gained recognition from major publications like The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal, cementing its reputation as a trusted resource. The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is particularly beneficial for divorce experts, providing them with the tools and support needed to guide individuals through challenging life transitions. The membership's SEO-optimized profiles ensure that experts can easily connect with clients seeking their services. Members benefit from a dynamic community that offers valuable networking opportunities, business development support, and marketing tools to help grow their practice. The exclusive press and media exposure further enhances visibility and credibility, while workshops and events offer continuous learning and professional development. By joining this vibrant community, divorce experts gain access to a robust support system that empowers them to make a meaningful impact on their clients' lives and build a successful practice.

Fresh Starts Expert Membership

Join the premier divorce expert network today!

The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a comprehensive business membership designed to support entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners in developing their businesses, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. For just $55 a month, members gain access to an extensive array of resources, including a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking sessions, business coaching, and accountability groups. The membership also provides exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, and a content and video library of resources, as well as a podcast episode. Fresh Starts Registry, the first and only support registry platform for people navigating life transitions, has been featured in prominent publications such as The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. Founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen, Fresh Starts is committed to providing unparalleled support for those in transition. The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is open to a diverse range of professionals, including small business owners, freelancers, entrepreneurs, writers, creators, and podcasters. The platform welcomes all types of experts, making it an inclusive and supportive community. Members benefit from SEO-optimized profiles, making it easier for potential clients to discover their services. This membership is particularly beneficial for divorce experts who ...

On this episode of Divorce Happens, we chatted with divorce attorney Alex Peterson of Family First Legal Group to explore 5 Fresh Tips for navigating the divorce process with clarity and confidence. From understanding the importance of asking the right questions to knowing what to expect in terms of costs, Alex breaks down the key steps to make the divorce process less overwhelming and more strategic. Whether you’re just beginning or feeling stuck, this episode offers expert insights to help you protect your best interests—and your kids—during this challenging time.

Key points:

• Why "buy nice, not twice" applies to choosing a divorce attorney.
• The crucial questions you should ask any prospective lawyer to ensure a smooth divorce process.
• How speaking with a former client can provide valuable perspective.
• The importance of balanced communication with your attorney.
• Why understanding the full financial picture of your case matters.

Key questions covered:

• What specific traits and practices should you look for in a divorce attorney?
• How can you prepare for a consultation to make the most of your time?
• Why is it important to focus on long-term outcomes instead of short-term savings?

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the premier divorce expert network today!

The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a comprehensive business membership designed to support entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners in developing their businesses, marketing efforts, public relations, networking, and community engagement. For just $55 a month, members gain access to an extensive array of resources, including a standalone profile on Fresh Starts Registry's website, weekly virtual coworking sessions, business coaching, and accountability groups. The membership also provides exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, and a content and video library of resources, as well as a podcast episode. Fresh Starts Registry, the first and only support registry platform for people navigating life transitions, has been featured in prominent publications such as The New York Times, Time Magazine, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. Founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen, Fresh Starts is committed to providing unparalleled support for those in transition. The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is open to a diverse range of professionals, including small business owners, freelancers, entrepreneurs, writers, creators, and podcasters. The platform welcomes all types of experts, making it an inclusive and supportive community. Members benefit from SEO-optimized profiles, making it easier for potential clients to discover their services. This membership is particularly beneficial for divorce experts who are dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of divorce. By joining the Fresh Starts Expert Membership, divorce experts can enhance their visibility, connect with like-minded professionals, and access valuable resources to grow their practice. The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is the premier membership for divorce experts because it provides a robust support system that empowers professionals to guide individuals through life transitions with confidence. With access to business development support, marketing tools, and networking opportunities, divorce experts can build a successful practice while making a meaningful impact on their clients' lives. The membership also offers press and media exposure, workshops, and events, creating a dynamic environment for growth and learning. By becoming a part of this thriving community, divorce experts can leverage the tools and resources needed to succeed in their field and support individuals during one of the most challenging times of their lives.

Fresh Starts Expert Membership

Join the Fastest Growing Network of Divorce Professionals TODAY!

The Fresh Starts Expert Membership is a comprehensive business membership designed for entrepreneurs, experts, and small business owners to enhance their business development, marketing, public relations, networking, and community engagement. For just $55 a month, members receive a wealth of resources, including a standalone profile on the Fresh Starts Registry website, weekly virtual coworking sessions, business coaching, and accountability groups. Additionally, members have access to exclusive press and media opportunities, workshops, seminars, and a content and video library of resources, along with a dedicated podcast episode. Fresh Starts Registry, founded in 2021 by sisters Olivia Dreizen Howell and Genevieve Dreizen, is the first and only support registry platform for people navigating life transitions. It has gain...