The Divorce Planner – Details, episodes & analysis

If you're considering divorce or your spouse just brought it up, you're probably feeling overwhelmed. There's a crucial step most people miss between identifying divorce as a possibility and meeting with an attorney: preparation.

I'm Alex Beattie, a divorce prep coach who helps people navigate divorce with financial clarity and confidence. Drawing from my own experience and years as a divorce prep expert, I combine project management expertise with deep empathy to transform an overwhelming process into an opportunity for personal growth.

Welcome to The Divorce Planner Podcast—your mini masterclass on navigating divorce. Each week, we'll have honest conversations with experts about both the emotional journey and practical decisions ahead, giving you actionable strategies to move forward.

Divorce is hard, but preparing for one doesn't have to be.

The Divorce Planner Podcast premieres Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Subscribe now so you don't miss the first episode!

Want more resources? Check out my blog, grab my free "24 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney" guide, or sign up for my free 4-Email Divorce Prep Series for a step-by-step roadmap before you meet with an attorney. 

Need personalized help? Book a free 15-minute call or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips.

The Divorce Planner podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals about your situation.

Podcast Original Music, Editing, and Mixing by: Benjamin Robinson

Hey there! In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Sharie Reyes Albers, a seasoned family law attorney from Virginia Family Law Center, for an incredibly valuable conversation about what you can really expect from the divorce process.

If you're feeling overwhelmed about the legal side of divorce, this episode is exactly what you need. Sharie brings years of experience and breaks down the legal landscape in a way that's actually understandable. We dive deep into how proper preparation—both financial and emotional—can completely change your divorce experience.

What we cover:

• Inside insights into how the legal process actually works
• Why financial planning is absolutely critical to your future outcomes
• Practical strategies you can implement right now to prepare effectively
• How to navigate the emotional challenges while staying focused on your goals

This conversation perfectly illustrates why I'm so passionate about preparation. When you walk into attorney consultations armed with organized documents, clear financial understanding, and realistic expectations, you save time, money, and stress while getting better results.

Remember, there's a crucial step most people miss between considering divorce and meeting with an attorney: preparation. Episodes like this one help you tackle both the emotional and business sides of divorce early in the process, so you can make smart choices and get the outcome you want.

Want more resources? Check out my blog, grab my free "24 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney" guide, or sign up for my free 4-Email Divorce Prep Series for a step-by-step roadmap before you meet with an attorney. 

Need personalized help? Book a free 15-minute call or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips.

The Divorce Planner podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals about your situation.

Podcast Original Music, Editing, and Mixing by: Benjamin Robinson

If you're struggling with emotional healing during or after divorce, this episode is exactly what you need. In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Joanna Nisioti, a divorce recovery coach, for a powerful conversation about reclaiming your strength when divorce leaves you feeling completely powerless.

Joanna brings incredible insight into how to find yourself again when everything feels lost. We dive deep into practical strategies for moving beyond victim mentality and reconnecting with your inner strength.

What we cover:

• Moving beyond victim mentality to reclaim your personal agency
• Setting effective boundaries with difficult exes (that actually work)
• Healing from divorce trauma without getting stuck in the pain
• Making sound decisions when emotions are overwhelming
• Finding your authentic voice after years of silencing yourself
• Practical tools for rebuilding your identity and confidence

This conversation perfectly highlights why I'm so passionate about addressing the emotional side of divorce alongside the practical preparation. It allows you to jumpstart your healing journey while helping you reclaim your power during a time that can feel very uncertain. As Joanna powerfully shares: "Reclaiming your power isn't about controlling everything around you—it's about reconnecting with the inner strength that's always been there."

Episodes like this one help you tackle both the emotional and business sides of divorce, so you can navigate this transition with strength and create the foundation for your best next chapter.

Want more resources? Check out my blog, grab my free "24 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney" guide, or sign up for my free 4-Email Divorce Prep Series for a step-by-step roadmap before you meet with an attorney. 

Need personalized help? Book a free 15-minute call or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips.

The Divorce Planner podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals about your situation.

Podcast Original Music, Editing, and Mixing by: Benjamin Robinson

If you're feeling completely drained and struggling to take care of yourself during divorce, this episode is exactly what you need. In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Jenny Jiles, a nutritionist and holistic wellness expert, for a practical conversation about maintaining your health when everything feels like it's falling apart.

Jenny brings real-world strategies that don't require overhauls or expensive supplements. We dive deep into simple, actionable ways to support your body and mind during one of the most stressful times of your life.

What we cover:

• Stress-busting nutrition strategies that actually work
• Energy-boosting techniques you can do anywhere
• Mindful eating hacks for when you're too overwhelmed to meal plan
• Sleep optimization tricks to help you rest when your mind is racing
• Practical self-care that fits into your chaotic schedule

This conversation perfectly illustrates why I'm so passionate about addressing your physical well-being alongside the emotional and practical preparation for divorce. When you're taking care of your basic needs, you're better equipped to make smart decisions and advocate for yourself throughout the process.

Episodes like this one help you make sure you don't lose yourself in the overwhelming process of divorce, so you can create the foundation for your best next chapter.

Want more resources? Check out my blog, grab my free "24 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney" guide, or sign up for my free 4-Email Divorce Prep Series for a step-by-step roadmap before you meet with an attorney. 

Need personalized help? Book a free 15-minute call or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips.

The Divorce Planner podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals about your situation.

Podcast Original Music, Editing, and Mixing by: Benjamin Robinson

If you're considering divorce after 50 and feeling overwhelmed about your financial future, this episode is exactly what you need. In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Jorin Rubin, a Michigan-based family law attorney, for an essential conversation about navigating "gray divorce"—the fastest-growing divorce demographic today.

Jorin breaks down the unique challenges that couples over 50 face when divorcing, from employment fears to complex retirement asset division. We dive deep into the financial strategies and legal considerations that can make or break your post-divorce security.

What we cover:

• Social Security benefits after divorce and how to claim 50% of your ex-spouse's benefits
• Retirement account division including 401(k)s, pensions, and the critical QDRO process
• Employment challenges for those re-entering the workforce after decades
• Spousal support considerations for long-term marriages
• Valuing complex assets like family businesses and protecting against future windfalls
• Estate planning updates you must make immediately after divorce
• Tax implications of retirement withdrawals and settlement decisions

When you understand the unique financial landscape of divorce after 50, you can make strategic decisions during divorce that protect your future instead of reactive choices that could cost you decades of security.

Want more resources? Check out my blog, grab my free "24 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney" guide, or sign up for my free 4-Email Divorce Prep Series for a step-by-step roadmap before you meet with an attorney. 

Need personalized help? Book a free 15-minute call or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips.

The Divorce Planner podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals about your situation.

Podcast Original Music, Editing, and Mixing by: Benjamin Robinson

If you're struggling to find your authentic voice and inner strength during divorce, this episode is exactly what you need. In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Ana del Castillo, an empowerment and "rightness" coach, for an inspiring conversation about navigating divorce while staying grounded in who you truly are.

Ana specializes in helping individuals, particularly women, achieve what she calls "rightness"—an internal balance of vulnerability and strength, or as she beautifully puts it, "a soft belly and a strong spine." We dive deep into practical strategies for quieting the mental noise and self-doubt that can overwhelm you during this challenging time.

What we cover:

• Building resilience by embracing your emotions without judgment
• Healing activities like rage rooms, movement, and free dance to channel difficult feelings
• Taking control of your narrative and creating an authentic life based on your values
• Building and asserting boundaries post-divorce, including learning to say "no"
• Small daily victories and why celebrating them matters during tough times

This conversation perfectly illustrates why I'm so passionate about addressing the emotional side of divorce alongside the practical preparation. When you're grounded in your authenticity and have tools to process your emotions, you're better equipped to make smart decisions and advocate for yourself throughout the process.

Episodes like this one help you tackle the emotional side of divorce, so you can navigate this transition with strength and create the foundation for your best next chapter.

Want more resources? Check out my blog, grab my free "24 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney" guide, or sign up for my free 4-Email Divorce Prep Series for a step-by-step roadmap before you meet with an attorney. 

Need personalized help? Book a free 15-minute call or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips.

The Divorce Planner podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals about your situation.

Podcast Original Music, Editing, and Mixing by: Benjamin Robinson

If you're considering divorce but the thought of a long, drawn out court battle scares you, this episode is going to be a game-changer for you.

I'm sitting down with Renee E. Turner, a family law attorney and collaborative divorce expert, who's here to break down an approach that could save you thousands of dollars while protecting your family's emotional well-being. 

Collaborative divorce isn't just about being "nice"—it's a strategic approach that often leads to better outcomes for everyone involved, especially your children.

In our conversation, we cover:

• What collaborative divorce actually is (and what it isn't)
• Real cost comparisons between collaborative and traditional divorce approaches
• How this process can protect your children and set up healthier co-parenting relationships
• Whether collaborative divorce is the right fit for your specific situation
• Practical steps to get started if you're interested
• Common myths that might be holding you back
• Renee's top tips for making the collaborative process successful

This episode perfectly illustrates why I'm so passionate about exploring all your options before jumping into the legal process. 

Remember, there's that crucial step most people miss between considering divorce and meeting with an attorney: preparation. Understanding your options—including collaborative divorce—is part of preparing yourself to tackle both the emotional and business sides of divorce effectively.

Whether you ultimately choose collaborative divorce or another path, this conversation will help you approach your situation with more knowledge and confidence. That's exactly what being your own best advocate looks like.

Want more resources? Check out my blog, grab my free "24 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney" guide, or sign up for my free 4-Email Divorce Prep Series for a step-by-step roadmap before you meet with an attorney. 

Need personalized help? Book a free 15-minute call or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips.

The Divorce Planner podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals about your situation.

Podcast Original Music, Editing, and Mixing by: Benjamin Robinson

If you're stuck in the painful cycle of not knowing whether to stay in your marriage or leave, this episode is exactly what you need. In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Betsy Pake, a midlife change expert and host of "The Art of Living Big" podcast, for a transformative conversation about finding clarity when you're facing one of life's most difficult decisions.

This isn't your typical "should I stay or should I go" advice. Betsy and I dive deep into why this particular decision feels so impossible and how the indecision itself takes a physical and emotional toll on your body and health.

What we cover:

• The physical toll of indecision and how your body literally stores this stress
• Distinguishing authentic intuition from fear-based denial when making major decisions
• Breaking free from others' expectations to hear your own inner wisdom
• The mindset shift that helps move from paralysis to clarity
• Why midlife divorce decisions involve unique considerations
• A specific journaling exercise that consistently cuts through confusion
• Essential emotional preparation before consulting attorneys

One of the most powerful moments in our conversation is when Betsy explains how our bodies physically store the stress of indecision, creating symptoms we often misattribute to other causes. This insight alone could change how you approach your decision-making process.

This conversation perfectly illustrates why I'm so passionate about addressing the emotional side of divorce alongside the practical preparation. Whether you ultimately decide to stay or leave, finding clarity through your own inner wisdom—not external pressure—is what empowers you to become your own best advocate.

Want more resources? Check out my blog, grab my free "24 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney" guide, or sign up for my free 4-Email Divorce Prep Series for a step-by-step roadmap before you meet with an attorney. 

Need personalized help? Book a free 15-minute call or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips.

The Divorce Planner podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals about your situation.

Podcast Original Music, Editing, and Mixing by: Benjamin Robinson

In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Mindy Stern, an estate planning attorney, for a crucial conversation about protecting your financial future when everything in your life is changing. 

Mindy breaks down why divorce is a significant end that requires a fresh look at your entire universe of estate plans (will, trust, etc.). We dive deep into the practical steps you need to take and the common mistakes that could cost you dearly if you wait too long.

What we cover:

• When to start the process and why timing is critical during divorce
• The 4 biggest mistakes people make with estate planning during divorce
• Key documents to update including wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations
• Guardianship decisions for minor children and why this can't wait
• Powers of attorney updates when your spouse can no longer make decisions for you
• Tax implications you need to consider before making changes

If you're going through divorce, the idea of having to update your estate planning documents can make you feel like burying your head in the sand. Don't stress - this episode is exactly what you need to hear to motivate you to get it done.

Want more resources? Check out my blog, grab my free "24 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney" guide, or sign up for my free 4-Email Divorce Prep Series for a step-by-step roadmap before you meet with an attorney. 

Need personalized help? Book a free 15-minute call or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips.

The Divorce Planner podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals about your situation.

Podcast Original Music, Editing, and Mixing by: Benjamin Robinson

If you're at a point in your marriage where you're wondering when the right time is to meet with a divorce attorney, the answer is simple: now. If you're asking the question, you're already contemplating change—and this is your cue to start educating yourself about the road ahead.

In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Dennis R. Vetrano Jr., a New York-based family law attorney and mediator, for a crucial conversation about preparing for attorney consultations and what to expect when you take that first step.

Dennis shares invaluable insights into how to approach this pivotal transition from contemplation to action. We dive deep into the practical and emotional considerations you need to understand before starting the divorce process.

What we cover:

• When to start meeting with attorneys and why earlier is better than you think
• What to consider when meeting with local family law attorneys
• How to pick the right attorney for your specific situation (it's like finding the right bed in Goldilocks)
• Essential preparation before your first consultations to save time and money
• What to be mindful of BEFORE starting the divorce process including financial readiness and emotional considerations
• Different legal routes (litigation, mediation, collaborative divorce) and how to choose
• Strategic ways to save time and money during the divorce process
• How to prepare for consultations so you get the most value from each meeting

Meeting with a divorce attorney doesn't necessarily mean you're committing to divorce. It's about education and empowerment. Gathering information, understanding your rights, and preparing yourself mentally and financially are all part of laying the groundwork for whatever decision you make.

Want more resources? Check out my blog, grab my free "24 Questions to Ask A Divorce Attorney" guide, or sign up for my free 4-Email Divorce Prep Series for a step-by-step roadmap before you meet with an attorney. 

Need personalized help? Book a free 15-minute call or subscribe to my newsletter for weekly tips.

The Divorce Planner podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals about your situation.

Podcast Original Music, Editing, and Mixing by: Benjamin Robinson