Drama-Free Divorce Podcast

Divorce doesn’t have to mean courtroom battles.

In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast, Cary Jacobson sits down with Colorado family law attorney Katelyn B. Parker to explore Collaborative Divorce—a process built around cooperation, transparency, and a team-based approach to resolving divorce.

Together, they discuss how the collaborative process works, who is involved in the professional team, and why having support from a...

In this solo episode, Cary Jacobson breaks down how traditional hourly billing can increase anxiety, hesitation, and even conflict during negotiations. When every email and phone call adds to the bill, people often delay decisions or avoid asking important questions — and that uncertainty can slow progress.

Cary explains how flat-fee structures provide clarity, predictability, and financial transparency — and why that shift alone ca...

What if the best way to avoid a high-conflict divorce starts long before the wedding day — with better conversations before marriage?

In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast, attorney and mediator Cary Jacobson sits down with Angel Thompson, MA, a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience in premarital and couples counseling, to explore how proactive relationship work can dramatically reduce future conflict.

Angel...

What if the traditional divorce system actually makes things worse — not better?

In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast, host Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator at Jacobson Family Law, is joined by Regina DeAngelis, founder of Family Transitions® Divorce Coaching & Mediation and creator of the 21st Century Family Transition® program.

Regina is a former divorce attorney with decades of experience — yet her own painful...

Estate planning isn’t just about documents — it’s about protecting your family, preserving wealth, and creating clarity during life’s biggest transitions.

In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast, host Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator at Jacobson Family Law, is joined by Priscilla Castlebary, a Personal Family Lawyer and passionate advocate for Latinx families, blended families, and unmarried partners.

Together, they exp...

Divorce doesn’t have to be destructive. In Episode 3 of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast, Cary Jacobson is joined by James Traub, a CDC Certified Divorce Coach®, to discuss how divorce coaching helps individuals make intentional decisions and work toward their best possible divorce.

James shares how his experience as a child of divorce shaped his approach, what divorce coaching actually is, and how it differs from therapy, mediation, ...

Divorce is common — but for years, it was rarely discussed openly or thoughtfully in the media. In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast, Cary Jacobson sits down with veteran journalist Ilyssa Panitz to explore how journalism can shine a light on divorce and help people heal.

After a successful career covering entertainment and celebrity news, Ilyssa experienced a harrowing divorce that changed her life — and her mission. S...

Divorce can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to money. In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast, Cary Jacobson sits down with financial empowerment expert Rhonda Noordyk to break down the financial side of divorce in a clear, practical, and empowering way.

Rhonda shares why so many women feel uncertain about finances during and after divorce, and how to shift from fear and confusion to confidence and control. From...

In this episode of Divorce Diaries: Lessons from the Trenches, host Cary Jacobson is joined by Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Allison Terrill to explore how financial experts can help individuals navigate the complex financial aspects of divorce. From understanding asset division and business valuations to planning for long-term stability, this conversation sheds light on the strategies that bring confidence and clarity to the...

Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator at Jacobson Family Law, explores when and how custody and child support orders can be modified in Maryland. Cary brings her extensive family law experience to help parents understand their options and responsibilities when circumstances change after a court order has been established. 

If you’re weighing a modification or just want to be prepared, listen now and share this with someone ...

Host Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator with Jacobson Family Law, is joined by Rita Morris, Co-Parent Coach and Mediator. Together, they explore the challenges of co-parenting after divorce and share strategies for creating healthier family dynamics. Discover how to stay anchored in your values, manage differing parenting styles, reduce conflict, and prioritize your child’s peace for a stronger future. .

Ready to transfo...

When divorce looms, most people fixate on the emotional fallout or legal battles ahead – rarely do they understand how profoundly financial decisions made during this vulnerable time will shape their future for decades to come. Host Cary Jacobson sits down with Melissa Murphy Pavone, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst who brings mindfulness to the dollars and cents of divorce. 

Whether yo...

Divorce can be one of life’s most overwhelming transitions—but it can also be an opportunity for growth, strength, and transformation. In this episode of Divorce Diaries: Lessons from the Trenches, host Cary Jacobson sits down with Heather Quick, founder and CEO of Florida Women’s Law Group, to discuss why women often feel pressure to “give in” during divorce and how they can reclaim their power in the process. Heather shares her j...

Attorney and mediator, Cary Jacobson, is joined this week by Lance Hilsinger as he pulls back the curtain on the misunderstood world of child welfare after spending 34 years on the frontlines. His candid conversation reveals surprising truths about the system designed to protect our most vulnerable children.

Lance's advice resonates with compassion and practicality: normalize life for children caught in custody disput...

Forget everything you thought you knew about divorce. The battlefield metaphor? The years of expensive court battles? The permanent damage to family relationships? None of that is inevitable. Family law attorney and mediator Cary Jacobson pulls back the curtain on divorce mediation—a powerful alternative that's transforming how couples navigate separation.

Preparing for successful mediation means gathering financial ...

In this powerful conversation, host Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator, is joined by Olivia Howell, founder of Fresh Starts Registry. Olivia shares how personal experience led her to create the world's first divorce registry – a platform where friends and family can tangibly support loved ones rebuilding their lives.

Whether you're experiencing divorce yourself or supporting someone who is, Fresh Starts Registr...

What happens when you realize the courtroom isn’t the only path to divorce? In this episode, attorney and mediator Cary Jacobson sits down with Azizah Ahmad, Esq., whose personal four-year battle in family court transformed how she now helps others navigate divorce. Azizah shares her story of moving from high-conflict litigation to out-of-court mediation — and how choosing dignity and collaboration can lead to healthier co-parentin...

The deepest wounds in our relationships often trace back to our earliest experiences. When divorce happens, these hidden patterns suddenly emerge, demanding our attention. In this transformative episode of Divorce Diaries, host Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator with Jacobson Family Law, is joined by somatic trauma recovery guide Danielle Bird as she reveals why divorce acts as a powerful catalyst for exposing attachment wounds w...

Host Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator, is joined this week by Jeff Kolez as he shares his journey through a brutal seven-year divorce that cost him $100,000 and left him emotionally devastated with a "soul wound." He reveals how he developed a five-step process for healing and rebuilding trust in himself after losing friends, money, and his sense of identity.

Whether you're contemplating divorce, in the ...