Ep 11. What No One Tells You Before Filing For Divorce (featuring Christopher Anderson)

In this grounded conversation, Hannah sits down with one of her closest advisors and longtime family law attorney, Christopher Anderson, a man who has spent decades inside the systems most people only encounter on the worst days of their lives.

Christopher has prosecuted domestic violence and sex crimes in the Bronx, represented families in high-conflict divorce, built and run law firms across the country, and lived the long-term consequences of a “bad split” as a child of divorce himself. He’s seen what actually protects children, and what quietly destroys them.

Together, Hannah and Christopher talk about why divorce doesn’t have to be chaos, why the system so often rewards conflict, and why leadership — in families, firms, and life — requires more honesty, restraint, and intention than most people are willing to practice.

If you’re in the middle of divorce…
If you’re exhausted by the process…
If you feel like you’re carrying the emotional and strategic weight for everyone else…

This episode will help you slow down, zoom out, and remember that clarity is kindness.

This is not about winning.
It’s about building something that lasts.

00:00 – Not Saving It for Later: Why We’re Done Waiting
02:30 – Who Christopher Anderson Really Is
05:00 – From the Bronx DA’s Office to Family Law
08:30 – Prosecuting Domestic Violence & Crimes Against Children
12:00 – Why Family Law Became Personal
15:30 – Being a Child of Divorce: When “Getting Out” Costs Everything
19:00 – Walking Away From Money to Protect Kids
23:00 – “There Has to Be a Better Way”
27:00 – Why Divorce Turns Chaotic So Fast
31:00 – The Hidden Cost of Conflict on Children
35:00 – Leadership, Power & Responsibility
39:00 – What the Legal System Can’t Fix
43:00 – Why Chaos — Not Divorce — Harms Kids
47:00 – Testing Everything on Yourself
51:00 – Building Firms (and Families) With Intention
55:00 – What Actually Protects People Long-Term
58:00 – Final Truth: Slow Is Strong

Connect With Christopher Anderson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawfirmbusiness/

Christopher Anderson — Family Law Attorney & Advisor
Based in Colorado
https://www.newleaf.family/

Mentioned In This Episode

The Circle — Weekly live coaching + My Confident Divorce
→ https://myconfidentdivorce.com/circle

OurFamilyWizard — Court-trusted co-parenting communication
→ https://ourfamilywizard.com/HHB

Hembree Bell Law Firm (Texas)
→ https://hembreebell.com

Follow Hannah on Instagram & TikTok
→ @hannahhembreebell

This podcast is for education and inspiration only — not legal, medical, or mental health advice.
If you’re in Texas and need legal guidance, consult a licensed attorney.
If you are in danger, call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233).