Divorce doesn’t have to destroy your financial future.

In this episode of Divorce Explained, Leanne Townsend and Steve Benmor are joined by financial advisor Brett Bernstein, CEO of XML Financial Group, to break down the most common (and costly) financial mistakes people make during divorce settlements.

With over 20 years of experience, Brett explains why divorce should be treated like a business transaction, how emotions can drain your wealth faster than the market, and why the first offer is often the best offer. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone navigating divorce, supporting someone who is, or working professionally in the family law space.

🏠 Divorce + the family home can be a financial minefield.

In this episode of Divorce Explained, we’re joined by Kelly Lise Murray, J.D., Harvard-educated attorney, legal scholar, and founder of DivorceThisHouse.com, to unpack the real estate and mortgage pitfalls divorcing spouses need to avoid.

From confusing the deed vs. the mortgage, to the danger of “the twelfth of never” (no deadlines, no enforcement), Kelly Lise explains how people make permanent, costly mistakes with their homes during divorce, often without realizing it.

💡 Key takeaway: the house is one of the most emotionally charged and financially dangerous assets in a divorce. Whether you’re selling or one spouse wants to keep it, due diligence, deadlines, and the right professional team are essential.

If you’re navigating divorce, or advising clients who are, this conversation is a must-listen.

Why do divorcing spouses spend so much money fighting over money and is it really about the money?

In this episode of Divorce Explained, we’re joined by Patrick Kilbane, attorney, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Director of the Divorce Advisory Group at Ullmann Wealth Partners. Patrick draws on his experience litigating complex, high-net-worth divorces and his transition into financial advisory work to explore the emotional, psychological, and financial forces that drive costly conflict.

Together, we discuss why financial battles in divorce are often fueled by emotion rather than logic, how power, fear, and control show up in money disputes, and why choosing the right legal and financial professionals can make all the difference.

Patrick also shares insights from his book Move Forward Confidently, including how women can rebuild financial confidence, make informed decisions, and avoid spending 2x to recover X.