Who has the kids on Thanksgiving? What happens if Christmas plans change at the last minute? And when was the last time you looked at who’s named in your will or power of attorney?

We’re bringing back Holiday Custody Hacks, an episode from the I Now Pronounce You Divorced archives featuring Erik McCauley, Esq., who was recently named Partner at Melone Hatley, P.C.

Erik explains how starting the holiday custody conversation early, checking your court order, and putting agreed-upon plans in writing can help you avoid a last-minute scramble. The conversation also covers what to consider when you and your co-parent can’t agree on holiday parenting time.

We discuss an easy-to-overlook part of separation and divorce: your estate plan. Find out why it’s worth reviewing who can act on your behalf under a power of attorney, where DIY wills can go wrong, and how talking through your wishes with family can spare them uncertainty later.

Listen now and follow I Now Pronounce You Divorced for more conversations about divorce, co-parenting, and planning for what comes next.

You keep the house. Your spouse keeps more of the retirement savings. The numbers look equal—but will they support equally stable futures?

In this episode of I Now Pronounce You Divorced!, attorney and CEO Charles D. Hatley, Esq., sits down with Monica Cervantes, a financial advisor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) at PAX Financial in San Antonio, TX, to explore why a divorce settlement’s value goes far beyond the balances on a statement.

From taxes and retirement benefits to mortgage eligibility and everyday expenses, they unpack the financial questions that can be easy to overlook when you’re focused on reaching an agreement.

You’ll hear:
• Why equal account balances may have different after-tax values
• How keeping the marital home can put pressure on your finances
• Why access to cash matters when planning your next chapter
• How bringing financial, tax, mortgage, and legal professionals together early can help you make more informed decisions

Whether you’re considering divorce, weighing a proposed settlement, or supporting someone through the process, this conversation offers a clearer way to think about what comes next.

What would you like us to explore further: keeping the house, dividing retirement accounts, or budgeting after divorce? Leave a comment or send us your topic suggestion.

Follow or subscribe to I Now Pronounce You Divorced! for practical conversations about protecting your family, finances, and future.

Share this episode with someone who could benefit from looking beyond the numbers.

What do a custody dispute, a contested estate, and digging up a body have in common? They’re all stories our attorneys can’t forget.

In this Halloween special of I Now Pronounce You Divorced, attorneys from Melone Hatley, P.C. share real legal stories with twists that sound like they belong in a scary movie.

From the complications of dying without a will to custody and visitation disputes, courtroom testimony, and supernatural claims, these cases show just how unexpected family law and estate matters can become. One estate dispute even raises the question of exhuming a body.

Behind each story is a lesson about the importance of understanding your options, preparing for the unexpected, and seeking guidance when family matters become complicated.

🎃 Listen in for a Halloween episode filled with unforgettable cases, surprising turns, and takeaways for protecting your family’s future.