Divorce Team Radio - Your Source for Divorce and Family Law Matters
260 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 67 ratingsIf you, a friend or family member is facing a divorce or similar family law matter, then this show is for you. Here is where we share our experience and knowledge to help others navigate a challenging phase of life. This show is a re-broadcast of a Radio Show sponsored by Meriwether and Tharp, a law firm with over 40 lawyers focusing on divorce and family law matters.
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Episodes
59 - Understanding the Divorce Process and Why It Can Take So Long Part 3
March 05, 2018 17:00 - 44 minutes - 41.5 MBAs Todd and I wrap up this series, we examine the practical limitations of our court system and why it can contribute to a long divorce process. We also discuss some alternatives to a final trial that can give parties alternative options to having a Judge decide their fate.
58 - Understanding the Divorce Process and Why It Can Take So Long Part 2
March 02, 2018 17:00 - 44 minutes - 103 MBTodd and I continue to take a deep dive into the divorce process to explain why divorce cases can take so long. This is the second part of a three part series, and we continue to explore examples of how little things can cause a case to take longer than we feel like it should. Our hope is that this information will give you the tools to make decisions that shorten the process rather than expand it.
57 - Understanding the Divorce Process and Why It Can Take So Long Part 1
March 01, 2018 17:00 - 44 minutes - 41.6 MBOne of the biggest complaints we hear from clients is that their divorce is taking too long. Interestingly enough, we agree with those complaints. The process can take too long, and the lawyers often become just as frustrated as the clients about the length of the divorce process. In this episode, Todd and I begin to take a deeper dive into the divorce process, starting with the very beginning. This episode is the first part of a three part series where we explore those things that can dr...
56 - Communication Pitfalls in a Divorce and How to Avoid Them
February 20, 2018 19:45 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MBIn a divorce context, communicating poorly can be as dangerous as pouring gasoline on a fire. To help prevent that from happening, Leh and Todd break down some of the most common pitfalls in a divorce situation and how to avoid them. They discuss the reasons why communication becomes harder in a divorce. They also lay out the hierarchy of effective communication forms. They explain why you should pay attention to when you are communicating. And finally, they break down some practical c...
55 - Fill Up The Love Tank in Your Marriage, an interview with Dr. Gary Chapman
February 12, 2018 12:39 - 44 minutes - 82.1 MBDr. Gary Chapman’s book, The 5 Love Languages, has sold over 12 million copies and been translated into 50 different languages. He has authored over 40 books and his life has been dedicated to building healthy, happy marriages. In this rare opportunity, Leh and Todd interview Dr. Chapman. During the interview, he shares his inspiration for the book, unpacks the 5 Love Languages, and discusses how to use them to take your marriage to the next level.
54 - How to choose the right lawyer for you and your situation
February 05, 2018 17:50 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBChoosing the right lawyer for you can be intimidating. In this episode, Leh Meriwether and Todd Orston break down what you need to know when choosing the right lawyer for you. They answer some common questions, such as: Do legal 'awards' matter? Does the law school they went to matter? Can I rely on online reviews? Are there advantages to hiring a lawyer that specializes in my situation? What should I be looking out for and what messages should be a red flag?
53 - Prioritizing Your Divorce Action - Why You Should and How to Do It
January 29, 2018 17:00 - 43 minutes - 40.6 MBIn this show, Leh and Todd discuss a common struggle they see in many divorce cases . . . difficulty prioritizing the divorce action. It can lead to all kinds of problems, including a poor outcome, higher attorney's fees, and a whole lot of frustration (just to name a few). Tune in to learn why prioritization is so important; how it to make it a priority even when life throws you a curve ball; and some practical organization tips to make it happen.
52 - Owning Your Part
January 24, 2018 17:00 - 43 minutes - 40.6 MBOne of the most powerful things you can do to help you get through a divorce, increase your likelihood of an amicable resolution, and make sure you learn from the experience is to own your part in the marriage and the divorce. This can be painful to think about and hard to hear. We are the worst at looking ourselves in the mirror. In this show, Leh and Todd break down the 7 benefits of Owning Your Part, along with tips on how to do just that.
51 - Divorce Tool Box - An Online Tool For Those Going Through a Divorce
January 22, 2018 17:00 - 44 minutes - 61.9 MBIn this show, Leh and Todd interview Audrey Silcox, the creator of Divorce Tool Box. Audrey is a counselor, Certified Divorce and Family Mediator, and divorce educator who has worked with divorcing couples since 1996. She put Divorce Tool Box together for people to help them make good decisions during a stressful and complicated process. It is designed to compliment the advice that your lawyer gives you to make the best decision you can. Tune in to learn what it is all about and how it c...
50 - How to Discuss Divorce with Your Children
January 15, 2018 17:00 - 44 minutes - 41.5 MBArguably the worst part of a divorce is its impact on children. Most parents want to limit the emotional harm to their children, but they just don't know how. In this episode, Todd and Leh interview Dr. Howard Drutman, the author of Divorce: The Art of Screwing Up Your Children. They discuss the do's and don'ts of breaking the news to your children. He shares some valuable insight into how children process the news of divorce based upon his decades of experience dealing with child custo...
49 - How to Discuss Divorce With Your Spouse for the First Time
January 08, 2018 17:00 - 44 minutes - 103 MBIf divorce has become your only option, breaking the news to your spouse the right way can set the tone for an amicable divorce. Of course, that is not an easy conversation. Sometimes it is easier in the short term to just hire a lawyer and let them handle those conversations. But, that usually is not the best way to start the case. In this episode, we interview licensed, professional counselor Tim Bouman from Atlanta Center for Marriages to get his insight on how to break the news to you...
48 - Planning Your Exit Strategy
January 03, 2018 17:00 - 44 minutes - 41.6 MBThis show is for those that have reached a point where divorce is upon them. What do you do to plan an exit strategy that sets you up for an amicable divorce? Is there a way to plan that will help minimize the harm to the children? In this show, Todd and Leh talk about 6 essential steps to set yourself up for success. If you or someone you know is at that stage, then this is something you and they do not want to miss.
47 - More Unique Family Law Questions
December 11, 2017 17:00 - 44 minutes - 41.2 MBIn today’s show, we take on more challenging fact patterns. These are real problems that some people are currently facing. Leh and Todd tackle questions such as: Who gets custody of the children if both parents are going to jail? What is a mutual restraining order? When do I need an attorney for a trial? Should I give my parents permanent guardianship? If a parent is not involved with the children, can I have in the will that my parents get custody? If I just found out about a child t...
46 - Unique Family Law Questions
December 04, 2017 17:00 - 44 minutes - 61.6 MBIn today’s show, we take on some challenging fact patterns. These are real problems that some people are currently facing. Leh and Todd tackle questions such as: What do you do to get custody of your grandchildren when both parents are addicted to meth and DFACS does not seem to be doing anything about it? What do you do when your 13 year old comes home and tells you that she was the designated driver for her drunk father the night before? How do you get your child back when the illegit...
45 - What to Do When Someone Engages in a Pattern of Lies
December 01, 2017 17:00 - 44 minutes - 81 MBWhen someone manufactures evidence to have you arrested and gain an advantage in a divorce, what do you do? How can you survive something so horrible? Is there way to get through it and still have a positive outcome? Leh and Todd explore several examples of bad and worst case scenarios, how to navigate through those situations, and what were the ultimate outcomes. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.
44 - 9 Steps to Manage Your Credit During and After a Divorce
November 27, 2017 17:00 - 44 minutes - 102 MBUntwinning the finances of two lives isn't easy. If you aren't careful to attend to your finances, you can quickly find yourself in a major credit hole with no easy way out. After that, good luck financing a home, car, or business investment with a damaged credit history. Fortunately, the more you learn, the better you are able to manage your credit both during and after a divorce. In this show, Leh and Todd interview Anthony Davenport. He is the founder of Regal Credit Management. His...
43 - How to Handle the Most Common Frustrations in a Divorce
November 13, 2017 17:00 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBThe Legal Process, especially in a divorce or family law action, is frustrating. There is no question about it. This leaves you with two options. You can either choose to continue to be miserable and frustrated. Or, you can learn about the process, change your mindset, and do something about it so that you can get through your divorce with considerably less headache. In this episode, Todd and Leh explore some of the more common frustrations that come out of a divorce and how to handle t...
42 - 5 Ways Parents Can Reduce Holiday Stress for Them and Their Children
November 06, 2017 21:42 - 43 minutes - 40.5 MBIf you are a parent, then you already know how stressful the holidays can be. There are so many events to stay on top of and too little time to get all your to do's done, let alone trying to budget for all the upcoming expenses. When you add a divorce to the mix, it can be simply overwhelming for many. We routinely see parents who are in the middle of a divorce or have just gone through a divorce unnecessarily struggle during the holidays. Fortunately, there are things that parents can do ...
41 - Meriwether & Tharp Halloween Special: Family Law Advice for the Undead
October 30, 2017 13:32 - 42 minutes - 79.7 MBDo Vampires get divorced? Does Frankenstein have a legitimate defense to his family violence action? Can Wolfman get out of a huge child support obligation? If you are interested in hearing from these classic celebrities and the family law issues they face, then you won't want to miss the Meriwether & Tharp Radio Halloween special. Apart from having a little fun, Todd and Leh managed to get through the show without being bitten, eaten, turned into a toad, or crushed.
40 - Tales from the Blind Side
October 19, 2017 20:12 - 40 minutes - 37.5 MBWe have been fortunate to have a radio show on the air for nearly a year now, sharing important information with those who need it. In September of this year, we were honored with the opportunity to move our radio show to NewsRadio 106.7 FM. For our first show on the new station, we tried something a little different. With a little dramatic flair, we discuss hypothetical situations based on past experiences. We address what to do when a spouse has been completely blindsided by a divorc...
39 - From Building Happy and Healthy Marriages to Saving Marriages with Tim Doughtery
October 13, 2017 16:00 - 46 minutes - 65.1 MBThere are a growing number of resources available for couples in crisis or married couples that want to take their marriage to the next level. The biggest challenge is getting the word out. In this show, Leh talks to Tim Doughtery of Three Cord Strand, a faith based marriage ministry. Tim and his wife Barbara have an 80% success rate for their Marriage Intensive weekends. In other words, of the couples that come to their Hope for Us Weekend ready for a divorce, 80% walk away from the week...
38 - Dividing up Retirement Accounts the Right Way in a Divorce with Matt Lundy
October 12, 2017 16:00 - 46 minutes - 64.9 MBIn this show, we are going to get into a topic that people tend to ignore a bit, or take for granted. They set it and forget it. What I am talking about is retirement accounts. Most people set up a 401k or are part of a pension plan, but do not pay that close attention to it after setting it up. Then, when we get to a divorce, they just assume it will be divided and do not pay attention to the details. This is partly because they were in the habit of doing that while they were married. ...
37 - Questions to Ask when Crafting a Winning Parenting Plan
October 11, 2017 16:00 - 46 minutes - 65.1 MBIf you or a loved one is dealing with a divorce situation involving children, coming up with a winning parenting plan can be challenging and painful. In this show, David Canale and Leh Meriwether had the opportunity to talk with Marsha Schechtman, a Co-Parenting Counselor and Coordinator, about what parents can do to improve their chances to develop a winning parenting plan that works for them and their children. She came up with some great questions parents should ask themselves along th...
36 - Real Estate Royale - Real Estate Law & What You Need to Know with Jon Gottlieb, Esq.
October 10, 2017 19:09 - 47 minutes - 65.4 MBIn most divorces, the marital home is one of the larger assets. It is also the place where the children grew up. In many situations, however, parties buy a home together, but do not get married. In this show, Leh and Todd interview real estate attorney Jon Gottlieb to the explore the challenges that Real Estate Law can bring to unmarried couples and married couples when their relationships fall apart. We explore all kinds of common real estate questions that confront any couple. It is a...
36 - Divorce: The Art of Screwing Up Your Children - Interview with Dr. Howard Drutman
October 04, 2017 16:00 - 47 minutes - 65.6 MBLearning can be challenging sometimes, especially when the subject matter is painful or emotional. One effective way to digest good information is through satire and sarcasm. Humor can often break through certain learning barriers to help us learn better behaviors. Dr. Howard Drutman has taken this form of teaching to a whole new level in his book: Divorce: The Art of Screwing Up Your Children. Dr. Drutman is a psychologist who specializes in clinical psychology and forensic psychology i...
35 - Divorce: The Art of Screwing Up Your Children - Interview with Dr. Howard Drutman
October 04, 2017 16:00Learning can be challenging sometimes, especially when the subject matter is painful or emotional. One effective way to digest good information is through satire and sarcasm. Humor can often break through certain learning barriers to help us learn better behaviors. Dr. Howard Drutman has taken this form of teaching to a whole new level in his book: Divorce: The Art of Screwing Up Your Children. Dr. Drutman is a psychologist who specializes in clinical psychology and forensic psychology i...
34 - When can and should you bring a Modification of Child Custody action?
October 03, 2017 16:00 - 47 minutes - 65.6 MBIn this show, Leh and Todd break down some big picture questions in a modification of child custody action. Here are some of the questions they answer: When can you Bring a Child Custody Action? What is a "substantial change in circumstances"? What are some examples of substantial changes in circumstances? When should you not bring a modification of child custody action? This show is a must listen if you want to know the answers to these questions and more.
33 - When should you bring a Modification of Child Support action?
September 22, 2017 16:00 - 47 minutes - 43.1 MBIn this show Leh and Todd break down Modification of Child Support cases. We talk about the times when someone should seek a modification of child support and times where someone should not, even if they have a legal basis to do so. We explain the difference between a voluntary and involuntary loss of income and what that means. We highlight the factors necessary to bring a Modification of Child Support. We also give you some questions you should ask yourself before you ever file a Court...
32 - How to Create a Win-Win Sale of Your Home After a Divorce
September 21, 2017 16:00 - 47 minutes - 65.7 MBIn many divorces, the marital home is one of the largest assets. So, getting the most from its sale can be very important to the parties. In this episode, Leh and Todd interview Mark Spain of Mark Spain Realty. They explore several tips for selling your home after a divorce to help you get the greatest return on your investment. We discuss everything from staging the home for sale to when and where to spend your money to get the greatest return. If you have a home to sell after a divorce,...
31 - How Paralegals help you with Discovery in a Divorce
September 20, 2017 16:00 - 47 minutes - 65.5 MBIn many divorce cases, the parties engage in a process called "Discovery." During this process, the parties exchange information and documents that are relevant to their marriage and divorce. This process is a formal process that sometimes can become expensive and tedious. Working with a skilled paralegal, however, can dramatically help reduce the costs of processing the discovery responses. In this show, Todd and Leh are joined by Samaria Smith to explore how a client can work with thei...
30 - Can you prove how much money someone can make?
September 18, 2017 16:00 - 46 minutes - 65.1 MBIn this show, we address questions that come up frequently in divorce and support modifications cases. Questions like: How much money can someone who has been unemployed for years make based on their past education? Is someone really disabled? Is someone under-reporting their ability to earn money to get out of paying child support and alimony? Dr. Silvio S. Reyes joins Todd and Leh to explain how he works with lawyers and their clients to answer these questions and more.
29 - Understanding the Fulton County Family Law Division in Georgia
September 17, 2017 16:00 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MBIn Georgia, only one county has its own set of rules that are different than the rest of the entire state. Charlotte Ruble joins Leh and Todd to take us through the life of a divorce or family law case as it moves its way through the Fulton County Family Law Division.
28 - Legal Custody and Religious Decision Making Battles
September 16, 2017 16:00 - 46 minutes - 43.5 MBNot too many things can generate more legal battles than the custody over a child or religion. When you put religion in the middle of child custody issues, you have a potential powder keg. In this show, Leh and Todd interview Latrese Cooper. She recently published an article breaking down this sticky situation. She shares how Courts have dealt with disagreements between parents and under which religion are children raised.
27 - How A Marital Balance Sheet Can Set You Up for a Win in your Divorce
September 15, 2017 16:00 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBWhat the heck is a Marital Balance Sheet and why should you care? If you are going through a divorce that involves assets and debts that are being divided, you will want to care, unless you really don't care about getting a fair division of assets. In this show, Leh and Todd talk to Ryan Shafer, one of the divorce lawyers at Meriwether & Tharp. We have a conversation about this tool and how helpful it is in divorce cases to really determine what is fair when dividing up assets.
26 - 3 Strategies to Win Your Case Before You Ever Enter the Courtroom
September 14, 2017 16:00 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBMany times, people think that winning a Court case is entirely dependent on the lawyer they hire. What many do not realize is that there are little things you can do to help you win your case before you ever enter the Courtroom. In this show, Robin Love, one of our divorce lawyers, joins Leh and Todd to break down 3 simple strategies that people can employ to put themselves into a winning position in their case.
25 - How to Run Towards a Difficult Conversation
September 13, 2017 16:00 - 47 minutes - 44.1 MBAll too often, we fall prey to our emotions and let a difficult situation go from bad to worse. You start off with good intentions. You sit down with your loved one to have a conversation about something important or that is bothering you, but by the time you finish the two of you are yelling at each other. This goes on for several months and the next thing you know, the two of you are talking about a divorce. In today’s show, Leh and Todd talk about things you can do to make sure that ...
24 - Co-Parenting Tips from the Experts
September 12, 2017 16:00 - 47 minutes - 44 MBDiane Dierks joins Leh & Todd to share her years of experience in co-parenting and parenting coordination. Diane runs the Parenting classes for all of Gwinnett and DeKalb Counties in Georgia (two of the five biggest counties in the state). She explains the difference between co-parenting counseling and parenting coordination, which is something that lawyers and judges get confused about quite often. In addition, she also gives some wonderful advice to parents on how to handle some chal...
23 - Calculating Separate Property in a Divorce
September 11, 2017 16:00 - 47 minutes - 43.9 MBIn this show, Todd Orston and Leh Meriwether invited Laurie Dyke back onto the show to challenge her on how to calculate marital interests in situations involving separate property. The show was packed full of great conversation, and more importantly, good information on how to work through tricky situations surrounding a fair division of a parties assets in a divorce when separate property is involved. Here is a list of just some of the questions we answered during the show: What is...
22 - Determining Child Support with Laurie Dyke
September 09, 2017 16:00 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MBIn this show Leh and Todd talk with forensic accountant Laurie Dyke. She peals back the mystery behind the Child Support Calculator and gives insight into how it works. Then she breaks down how to properly determine the income that goes into the Calculator. With high income or self-employed people, there can be challenges. Laurie explains how she works with attorneys to determine the proper "income" to include on a Child Support Worksheet.
21 - Understanding Mediation and How to Use it to Settle Your Case
September 08, 2017 16:00 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MBIn this show, Todd and Leh are joined by Lisa Marie Chambers. Lisa Marie breaks down what mediation is and how to use it to settle your case. Mediation is a very positive, cost effective way to settle any litigation, but it is especially effective to settle a divorce of child custody dispute. She also shares many useful tips to make sure you walk out of mediation with a winning agreement.
20 - What to Do When There Was No "I Do" - Legitimization & Paternity Cases
September 07, 2017 16:00 - 46 minutes - 43.1 MBAttorney Kristal Holmes joins Leh and Todd in studio to discuss what parents should do when there is no "I Do." What rights do fathers have when their child is born out of wedlock in Georgia? What can a mother do to get child support when a child is born out of wedlock. Can she get any help? What should father's do to secure their rights to see their children. How does the court determine custody in these situations?
19 - Criminal Pitfalls in Divorce
September 07, 2017 16:00 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MBWhat many do not realize is that divorce has many potential legal challenges. When you are in the middle of an emotional fight, you can quickly find yourself doing something that you really should not be doing. In today's show, criminal defense attorney Jay Apt joins Leh and Todd in studio to discuss many potential criminal pitfalls in a divorce case. We discuss audio and video recordings, computer invasion of privacy, family violence, assault, stalking and what it means to make a "Terror...
18 - 7 Tips from Behind the Bench
September 06, 2017 16:00 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MBLeh and Todd talk to Shatorree Bates, one of the lawyers at Meriwether and Tharp. Prior to coming to M&T, she worked for a Judge for two years as a staff attorney. She shares her insights from working behind the bench with Judge Lane. Listen in for 7 great tips for those that may be going through a divorce without a lawyer.
17 - 10 ways to Guarantee You LOSE Your Custody Battle
September 05, 2017 16:00 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBIn this Show, Todd and Leh interview Michael Schlifka, an attorney at Meriwether & Tharp with over 37 years of experience. He breaks down 10 ways that you can almost guarantee that you will loose your custody battle and screw up your kids in the progress. Using satire, Michael breaks down things you should not due during your contested custody case, especially if you truly care about your children.
16 - Frequently Asked Divorce Questions Part 2
September 04, 2017 16:00 - 47 minutes - 43.9 MBIn this show, Todd and Leh answer some of the most common questions they get asked during the week by clients. Here are some of the questions we answer: Can I force my spouse to leave the marital residence? Can a parent simply get up and leave with the kids if no one has filed for divorce? What is the impact of a parent leaving with the kids and the other parent not getting to see the kids? Can someone be ordered to pay College Expenses? Should you agree to something a Court can’...
15 - Is a Final Divorce Decree Really Final?
September 03, 2017 16:00 - 45 minutes - 42.6 MBIn this show Todd and Leh break down what does it really mean when you receive a Final Divorce Decree. Does it really mean that you are finished dealing with your Divorce? If I don't like something in my Final Divorce Decree or Settlement, can I change it? We explore questions like this and more.
14 - Divorce Inoculation - Marriage Tips from the Love Lawyers
September 02, 2017 16:00 - 46 minutes - 43.3 MBIn this show, we share 10 tips that can help inoculate your marriage from a divorce. The tips have come from a multitude of places, including Watching for years what people should NOT do in their marriage. Walking couples through our Thrive program at Church. Various marriage books and seminars I have attended, and A surprising number come from people that have heard our advertising and called in to share their marriage tips. Listen in to hear learn more about: Using Love Notes S...
13 - How You Enforce a Court Order and When to Use Contempt of Court Actions
September 01, 2017 16:00 - 46 minutes - 43.4 MBIn this show, Deborah Koslin joins us to talk about how to enforce a court order. You received a Court Order from your divorce or family law matter but the other party is not following it. Maybe it involves alimony, child support, child custody, or just following the division of assets laid out in your settlement agreement. What do you do? Deborah talks about options to take before turning to a lawyer or the Court for help. She then breaks down how to use a Contempt of Court action and...
12 - How Does Bad Behavior Impact Divorce?
August 31, 2017 16:00 - 45 minutes - 41.9 MBWhen you experience a spouse's bad behavior in a marriage, it really hurts. In this show, we dive into the impact certain bad behaviors have on Alimony, Division of Assets, Child Custody. We explore certain behaviors such as Adultery, Drug and Alcohol abuse, and Physical and Emotional Abuse.
11 - On the Edge of a Divorce, Can I Save My Marriage?
August 30, 2017 16:00 - 45 minutes - 42.3 MBIn this episode, we talk about whether someone can save their marriage if they are on the edge of a divorce. We discuss steps you can take even while the divorce is pending. We also lay out the benefits of fighting for your marriage even if it seems hopeless. When things don't work out, we give some suggestions on how to get the process started.