Welcome to Splitsville | Navigating Divorce in a Modern World
44 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 18 ratingsVeteran Divorce, Child Custody, & Family Law Attorney, Leigh Sellers, serves as your guide through the foreign world of Splitsville – an alien place with its own rules, its own expectations, and even its own language. You won't find it on Google Maps, and your GPS won't work here. So if you’re feeling lost, you’re in the right place. With decades of experience serving clients in North Carolina (Charlotte, Monroe, Waxhaw, Concord, Gastonia, Weddington, NC) and South Carolina (Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Indian Land, Lancaster, SC), Leigh Sellers is the attorney with the answers you seek. This podcast tackles some of the trickiest topics in the family law field, including separation, how to get a divorce, alimony, child custody, child support, adultery, division of property, and more. To find out more or to schedule a consultation, call (704) 412-9101 or e-mail [email protected].
Welcome to Splitsville -- your off-ramp to getting on with your life.
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Episodes
Dealing With Mortgage Debt and Refinancing After Divorce
December 11, 2020 00:38 - 34 minutes - 27.5 MBDivorcing couples often find themselves at a loss when trying to determine how to handle what is often their largest asset, the family home. Who stays in the home? What does the person who is leaving the home do for a substitute home? How do you finance these decisions? On this episode of Welcome to Splitsville, we have invited Senior Mortgage Consultant Rebecca Richardson to help answer some of those questions. With over 19 years of experience, Rebecca acts as a partner for divorcing coupl...
What is a Guardian Ad Litem? with Hollie Bennett
October 12, 2020 12:00 - 37 minutes - 30 MBA Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a community volunteer appointed by the court to serve children by advocating for their best interests before the court. When appropriate, the court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem in a child custody action. If you’re currently involved in or about to enter a contested custody battle, divorce, or separation, this episode will help you understand the role of a GAL and what you can expect from the process. In this episode, Touchstone Family Law founder Leigh Selle...
Can I Get My Child Support Changed Due to COVID-19?
June 15, 2020 21:00 - 15 minutes - 12.5 MBThe world has been facing a public health crisis that has caused significant economic changes and uncertainty. In the first two quarters of the year, families that are both intact and separated are facing increasing financial problems and struggles. More so for the latter, if one parent is obligated by the court to pay child support. But, with the ongoing pandemic, are there laws in place that allow for modification of child support? Touchstone Family Law founder Leigh Sellers explores the...
How Do You Raise Kids With Your Ex?
March 16, 2020 12:00 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBOne of the more prominent narratives surrounding separation and divorce involves ex-spouses being at each other’s throats and constantly arguing with one another. Such a hostile environment not only affects the former couple but negatively impacts their children as well. While separation and divorce are difficult for everyone involved, a happy co-parenting ending with your ex is a very real possibility. Touchstone Family Law founder Leigh Sellers speaks with Freddie Sexton and Jen Olin a...
How You're Screwing Up Your Divorce Case
December 02, 2019 18:18 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBThe outcome of divorce and custody cases isn’t just dependent on your attorney or the judge. Believe it or not, your attitude and decisions during the whole process are going to affect how it all works out in the end. You have a lot of control over your own success, 01:45 and the divorce attorney is there to guide you along the way in terms of the legal implications and ramifications of your situation. Leigh Sellers dives into five things that you can do to screw up your divorce case and h...
Alcoholism and Child Custody with Chris Beck of Soberlink
November 18, 2019 13:00 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MBChild custody cases are often the toughest types of cases that go through family court. Far too often, those cases involve parents with alcohol and substance abuse issues. Some states, including North Carolina, allow for alcohol monitoring systems in child custody cases. In this episode, we talk with Chris Beck of Soberlink, a modern tool that helps parents struggling with alcohol abuse stay involved in their children's lives. By using three key technologies to identify, test, and communic...
What is a Custody Evaluation? with Dr. Sean Knuth
November 04, 2019 13:00 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBChild custody cases are often the toughest types of cases in family court. Frequently, lawyers must call upon experts outside the legal field for assistance. In this episode of Welcome to Splitsville, we explore what a custody evaluation is, who is involved, and how it can affect your child custody case. Today’s conversation is with Sean Knuth, a licensed psychologist in North Carolina who specializes in forensic psychology. Sean works with the Mecklenburg County Forensic Evaluation Unit a...
What is a Divorce Coach? With Sandra Lee of Emerge Victorious
October 21, 2019 12:00 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MBOn this episode of Welcome to Splitsville, we explore what a divorce coach does and explore how utilizing a coach can help you navigate your divorce. Today's conversation is with Sandra Lee, a divorce coach in Charlotte, NC, with more than 20 years of experience. First, we hear Sandra explore the differences between divorce coaching and therapy. 4:15 Then she discusses the role of a divorce coach in the divorce process. 9:02 Because divorce can be an intensely emotional process for everyon...
Do I Need a Prenup ?
August 19, 2019 12:00 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBYou did the proposal, the ring, and the "yes!" Now, you're attacking your wedding planning To-Dos. The modern wedding planning to-do list frequently includes some variation of "discuss getting a prenup." On this episode of Welcome to Splitsville, we explore the question of whether you need a prenuptial agreement or "prenup." Today's conversation is with Mollie Ellis, an associate at Touchstone Family Law and the newest newlywed in the office. Mollie starts off the podcast discussing how p...
How Do You Pick a Therapist?
August 05, 2019 12:00 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MBOften a breakup is too stressful for a person to handle on their own. Divorce attorneys are often asked for recommendations on finding a good therapist. On this episode of Welcome to Splitsville, we explore how to pick a therapist and the therapist's role in helping you through a divorce. Today's conversation is with Dr. Sean Knuth, a licensed psychologist in North Carolina who specializes in forensic psychology. Sean works with the Mecklenburg County Forensic Evaluation Unit as the Direct...
What Happens to My Fur Babies in a Divorce?
July 22, 2019 12:00 - 18 minutes - 17 MBThere are many things to consider during a divorce. How will the assets be split? Where do the kids spend the holidays? Who gets the record collection? One question we are starting to hear with regularity is, "who gets custody of the family pets after a divorce?" On this episode of Welcome to Splitsville, we explore what happens to pets when a marriage (or any relationship) ends. Today’s conversation is with Jovanna Mastro, an associate attorney at Touchtone Family Law. Jovanna is a double...
Does Your Diagnosis Matter in Your Child Custody Case?
July 08, 2019 12:00 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBChild custody cases are tough on everyone. When one parent has a mental health diagnosis things can get very complicated. On this episode of Welcome to Splitsville, we explore how a parent’s mental health diagnosis may affect a child custody case. Today’s conversation is with Sean Knuth, a licensed psychologist in North Carolina who specializes in forensic psychology. Sean works with the Mecklenburg County Forensic Evaluation Unit as the Director of Training and operates a practice dealing...
The Role of a Child Therapist in Divorce Court
June 24, 2019 12:00 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MBCustody cases are very complex and can include many experts who often are called upon to testify in court. On this episode of Welcome to Splitsville, we explore the role of a child therapist in divorce court. Today’s conversation is with Maria Curran, of The Center for Creativity and Healing. Maria is a therapist with over 25 years of experience working with children and families in the area of separation, divorce, or blended family issues. Maria also works with more mainstream issues like...
How Do You Fill Out a Financial Declaration in an Alimony Case?
June 10, 2019 12:00 - 31 minutes - 29 MBDivorce can be an overwhelming process for many especially with all the numbers and forms required. On this episode of Welcome to Splitsville, we explore an area that can be one of the most daunting parts of a divorce for many: how do you fill out a financial declaration in an alimony case? Today we’re back with Beth Gregg, Wealth Manager, CDFA, Financial and Divorce Planner, and Managing Partner at Fairview Strategic Partners. If you're a party to a divorce where you or your spouse is see...
How to Protect Yourself From Invasion of Privacy During Divorce
May 27, 2019 12:00 - 58 minutes - 54.2 MBYou might be shocked to find out getting a divorce is not the most private matter. On this episode of Splitsville, we explore the area of computer forensics and talk about how you can protect yourself from invasions of privacy in the world of divorce. Today’s conversation is with Clark Walton. He is an attorney with a background in computer science and forensics. Clark and his firm advise clients on how best to preserve things like text messages or internet history, and the firm also does ...
How a Child Therapist Can Help Families Going Through a Divorce
May 13, 2019 12:00 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBDivorce and adjusting to the new family dynamic of living in two separate households can be overwhelming for anyone, especially children. On this episode of Welcome to Splitsville, we explore how a child therapist can help families going through a divorce. Today’s conversation is with Maria Curran from The Center for Creativity and Healing. Maria is a therapist with over 25 years of experience working with children and families in the areas of separation, divorce, and blended family issues...
How do you use a Financial Advisor in a Collaborative Divorce?
April 29, 2019 12:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBDivorce does not have to be an exclusively adversarial process. Today, collaborative divorce is becoming more mainstream and in this episode of Welcome to Splitsville, we explore the benefits of using a financial advisor in a collaborative divorce. Today we're back with Beth Gregg, Wealth Manager, CDFA, Financial and Divorce Planner, and Managing Partner at Fairview Strategic Partners. If you are a couple who have decided to take the mostly non-adversarial road through Splitsville, our conve...
How Can I Get Out of an Abusive Relationship?
April 15, 2019 09:00 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MBThere are several areas of family law that are darker than most, and one is the topic of this episode, domestic violence. If you are in one a relationship that is abusive and thinking of reaching out or know someone who is struggling to get out of an abusive relationship, today's conversation with Jamie Sellers from Safe Alliance on how to get out of an abusive relationship will be of great interest. Safe Alliance is a fantastic nonprofit founded in 1909 in the Charlotte area that helps pe...
Can I Move with the Children?
April 01, 2019 09:00 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MBAre you divorced or separated with children and considering a move, either just for yourself or with a new partner? The elevatable question pops up, can move with my children, to another city or another state, away from the other parent? If that sounds like you or you are interested in finding out more about this complicated child custody issue and how North or South Carolina deal with it, you have come to the right place. Welcome to Splitsville. One way a move can occur is with the consen...
Am I Legally Married?
March 19, 2019 02:06 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBAre you questioning if you are legally married, or you may know you are legally married but a problem has occurred and now you want to see if you can get out of it without going through all the hoops of a divorce? If that sounds like you or you are interested in finding out more about what it takes to be legally married, be common law married, or get an annulment in North or South Carolina, you have come to the right place. Welcome to Splitsville. This episode of “Welcome to Splitsville” ...
"Top 5 Mistakes Divorcing Parents Make" with Trey Ishee
March 04, 2019 22:00 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBDoctor Trey Ishee of Southeast Psych joins the podcast this week to discuss common mistakes divorcing parents make. Trey shares personal anecdotes from his career as well as a number of strategies to overcome these common mistakes and/or avoid them all together. While openly embracing pop culture and superheroes, Trey provides psychotherapy to children, families, and parents. His training, research, and practice have focused on ADHD, parenting, disruptive behavior disorders, anger manageme...
How to Get a Simple Divorce
February 25, 2019 22:00 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBYou've been separated for a year. No assets, no kids, not even a dog to fight about. You just want a quick and simple divorce so you can move on with your life. You may even be asking yourself if you need an attorney at all. If this sounds like you, you're in the right place. The good news is, based on your specific circumstances, you may not require an attorney. Most Courthouses in North Carolina and South Carolina have self-help packets for parties seeking uncontested absolute divorces. ...
"How to Divorce a Narcissist" with Breta Collins
February 11, 2019 22:00 - 27 minutes - 25.8 MBBreta Collins of Dilworth Counseling is back to discuss the unpleasant task of divorcing a narcissist. The Mayo Clinic defines narcissistic personality disorder as a mental condition in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others. In this episode, Breta helps you formulate a plan for maintaining your sanity while divorcing a narcissist. You can connect with Bret...
How to Prepare for Mediation in Divorce & Child Custody Cases
January 21, 2019 22:00 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBMediation is a wonderful opportunity to resolve your dispute without throwing your case on the mercy of a judge. In fact, courts in North Carolina and South Carolina require mediation for most divorce and child custody cases. In this episode, your host and guide, Attorney Leigh Sellers, discusses the benefits of mediation versus litigation and outlines how to best prepare yourself for mediation. If you enjoyed this episode find out more about mediation and other litigation alternatives i...
"How Am I Going to Buy a House?" with Diane McDermott
January 07, 2019 22:00 - 30 minutes - 28.5 MBDiane McDermott is back to walk you through the ins and outs of buying your post-divorce home. After a stressful home-buying experience during her own divorce, Diane has focused her real estate business on guiding divorcing women through the home buying process. Did you get your free copy of Diane's ebook for women homebuyers? The Badass Chick’s Guide to Home Buying You can connect with Diane at cbbuyersagent.com, [email protected], and 704.516.3691. Key insights from th...
"Where Will I Live?" with Diane McDermott
November 26, 2018 22:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MBPurchasing a home after a divorce can be an overwhelming process. Adding stress to the process, this is often the first time a person has bought a home by themselves. Struggling with this process after her own divorce prompted Diane McDermott to focus her Real Estate business on helping divorcing women during the home buying process. Diane has also authored an ebook for women homebuyers: The Badass Chick’s Guide to Home Buying. You can connect with Diane at cbbuyersagent.com, dmcdermottch...
Developing a Holiday Child Custody Schedule Everyone Can Feel Good About
November 12, 2018 16:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBThe holidays are often a stressful time for any family, but for a newly divorced family, the holidays can be disastrous. Can I take the kids to my parents for Thanksgiving? Why should he get to spend Christmas morning with the children? How about spring break and Easter? For those of you entering the first holiday season of your separation or divorce, your host, Attorney Leigh Sellers, is here to guide you through the process and provide tips for successfully developing a holiday schedule...
Financial Pitfalls in Divorce with Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Beth Gregg
October 29, 2018 21:00 - 36 minutes - 34.2 MBOne of my goals when working with a divorcing client is to help them create a positive financial future for themselves after divorce. I do that by collaborating with professional Financial Analysts like Beth Gregg. Beth is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst with Fairview Strategic Partners and has been providing financial consulting for more than 20 years in Charlotte, North Carolina. You can connect with Beth at FairviewStrategicPartners.com and 704.247.9494. Key insights from the epis...
What a Private Investigator Can Do for You with PI Jan Barefoot
October 15, 2018 21:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBSuspected infidelity, child custody actions, divorce actions, and domestic violence are just a few of the reasons a person may consider hiring a private investigator. In this episode, your host and guide, Charlotte Family Law Attorney Leigh Sellers, sits down with Private Investigator Jan Barefoot, founder of Barefoot Professional Investigations. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Barefoot Professional Investigations has been providing extensive investigative services for more than 30 yea...
How Do We Tell the Kids? With Breta Collins, Marriage & Family Therapist
October 01, 2018 21:00 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBFor some parents, the prospect of telling their children about the decision to divorce can be among the most difficult parts of the process. What do we tell them? How much do we tell them? Are there things we shouldn't say? Do we talk to them together or individually? How do we discuss this in a way that is developmentally appropriate for our children? With so many questions where does one even begin? In this episode, your host and guide, Attorney Leigh Sellers, sits down with Marriage and...
Divorce, Debt, & Bankruptcy with Attorney Heather Culp
September 17, 2018 21:00 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBWhile many people are familiar with divorce stemming from infidelity, abuse, addiction, or growing apart, what's not often discussed is the toll that financial stress can take on a marriage. Job loss, illness, disability, student loans, poor financial planning, and changes in the economy can all lead an otherwise happy couple down the path of separation and divorce. Click here to call Touchstone Family Law now! In this episode, your host and guide, Attorney Leigh Sellers, sits down with ...
Co-Parenting: What Is It and How Do You Achieve It?
September 04, 2018 01:44 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MBCo-parenting is a concept where both parents continue parenting the children in much the same way as when the family lived under one roof. When both parents are committed to the process, co-parenting can provide a far more rewarding and enriching life for your children than any scenario a court could choose for your family. Click here to call Touchstone Family Law now! In this episode, your host and guide, Attorney Leigh Sellers, discusses tips for successful co-parenting gleaned over th...
Should I Hire a PI?
August 27, 2018 21:21 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBClick here to call Touchstone Family Law now! In divorce situations, private investigators are often called upon to help build a case and establish certain facts that are important to a client. However, what many clients don't know is that not all private investigators are created equal. Depending on what you're trying to prove (unreported income, extramarital affairs, drug/alcohol abuse), very specific private investigators may be necessary. In this episode, your host and guide, Attorn...
How Much Will Alimony Be?
August 21, 2018 02:35 - 22 minutes - 20.6 MBClick here to call Touchstone Family Law now! Alimony is often a stressful subject for anyone in a combined financial relationship. How much will I get? How much will I have to pay? How long does alimony last? In this episode, your host and guide, Attorney Leigh Sellers, discusses the legal implications of alimony and makes sure you're prepared for this next step in your life. Key insights from the episode: 2:21 - General rules for establishing alimony 2:55 - Understanding the terms "...
Should I Take Half the Money in the Bank Account?
August 14, 2018 01:38 - 11 minutes - 11 MBClick here to call Touchstone Family Law now! Taking money from a bank account prior to or during a separation or divorce can feel like the right thing to do. In this episode, your host and guide, Attorney Leigh Sellers, discusses why your best move is to discuss your goals and the facts of your unique situation with your attorney before taking money or other assets. Key insights from the episode: 1:19 - What is "marital property?" 2:11 - When the clock stops on marital property in Nort...
How Do I Win Custody of My Children?
August 06, 2018 18:06 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MB"What will happen to my children during separation and divorce?" This is a question every family law attorney encounters and it is fraught with anxiety and fear. In this episode, your host and guide, Attorney Leigh Sellers, provides you with actionable information to ease your mind and help you make the best decisions for your family. Key insights from the episode: 1:25 - Why the question is not "how do I win custody?" but rather "how do my children win?" 1:38 - How the Court decides cust...
What Do I Need to Know About Child Support?
July 30, 2018 15:00 - 20 minutes - 19 MBChild support is often among the most contentious issues in a child custody matter. Whether you're planning on paying or receiving child support, chances are you have more than a few questions. In this episode, your host and guide, Attorney Leigh Sellers, provides you with the tips you need if your case involves child support. Key insights from the episode: 1:35 - How child support is calculated utilizing the statutory child support guidelines 3:06 - Exceptions to the child support guidel...
How Do I Stay Out of Court?
July 23, 2018 15:00 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MB“We do not want to go to court.” Often, this is one of the first things people say during the initial consultation. Fortunately, there is no shortage of options for resolving a divorce outside of court. In this episode, your host and guide, Attorney Leigh Sellers, provides you with the tips you need to keep your case out of court. Key insights from the episode: 1:51 - Options to resolve your divorce matter outside of court (mediation, collaborative divorce, and arbitration) 2:28 - How media...
How Do I Prepare to Meet My Attorney?
July 16, 2018 21:37 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBYour initial consultation with a divorce attorney is your opportunity to get the information you need to make the right choices moving forward. In this episode, your host and guide, Attorney Leigh Sellers, provides you with the tips you need to get the most out of that first meeting. Key insights from the episode: 1:35 - Questions you should be asking 1:54 - Preparing to answer the attorney's questions 3:56 - Should you bring someone with you to the consultation? 6:28 - Important informat...
When Can I Date?
July 09, 2018 20:17 - 11 minutes - 26.2 MBWhen it comes to dating, the laws in North Carolina & South Carolina differ significantly. In this episode, your host and guide, Attorney Leigh Sellers, breaks down some of those differences and provides actionable advice to keep you on the right track. Key insights from the episode: 1:30 - How the timing of when you start dating can impact your divorce case 2:02 - When you can start dating in North Carolina 3:30 - The unintended consequences of dating during divorce 6:14 - When yo...
Can We Use the Same Attorney?
July 02, 2018 15:00 - 9 minutes - 8.66 MBIn this episode, your host and guide, Attorney Leigh Sellers, discusses another question many newcomers to Splitsville have, "Can We Use the Same Attorney?" Key insights from the episode: 1:15 - Why you can’t use the same divorce attorney 3:25 - How you both can have attorneys and minimize costs 4:37 - How having an attorney can save you time and money in the long run 6:28 - Why you should never sign documents without having them reviewed by an attorney first *** The insights and...
How Much Will This Cost Me?
June 25, 2018 20:39 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MBIn this episode, your host and guide, Attorney Leigh Sellers, discusses another question many newcomers to Splitsville have, "How Much Will This Cost Me?" Key insights from the episode: 1:27 - The factors that go into the cost of a family law case, including complications, the number of issues involved, and the length of time that it takes to handle the case. 4:50 - How an aggressive approach can increase your bill 6:23 - The Touchstone Family Law approach to efficiently resolving ca...
Do I Need a Lawyer?
June 18, 2018 06:20 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBDivorce is a legal proceeding, so the question is not "do I need an attorney?," the question is "which attorney do I choose?" In this episode, North & South Carolina Family Law Attorney Leigh Sellers discusses the reasons you should always hire an attorney to assist with your divorce. The insights and views presented in “Welcome to Splitsville” are for general information purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Nor does tuning in to this...
What Do I Need to Do First?
June 11, 2018 00:25 - 10 minutes - 12.5 MBVeteran Divorce Lawyer, Leigh Sellers, serves as your guide through the foreign world of Splitsville – an alien place with its own rules, its own expectations, and even its own language. You won't find it on Google Maps, and your GPS won't work here. So if you’re feeling lost, you’re in the right place. With decades of experience serving clients in North Carolina (Charlotte, Monroe, Waxhaw, Concord, Gastonia, Weddington) and South Carolina (Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Indian Land, Lancaster), Leig...