ATD: All Things Divorce

Building a Family Law Firm That Scales

A divorce practice doesn’t scale because you win arguments. It scales because you learn how to run the business without losing your edge in the courtroom. We sit down with Utah family law attorney Marco Brown, founder of Brown Family Law, to unpack how a kid from Cold Bay, Alaska (population roughly 85) became the most prolific divorce lawyer in his state and why he still says he hates divorce even while making a career out of guiding people through it. We get candid about law school myths and the reality most lawyers discover too late: prestige matters for a tiny fraction of jobs, and legal education rarely teaches the practical skills that decide your future. We talk about what actually moves the needle in family law: communication, negotiation, emotional control, and the willingness to learn skills like pricing, profitability, and leadership. Marco shares the moment he realized that being “Lawyer of the Year” didn’t fix cash flow, health, or stress and why that pushed him to study law firm management like a craft. From there, we dive into growth strategy: how COVID created an opening for firms willing to invest, why Marco prioritized becoming exceptional at sales and closing, and how he systematizes client intake with scripts and a repeatable consultation “play.” We also discuss the hardest part of expanding beyond one state: hiring the right people, the expensive lesson of a bad hire in Arizona, and how he approaches future expansion with tighter standards. We wrap with Marco’s approach to LinkedIn for lawyers, not as a lead machine, but as a way to teach, connect, and raise the level for other attorneys. Subscribe for more real talk on divorce law, law firm growth, client intake, and building a stronger practice, and if something here hits home, share the episode and leave a review. What’s the biggest skill you wish law school had actually taught you?

Divorce, Mortgages, And Hard Choices

What happens when the most emotional decision in a divorce is also the most expensive one? We sit down with top-five loan originator Ben Cohen to map the real choices families face when a house, a mortgage, and a separation collide. From the first “can I keep it?” to the final signatures, we break down how lenders think, what underwriters require, and the smart ways to structure your decree so the numbers actually work. We start with the human side: why determining whether things are amicable shapes the entire financing path. Then we get into the mechanics. You’ll hear the exact rules for using support to qualify—six months of proven payments and at least three years of continuance—and what to do if the timeline won’t fit standard underwriting. Ben explains portfolio solutions like asset depletion, turning lump sums or investment accounts into qualifying income without forced withdrawals, and how that can open doors for a spouse who hasn’t had reportable earnings. Rates are the elephant in the room. Many couples are locked into 3 percent loans, yet need a refinance to remove a name or pay out equity. We dig into the tradeoffs: the risk of staying on a joint mortgage, how to negotiate principal pay-downs or support adjustments to keep payments livable, and the powerful difference between rate-and-term and cash-out refinances. One key tip: clear decree language can classify an equity payout as rate-and-term, often earning better pricing than a cash-out. We also tackle second mortgage hurdles, when an ARM may (or may not) help, and how shifting policy and first-time buyer programs can influence affordability. If you’re navigating a split and a mortgage at the same time, this conversation gives you a playbook: engage a lender early, stress-test scenarios with your attorney, and write your decree to align with lending reality. Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest mortgage question—we’ll tackle it in a future show.

Divorce for Business Owners

When a marriage ends and a business sits at the center, every decision carries weight. We pull back the curtain on how high-net-worth divorces actually work for business owners, from the first request for documents to the last line in a valuation report. With host Jonathan Merel and guests David Zwaska and Ashley Margason, we dig into the real mechanics: what clean books look like, how dissipation and commingling show up in records, and why credibility can be the most valuable asset in the courtroom. We break down the practical checkpoints that shape outcomes. You’ll hear how judges evaluate marital versus non-marital interests, when reimbursement claims matter, and why retained earnings are a constant battleground. We talk strategy around prenuptial agreements—how to define business income, protect reinvested profits, and draft language that stands up under cross-examination. And because valuation is part art and part science, we compare neutral experts versus dueling experts, explore common methodologies, and explain how reputation and rigor sway the decision-maker. The conversation also covers what not to do once a filing lands: changing accounting methods, altering control, or reassigning ownership midstream can erode trust and spike costs. For spouses who co-own a company, we map paths to preserve operations, shield employees, and keep value intact. Finally, we look at structuring buyouts that align with cash flow so the business survives the settlement. If you’re a founder, partner, or owner staring down a split, this is a roadmap to protect your company and your future. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs it, and leave a review with your top question about business valuations or prenups—we’ll tackle it in a future episode.

Divorce Myths Debunked

Have you been told that your divorce will inevitably be a battle to the bitter end? Or perhaps someone convinced you that because your name isn't on the house deed, you have no claim to it? These and other persistent misconceptions about divorce can dramatically affect your decisions and outcomes—often for the worse. In this myth-busting episode, host Jonathan Merel sits down with experienced family law attorneys Brad Kaye and Jaclyn DeSana to demolish the most common divorce myths that lead people astray. Together, they unpack why these misconceptions exist, how they spread through social media, TV portrayals, and well-meaning but misinformed friends, and the real harm they cause to people navigating separation. The attorneys provide clear, practical explanations about everything from property division ("no name, no claim" is completely false) to custody arrangements (no, mothers don't automatically get preference, and children can't simply choose at age 14). They address the truth about fault in divorce proceedings, clarify what constitutes domestic violence beyond physical abuse, and explain why Google cannot replace professional legal counsel. Perhaps most valuable is their insight into how believing these myths can derail your divorce process—causing unnecessary delays, inflated costs, and agreements that may prove unenforceable. As Brad Kaye puts it, "The best attorneys pour water on a fire. They don't pour gasoline on it," highlighting how proper legal counsel often prevents litigation rather than encourages it. Whether you're contemplating divorce, in the middle of proceedings, or supporting someone who is, this episode provides essential clarity that could save you time, money, and emotional distress. Listen now to separate divorce facts from fiction and make decisions based on reality rather than rumor. Have questions about your specific situation? Reach out to the team at MerelFamilyLaw.com for professional guidance tailored to your circumstances.

Navigating Modern Love in a Digital World with Ilana Dunn

Ever wondered why dating feels simultaneously easier and harder than ever before? In this illuminating conversation, dating expert Ilana Dunn pulls back the curtain on modern relationships with refreshing candor and practical wisdom. Ilana shares her fascinating journey from heartbroken music industry professional to Hinge's social media maven to creator of the wildly popular "Seeing Other People" podcast. Her story reminds us that sometimes our greatest setbacks—like being laid off during a pandemic—can become our greatest opportunities when we follow our authentic passion. The digital dating landscape has completely transformed how we connect, but Ilana explains why having more options doesn't necessarily lead to more meaningful relationships. She offers invaluable insights on navigating dating apps effectively, identifying genuine compatibility beyond texting chemistry, and recognizing the most important green and red flags (spoiler: it's about how you feel, not superficial traits). For those in relationships, Ilana shares the communication strategies that prevent small frustrations from becoming relationship-ending resentments. Her creative approach to maintaining excitement through intentional traditions like "date card days" demonstrates how simple thoughtfulness can keep long-term love thriving. Perhaps most powerfully, Ilana provides compassionate guidance for those healing after breakups. Her advice on giving yourself permission to grieve, leaning on your support network strategically, and recognizing when you're truly ready to date again offers a roadmap through one of life's most challenging transitions. Whether you're newly single after divorce, perpetually swiping without success, or seeking to strengthen an existing relationship, this episode delivers practical tools for finding and maintaining authentic connection in our complex digital world.