Drama-Free Divorce Podcast

EP #16: Navigating Divorce Across Cultures with Guest Diana Romanov

Divorce is rarely just a legal matter — and that's especially true when spouses come from different countries, cultures, or legal systems. In this episode, Cary Jacobson is joined by Diana Romanov, a San Francisco family law attorney licensed in both California and Germany, to talk about what makes cross-border divorce so uniquely challenging. Diana is a Certified Family Law Specialist, mediator, and founder of her own boutique practice, fluent in English, Russian, and German. A former prosecutor in Berlin, she brings a rare combination of international legal training and personal experience — including her own divorce — to the way she counsels clients today. Cary and Diana cover the blind spots that catch multicultural couples off guard, how cultural attitudes toward marriage, parenting, and money can quietly escalate conflict, what's at stake when international custody or relocation is on the table, and why mediation is often the better-fit path for cross-cultural families. Diana also opens up about how her own divorce changed the way she shows up for clients, and offers her best advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed by a divorce that spans borders. Connect with Diana Romanov at romanovlaw.com. Like what you heard? Subscribe to the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast and share this episode with someone navigating a similar journey. Visit jacobsonfamilylaw.com [https://jacobsonfamilylaw.com/] to learn more. Visit jacobsonworkshop.com [https://jacobsonworkshop.com] to learn more.

EP #15: Understanding Custody in Maryland with Guest Michael Mastracci, Esq.

Custody cases are some of the most emotionally charged parts of any divorce—and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, attorney and mediator Cary Jacobson sits down with Maryland family law attorney Michael Mastracci, Esq., who has been practicing since 1989 and has represented hundreds of clients in custody disputes. What makes Michael's perspective especially valuable: he's served as a court-appointed Best Interest Attorney, meaning he's been appointed to represent children directly in custody proceedings. That behind-the-scenes view of what courts are actually looking for is something most parents never get to see. In this conversation, they cover: * The difference between legal and physical custody in Maryland—and why it matters * The "best interest of the child" standard and which factors carry the most weight * What a Best Interest Attorney actually does and how it differs from representing a parent * Common mistakes parents make in custody cases that hurt their position * What judges genuinely want to see from both parents * Practical steps you can take right now if you're in a custody dispute—or want to avoid one * How understanding custody factors can help you resolve things outside of court Whether you're navigating a custody case now or just want to understand how the process works, this episode gives you a clearer picture—and a more grounded path forward. 🔗 Learn more about Jacobson Family Law: www.jacobsonfamilylaw.com [https://www.jacobsonfamilylaw.com]  📍 Serving Maryland families through divorce, custody, and mediation. Visit jacobsonfamilylaw.com [https://jacobsonfamilylaw.com/] to learn more. Visit jacobsonworkshop.com [https://jacobsonworkshop.com] to learn more.

EP #14: Navigating Financial Transitions During Divorce with Guest Jennifer Lee

Money and emotions collide during divorce — and the decisions you make in those moments can shape your financial future for years. In this episode of the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast, Cary Jacobson sits down with Jennifer Lee, founder of Modern-Wealth, to talk about what smart financial guidance looks like during one of life's biggest transitions. Jennifer brings nearly 30 years of financial services experience to her work with clients navigating divorce, loss of a spouse, and major business transitions. She's also the author of Squeeze the Juice: Live With Purpose – Then Leave a Legacy — a book about living with intention and leaving a meaningful legacy. In this episode, Cary and Jennifer cover: •        Why having a financial advisor during divorce is so important — and often overlooked •        How emotions affect financial decision-making during high-stakes transitions •        The key financial steps to take as you rebuild after divorce •        The concept of values-based financial planning and the "family love letter" •        How to live with purpose and think about the legacy you leave behind If you're facing divorce or another major life transition and want to move from financial uncertainty to financial clarity, this episode is for you. About Jennifer Lee: Jennifer Lee is the founder of Modern-Wealth, a Sarasota-based financial planning firm specializing in major life transitions. Learn more at: https://modern-wealth.com/ [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://modern-wealth.com/&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1780756829892990&usg=AOvVaw2aYxUsZE_YoOhw4n3-jN69] 📥 Download our Divorce Mediation Guide with checklists and planning tools → stan.store/jacobsonfamilylaw 📅 Schedule a Consultation → jacobsonfamilylaw.com Visit jacobsonfamilylaw.com [https://jacobsonfamilylaw.com/] to learn more. Visit jacobsonworkshop.com [https://jacobsonworkshop.com] to learn more.

EP #13: Financial Clarity and Empowerment During Divorce with guest Amanda Campbell

Money is one of the most emotionally charged parts of divorce — and the decisions you make during the process can follow you for decades.   In this episode, Cary Jacobson sits down with Amanda Campbell, CFP® and CDFA®, for her return appearance on the Drama-Free Divorce Podcast. Amanda has worked in financial services since 2010 and has focused exclusively on divorce financial planning since 2014, specializing in high-asset cases and helping clients — particularly women — understand the true short- and long-term impact of settlement decisions.   Together, Cary and Amanda explore the emotional and behavioral patterns that impact financial outcomes, what even sophisticated clients still get wrong in high-net-worth divorces, the critical difference between assets that look equal and assets that are equal, and why bringing a CDFA® and attorney together early in the process leads to better, less contentious outcomes.   Amanda also shares the one thing she wishes every client understood before entering negotiations — and gives practical first steps for anyone feeling overwhelmed at the start of their financial journey through divorce.   💼 Learn more about Jacobson Family Law: https://jacobsonfamilylaw.com 📅 Schedule a consultation: https://jacobsonfamilylaw.com/contact/#schedule Visit jacobsonfamilylaw.com [https://jacobsonfamilylaw.com/] to learn more. Visit jacobsonworkshop.com [https://jacobsonworkshop.com] to learn more.

EP #12: Domestic Violence Among High-Achieving Professionals with guest Amanda Lee

Domestic violence does not discriminate by title, income, or education—yet silence often thrives in professional circles. In this episode, Cary Jacobson sits down with Amanda Lee, founder of The Lee Consultants, to discuss the hidden reality of abuse among high-achieving professionals. Amanda brings a unique perspective as a former litigator and survivor. Together, they shatter the false narrative that someone can be "too successful" to be abused. We discuss: * Why abuse often hides behind polished resumes. * The specific barriers professionals face, including reputation concerns and complex assets. * How to strategically plan a safe exit when your career is on the line. * When out-of-court resolutions are appropriate—and when they are not. Connect with our Guest: Learn more about Amanda Lee: www.theleeconsultants.com [https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.theleeconsultants.com&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1778333542067560&usg=AOvVaw2KcrOT7syzoGD7AVJ_QXGM] Resources from Jacobson Family Law: * Listen to more episodes: https://jacobsonfamilylaw.com/podcast/ [https://jacobsonfamilylaw.com/podcast/] * Explore our Digital Resources: https://stan.store/JacobsonFamilyLaw  * Schedule a Confidential Consultation: https://jacobsonfamilylaw.com/contact-us/ [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://jacobsonfamilylaw.com/contact-us/] * Our Services: https://jacobsonfamilylaw.com/services/ [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://jacobsonfamilylaw.com/services/] Visit jacobsonworkshop.com [https://jacobsonworkshop.com] to learn more.