Doing Divorce Right By Chief PeaceKeeper™ Scott Levin

Divorce Math Made Clear

The financial decisions you make during a divorce can have long-lasting effects. In this episode, we talk with Ryan Finley CPA [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanfinley/] and Divorce CDFA [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/san-diego-divorce-mediation-using-san-diegos-best-certified-divorce-financial-analyst/], and valuation expert who works across the country. He explains practical steps to help you turn a confusing balance sheet into a plan you can follow. Ryan covers how to list your assets and debts, explains tax rules in simple terms, and shows how understanding the numbers can help you feel more confident about your choices. We talk through real-life choices, like deciding whether to buy a home with cash or take out a mortgage while keeping a Roth IRA invested. Ryan explains how to think about current interest rates and plan for the future, and why a $100,000 IRA is not the same as $100,000 in cash after taxes and penalties. He shows how to look at different scenarios for cash flow, risk, and long-term growth, so you can find stability without giving up future opportunities. We also discuss prenuptial agreements, support waivers, and the risks of mixing separate property, such as how adding a spouse to a deed can change ownership and outcomes for good. A lot of mistakes happen in the details of dividing assets. We explain QDROs and the expensive error of transferring too much into retirement accounts if one person plans to cash out. We also cover why it’s important to split investments by tax lots to avoid unfair capital gains. The answer is to use clear settlement language that tells custodians to divide each lot fairly. Ryan reminds us that divorce is a math problem with real-life consequences, and he offers a steady, practical approach to solving it. If you are going through a divorce or helping someone who is, this episode will help you understand all the key issues: taxes, timing, housing, investments, and the emotions that affect decisions. Subscribe, share this episode with anyone who needs guidance, and leave a review with your hardest money question. We might answer it in a future episode. Why You Should Listen Divorce is not just an emotional or legal process — it’s a major life transition with financial consequences that last for decades. Ryan and Scott bring complementary expertise to help listeners understand their options, protect what matters most, and plan strategically for life after divorce. 📩 Guest Contact & Booking Info Ryan Finley — Freedom Financial Services Group 📞 941-745-2846 📧 info@freedomfsg.com 🌐 https://www.freedomfsg.com/ [https://www.freedomfsg.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Learn more about California divorce mediation and family law with Scott Levin: https://www.sandiegofamilylawyer.net/  📞 858-255-1321  📧 scott@sandiegofamilylawyer.net Thanks for listening and I hope you'll continue to learn more about how you can peacefully divorce. As a divorce mediation attorney in California, Scott Levin helps couples figure out the settlement terms and draft enforceable settlement agreements so they can divorce fairly without needing to go to court. Obtain closure peacefully through an amicable divorce. process that protects families and kids. Visit San Diego Divorce Mediation [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/] for more information and to learn more about our mission to help divorcing couples make informed decisions and fair agreements through mediation or book a free virtual consultation [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/schedule/]. Scott Levin, attorney, mediator, CDFA® Chief PeaceKeeper scottlevinmediation@gmail.com 858-255-1321 San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law www.SanDiegoFamilyLawyer.net

Protecting Family Wealth, Real Estate & Inheritance: Prenup, Postnups for Peace

This is a recording of an Online Webinar presentation in which Scott Levin and Daniel Yasharel provided insight to other attorneys, financial experts, and families navigating marriage, separation, divorce, property, or inheritance decisions.   Presenters: * Scott Levin CDFA Esq [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/attorney-scott-levin-scott-f-levin/] -  California Prenup Attorney Expert [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/san-diego-prenup-attorney/] — Divorce Mediator (not practicing law) - Certified Divorce Financial Analyst * Daniel F. Yasharel, MSFS, CFP®, CDFA [http://www.lawealthmanager.com]® — Wealth Advisor & Certified Divorce Financial Analyst You’ll Learn: * How California’s community property laws impact family real estate and inheritance * The difference between Prenups and Postnups — and when each is appropriate * Common real estate issues in divorce and how to resolve them fairly * Strategies to safeguard family wealth and minimize future disputes * Real-world case studies and actionable next steps Who Should Attend: * Couples who are engaged or newly married and want financial clarity * Married individuals seeking to protect inherited or family assets * Homeowners and real estate investors in community property marriages * Individuals contemplating separation or divorce who want to understand their financial options before making major decisions We dig into how California’s community property rules collide with real estate, inheritance, and retirement, and why prenups and postnups create clarity that courts rarely do. We show how mediation and a CDFA protect families from avoidable tax traps, buyout mistakes, and commingling. • defining community vs separate property in California • how commingling wipes out separate property claims • real estate pitfalls with title, refinancing and buyouts • inheritance protections and tracing burdens • retirement accounts, QDROs and IRA transfers • mediation steps that cut time, cost and conflict • using a CDFA for tax-aware, long-term planning • structuring fair, enforceable prenups and postnups We will follow up with an email. As far as the survey. And also, if you have any questions, you’re more than welcome and free to contact us. For further information and details, you can read our articles on related topics or contact California postnuptial lawyers who care:  San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law [https://share.google/V6xOCKtg1ysxp6Tvb] 9820 Willow Creek Road, Ste 410 San Diego, CA 92131 858-255-1321 Thanks for listening and I hope you'll continue to learn more about how you can peacefully divorce. As a divorce mediation attorney in California, Scott Levin helps couples figure out the settlement terms and draft enforceable settlement agreements so they can divorce fairly without needing to go to court. Obtain closure peacefully through an amicable divorce. process that protects families and kids. Visit San Diego Divorce Mediation [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/] for more information and to learn more about our mission to help divorcing couples make informed decisions and fair agreements through mediation or book a free virtual consultation [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/schedule/]. Scott Levin, attorney, mediator, CDFA® Chief PeaceKeeper scottlevinmediation@gmail.com 858-255-1321 San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law www.SanDiegoFamilyLawyer.net

The Co-Parenting Secret: How to Build Peace After Divorce with Jon Bassford

Jon Bassford joins Mediator and Chief PeaceKeeper™ Scott Levin [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/attorney-scott-levin-scott-f-levin/] to share The Co-Parenting Secret—his powerful story of transforming conflict into cooperation after divorce. Together, we explore how curiosity, empathy, and a child-first mindset can turn even the hardest separations into opportunities for peace and growth. Drawing from his personal journey co-parenting with his former spouse, Jon shares how curiosity and compassion helped him build a peaceful, child-centered relationship grounded in mutual understanding rather than control. Together, Jon and Scott explore the principles of peacekeeping mediation, emotional intelligence, and the daily choices that help families heal and thrive after separation. 🕊️ A must-listen for anyone navigating co-parenting, family conflict, or the path to harmony after divorce. CONNECT WITH JON 🌐 Get the Book [https://www.amazon.com/Co-Parenting-Secret-Its-Not-About-ebook/dp/B0FS8351F7#:~:text=THE%20CO%2DPARENTING%20SECRET%20Co%2Dparenting%20isn't%20about%20you%2C,personal%20journey%20of%20turning%20a%20painful%20separation] For other parenting and mediation resources, visit our online co-parenting library [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/parenting-and-mediation-library/] for book suggestions, podcasts, great videos, and just a collection of the best, unique, educational sources found anywhere on the web.  Thanks for listening and I hope you'll continue to learn more about how you can peacefully divorce. As a divorce mediation attorney in California, Scott Levin helps couples figure out the settlement terms and draft enforceable settlement agreements so they can divorce fairly without needing to go to court. Obtain closure peacefully through an amicable divorce. process that protects families and kids. Visit San Diego Divorce Mediation [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/] for more information and to learn more about our mission to help divorcing couples make informed decisions and fair agreements through mediation or book a free virtual consultation [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/schedule/]. Scott Levin, attorney, mediator, CDFA® Chief PeaceKeeper scottlevinmediation@gmail.com 858-255-1321 San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law www.SanDiegoFamilyLawyer.net

Turning Panic into Planning: Divorce Decisions That Protect the Next Decade

Panic screams for quick wins like “just keep the house,” but long-term stability depends on what the numbers say five and ten years from now. We sit down with Certified Financial Planner and CDFA Tatiana Sunik to turn fear into strategy—using clear projections to test settlements against time, taxes, liquidity, and real-life constraints. Together, we break down the most costly divorce mistakes and show you how to make one wise decision now that protects the next decade. We start by reframing the house obsession. A primary residence can drain cash while investment assets quietly fund freedom. When you compare carrying costs, tax friction, and opportunity cost, that “dream home” can sabotage retirement. Tatiana shares practical ways to keep more money in the family—timing property sales before separation when it helps, avoiding unnecessary refinances at punishing rates, and structuring agreements that stabilize kids without sacrificing your future. Then we stress-test lump-sum alimony: Why is it offered? What’s a fair discount rate? How do taxes hit? When does a buyout actually improve co-parenting by removing monthly money friction? Career and custody realities matter too. High-earning executives often overestimate income durability past their mid-50s—tenure risk and industry churn make straight-line assumptions dangerous. We model volatile bonuses, negotiate support around actual caregiving hours, and avoid trading all liquidity for illiquid assets that force a fire sale later. The theme is simple: let the math speak, then let emotions cool. Mediation and collaboration work best when both sides agree on shared facts and use creativity to preserve cash flow, reduce fees, and align with the life you want after the decree. If you’re standing at the start of divorce and feel the urge to rush, pause. Gather the numbers. Run the scenarios. Choose with a clear head. Subscribe for more practical guidance, share this with someone who needs a calmer plan, and leave a review with the toughest tradeoff you’re facing—we’ll tackle it in a future episode. Thanks for listening and I hope you'll continue to learn more about how you can peacefully divorce. As a divorce mediation attorney in California, Scott Levin helps couples figure out the settlement terms and draft enforceable settlement agreements so they can divorce fairly without needing to go to court. Obtain closure peacefully through an amicable divorce. process that protects families and kids. Visit San Diego Divorce Mediation [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/] for more information and to learn more about our mission to help divorcing couples make informed decisions and fair agreements through mediation or book a free virtual consultation [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/schedule/]. Scott Levin, attorney, mediator, CDFA® Chief PeaceKeeper scottlevinmediation@gmail.com 858-255-1321 San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law www.SanDiegoFamilyLawyer.net

Friends Don't Let Friends Fight Dirty Divorces

In this short but powerful episode, I share a real-life moment I overheard while standing in line at a youth sporting event. A woman was confiding in her friend about her impending divorce, venting frustration after frustration about her husband. What struck me most wasn’t just her pain, but her friend’s response—she didn’t offer comfort or perspective, she simply fueled the fire by adding more negativity. To me, that’s not friendship. I believe true friends, neighbors, and loved ones should do better. If we really care about the people in our lives, we should encourage them to explore mediation before ever stepping foot in a courtroom. Divorce is already life-altering, and court battles only make it worse. In just four minutes, I share why guiding someone toward mediation is one of the most supportive, loving things we can do. Thanks for listening and I hope you'll continue to learn more about how you can peacefully divorce. As a divorce mediation attorney in California, Scott Levin helps couples figure out the settlement terms and draft enforceable settlement agreements so they can divorce fairly without needing to go to court. Obtain closure peacefully through an amicable divorce. process that protects families and kids. Visit San Diego Divorce Mediation [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/] for more information and to learn more about our mission to help divorcing couples make informed decisions and fair agreements through mediation or book a free virtual consultation [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/schedule/]. Scott Levin, attorney, mediator, CDFA® Chief PeaceKeeper scottlevinmediation@gmail.com 858-255-1321 San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law www.SanDiegoFamilyLawyer.net