Doing Divorce Right By Chief PeaceKeeper™ Scott Levin

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

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

Divorcing with a Business in California? Here's How Valuation and Income Affect Support When you're dividing a business in divorce, one key rule matters: you can’t count the same money twice. In this episode, California divorce mediator and attorney Scott Levin is joined by forensic accountant and valuation expert Sara Nanchanatt, owner of S.N. Forensics, LLC, to unpack the complex relationship between business income, valuation, and support obligations in California divorce cases. We explore how courts treat business income, retained earnings, and owner distributions when calculating child and spousal support—and how to avoid double-dipping when dividing business value and determining income. Whether you're a business owner, the spouse of one, or a professional navigating financial divorces, this conversation will help you understand how to protect your interests and simplify the process. In this episode, we cover: * What counts as income from a business for support * How distributions, retained earnings, and salary are treated * When “double-dipping” becomes an issue * How a fair replacement salary is determined * Why agreeing on business value early can streamline everything Learn more about Sara Nanchanatt and her firm at: www.snforensics.com [https://www.snforensics.com/home] Need help with a business-owner divorce in California? Schedule a free consultation with Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Mediator Scott Levin at: www.sandiegofamilylawyer.net/schedule [https://www.sandiegofamilylawyer.net/schedule] And learn more about dividing a business in California divorce [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/navigating-the-business-divide-during-divorce/] here.  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

In this episode, California divorce mediator and attorney Scott Levin breaks down what you need to know about prenuptial agreements, community property laws, and the creative ways couples can protect their futures. Learn from California prenup attorney [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/san-diego-prenup-attorney/]and CDFA about when a prenup makes sense, what mistakes to avoid, and how mediation can simplify the process. Perfect for engaged couples, remarriages, and anyone planning wisely. Topics Covered Include:  * How community property laws affect your joint finances * When a prenup makes sense (and when it might not) * Innovative clauses and provisions to customize your agreement * Common mistakes couples make—and how to avoid them * Why mediation can be a smarter, gentler way to manage legal planning If you’re interested in learning how to safeguard your assets and foster clarity from the start, this episode is for you. Scott combines legal expertise with practical, client-friendly advice—making complex topics accessible and actionable. 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

In this episode, Attorney, Mediator, CDFA, and Chief PeaceKeeper™ Scott Levin sits down with Financial Advisor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Laurie Itkin to break down one of the most complex issues in divorce: how to divide a 401(k). 401(k)s present a unique set of challenges in divorce. These retirement assets often contain both community and separate property, grow in value over time, and require a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to divide properly. So how do you determine what portion is marital? How is appreciation handled? What’s the smartest, most tax-efficient way to divide the funds? 👉 Whether you're going through a divorce, advising clients, or simply want to understand the financial intricacies of retirement accounts in family law, this conversation provides essential guidance and real-world clarity. 👩‍💼 About Our Guest – Laurie Itkin Laurie Itkin is a financial advisor, wealth manager, and CDFA®, and author of the Amazon best-seller Every Woman Should Know Her Options: Invest Your Way to Financial Empowerment. Named one of Investopedia’s Top 100 Financial Advisors, Laurie specializes in divorce-related financial planning through her firm The Options Lady. 🔗 Learn more at: https://www.theoptionslady.com/ [https://www.theoptionslady.com/] 🧑‍⚖️ About Scott Levin, Chief PeaceKeeper™ Scott Levin is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, full-time mediator, and family law attorney serving clients throughout California. Founder of San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law, Scott leads couples toward informed, respectful divorce solutions that protect both finances and relationships. 📍 Areas We Serve: Kensington, La Jolla, Encinitas, Carlsbad [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/carlsbad-family-law-mediation/], Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Point Loma, Poway, Del Mar, Santaluz, Coronado, Scripps Ranch, Sabre Springs, Rancho Peñasquitos, Torrey Pines, Bankers Hill — and throughout California. 🌐 https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/ [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/] 📲 Connect on Social Media:  • Facebook: ChiefPeaceKeeper [https://www.facebook.com/ChiefPeaceKeeper/] • Instagram: @SanDiegoDivorceMediation [https://www.instagram.com/SanDiegoDivorceMediation/] • LinkedIn: San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law [https://www.linkedin.com/company/san-diego-divorce-mediation-family-law/] 📝 Read the full transcript:  Transcript – How to Divide a 401(k) During Divorce [https://sandiegofamilylawyer.net/san-diego-divorce-mediation-how-to-divide-a-401k-during-divorce-mediation/] 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