In this episode of We Chat Divorce, hosts Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan welcome back attorney Elise Buie, founder and CEO of one of the top virtual-first law firms in the U.S. Together, they pull back the curtain on the realities of mediation—the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Mediation is often seen as the ideal path to an amicable divorce, but as Elise explains, there’s more to it than meets the eye. This candid conversation dives into:

  • The misconceptions about mediation and why it’s not about someone else making decisions for you.
  • How preparation—emotionally, financially, and legally—is key to a successful mediation process.
  • Why some attorneys fail their clients during mediation by neglecting critical details like financial disclosures and tax implications.
  • The dangers of being bullied into agreements and how to avoid mediation regret.
  • The importance of managing expectations and knowing your “lines in the sand.”

Elise’s no-nonsense approach sheds light on how attorneys can better advocate for their clients, the necessity of financial clarity, and the role of compromise in mediation. Catherine and Karen add their own insights, highlighting how the Divorce Financial Portrait™ provides invaluable preparation for mediation by offering a clear view of assets, debts, and long-term financial impacts.

Whether you’re contemplating mediation or already in the thick of it, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the process effectively.

Connect with Elise Buie

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Social Media: [Insert social media links]

👉 Have questions about mediation or divorce? Drop them in the comments or message us directly—we’re here to help.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with professionals in the relevant fields for personalized guidance.

The WeChat Divorce podcast (hereinafter referred to as the “WCD”) represents the opinions of Catherine Shanahan, Karen Chellew, and their guests to the show. WCD should not be considered professional or legal advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Views and opinions expressed on WCD are our own and do not represent that of our places of work.

WCD should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever. Listeners should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No listener should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on WCD without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on WCD.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, Catherine Shanahan and Karen Chellew do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned on WCD, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced on WCD do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of Catherine Shanahan or Karen Chellew.

WCD, CATHERINE SHANAHAN, AND KAREN CHELLEW EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL’S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

If you would like to obtain a typed transcript of this podcast episode, please email us at hello@mydivorcesolution.com. Please be sure to include the episode name in the transcript email request. Thank you!

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