In this episode, Scott Levin sits down with Jamie Lima for a thoughtful conversation about the real practice of divorce mediation: what it looks like in action, how it differs from traditional litigation, and why process design matters when families are restructuring.

Scott shares insights from his work as a California divorce mediator, including real-world stories (with identifying details removed) about helping couples resolve complex financial issues, navigate emotional impasses, and reach durable agreements outside court. The discussion highlights how mediation creates space for clarity, dignity, and forward-looking solutions, even in high-conflict or high-asset cases.

Jamie and Scott also explore the evolving role of technology in mediation. From financial analysis software and support calculators to secure communication platforms and quality legal applications, they discuss how the right tools improve transparency, reduce misunderstandings, and help parties make better decisions. They explain why “good enough” tech is not enough and how investing in quality applications leads to more accurate outcomes, greater efficiency, and increased client confidence.

This episode is for anyone curious about:

• How divorce mediation actually works in California
• The difference between positional negotiation and structured problem-solving
• How financial software and modern tools support better settlements
• Why preparation, neutrality, and process discipline matter
• Real stories of cases resolved with creativity and care

Whether you are a family law professional, a divorce financial advisor, or someone navigating divorce, this conversation offers practical insight into resolving cases thoughtfully and why the right process can make all the difference.

Contact Jamie Lima for more insights about his practice and startup.

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 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.

Scott Levin, attorney, mediator, CDFA®
Chief PeaceKeeper
scottlevinmediation@gmail.com
858-255-1321
San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law
www.SanDiegoFamilyLawyer.net

The financial decisions you make during a divorce can have long-lasting effects. In this episode, we talk with Ryan Finley CPA and Divorce CDFA, 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/

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 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.

Scott Levin, attorney, mediator, CDFA®
Chief PeaceKeeper
scottlevinmediation@gmail.com
858-255-1321
San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law
www.SanDiegoFamilyLawyer.net

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 - California Prenup Attorney Expert — Divorce Mediator (not practicing law) - Certified Divorce Financial Analyst
• Daniel F. Yasharel, MSFS, CFP®, CDFA® — 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
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 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.

Scott Levin, attorney, mediator, CDFA®
Chief PeaceKeeper
scottlevinmediation@gmail.com
858-255-1321
San Diego Divorce Mediation & Family Law
www.SanDiegoFamilyLawyer.net