Divorce doesn’t have to destroy your financial future.

In this episode of Divorce Explained, Leanne Townsend and Steve Benmor are joined by financial advisor Brett Bernstein, CEO of XML Financial Group, to break down the most common (and costly) financial mistakes people make during divorce settlements.

With over 20 years of experience, Brett explains why divorce should be treated like a business transaction, how emotions can drain your wealth faster than the market, and why the first offer is often the best offer. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone navigating divorce, supporting someone who is, or working professionally in the family law space.

🏠 Divorce + the family home can be a financial minefield.

In this episode of Divorce Explained, we’re joined by Kelly Lise Murray, J.D., Harvard-educated attorney, legal scholar, and founder of DivorceThisHouse.com, to unpack the real estate and mortgage pitfalls divorcing spouses need to avoid.

From confusing the deed vs. the mortgage, to the danger of “the twelfth of never” (no deadlines, no enforcement), Kelly Lise explains how people make permanent, costly mistakes with their homes during divorce, often without realizing it.

💡 Key takeaway: the house is one of the most emotionally charged and financially dangerous assets in a divorce. Whether you’re selling or one spouse wants to keep it, due diligence, deadlines, and the right professional team are essential.

If you’re navigating divorce, or advising clients who are, this conversation is a must-listen.

Why do divorcing spouses spend so much money fighting over money and is it really about the money?

In this episode of Divorce Explained, we’re joined by Patrick Kilbane, attorney, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Director of the Divorce Advisory Group at Ullmann Wealth Partners. Patrick draws on his experience litigating complex, high-net-worth divorces and his transition into financial advisory work to explore the emotional, psychological, and financial forces that drive costly conflict.

Together, we discuss why financial battles in divorce are often fueled by emotion rather than logic, how power, fear, and control show up in money disputes, and why choosing the right legal and financial professionals can make all the difference.

Patrick also shares insights from his book Move Forward Confidently, including how women can rebuild financial confidence, make informed decisions, and avoid spending 2x to recover X.

Annulments are rare—but what happens when a marriage isn’t consummated and the court is asked to undo it instead of granting a divorce?

In this week’s episode of Divorce Explained, Leanne and Steve speak with family lawyers Barry Nussbaum and Rebecca Ye—counsel for the applicant—to unpack Justice Presser’s January 2025 Ontario decision in S.M. v. R.F. (2025 ONSC 4155), where the court granted an annulment for non-consummation.

We’ll cover:

• Annulment vs. divorce—what an annulment is (and isn’t)
• The legal test for non-consummation: incapacity vs. refusal
• Culture and religion—why the court focused on the legal test, not social stigma
• Evidence that moved the needle: digital messages, medical checks, and a religious witness
• Practical takeaways: costs, risks, and when pursuing annulment makes sense

Tune in for a clear, candid breakdown of a rare remedy—and what it reveals about how Ontario courts view marriage and annulment today.

Does a Future Inheritance Affect My Divorce?
Inheritance can bring life-changing wealth — but what happens when divorce is also in the picture?

In this week’s episode of Divorce Explained, Leanne Townsend and Steve Benmor sit down with wealth mentor Myra Salzer to unpack how inheritances—whether expected or received—affect divorce, spousal support, and financial planning.

We’ll cover:

• What Ontario law says about inheritances before and after separation
• How timing and segregation impact what’s shared (and what isn’t)
• Why spousal support and future inheritances remain a gray area
• The emotional and financial challenges of managing sudden wealth

Tune in for insights on navigating one of the most complex intersections of money, law, and family.

The real estate market is shifting — and it's making waves in divorce court.
Decreased home values.
Longer time to sell.
Less equity to split.

Some couples can’t even afford to separate.

In this week’s episode of Divorce Explained, we break down how Ontario’s cooling housing market is reshaping financial outcomes in divorce — from who keeps the house to how separation agreements are structured.

Whether you're a homeowner considering divorce or a professional supporting separating couples, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

INFIDELITY... on the jumbotron?!

The internet can't stop talking about the viral Coldplay concert video - where one man's alleged affair played out live on the big screen.

But what if this happened here in Ontario?

Would it matter in divorce court?

Could it affect custody or support?

Can going viral change the outcome of your separation?

On this week's episode of Divorce Explained, we break down the scandal, the shame, and the cold legal truths behind public cheating in the age of social media.

We're bringing you real talk, Canadian law, and a whole lot of perspective — because this isn't just gossip. These are real lives.

One of the most common concerns we hear from clients is when a parent seems to seek more parenting time—not to build a stronger bond with their children, but to reduce their child support payments.

It’s a sensitive and often controversial issue that raises important legal and ethical questions.

In this episode, two experienced family law professionals break down:

• How increased parenting time can impact child support
• What courts consider when evaluating parenting schedules
• Red flags that may indicate the system is being misused
• How to protect your rights—and, most importantly, your children

Whether you're navigating a custody arrangement or concerned about your child’s best interests, this conversation offers clarity, insight, and practical guidance.