People want to get divorced but often do not even know where to start. Indeed, it is a financially, mentally, and emotionally exhausting process, and no one should have to do it all by themselves. Julie and Heidi are joined by Maureen McBrien, a partner at Brick, Jones, McBrien, and Hickey LLP, which is a family law firm in Needham, Massachusetts. She shares her experiences working with thousands of individuals navigating a divorce and how to ensure people take the steps they need for their unique situation. Maureen sheds light on why such a legal proceeding goes beyond financial settlements and how arbitration can drastically expedite the entire process.

What happens when a family is legally recognized in one European country but not in another? Family law attorney Elias Yiannatsis explores the legal challenges facing same-sex parents across the European Union, from cross-border recognition of parenthood to adoption, surrogacy, and international family rights. Founder of Elias Yiannatsis & Associates, Elias specializes in international family law, handling complex cross-border disputes involving child relocation, international child abduction, adoption, and surrogacy. A member of the Athens Bar Association, legal advisor to Proud Parents, and volunteer with NELFA, he has been actively involved in advancing LGBTQ+ family rights in Greece and across Europe.

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Change is everywhere in life, in business, and in family adaptations. Join us as we have an in-depth conversation with business transition expert Susan Ganz. Thinking Boldly! hosts Julie and Heidi ask Susan to dig into how people adapt to the pace of change, and what it looks like when individuals and families face those challenges not just in life, but in business, and with new technology. Susan shared with us her Business Transition Readiness Checklist – a strategic guide for navigating exits, separations, and unprecedented change, whether you are navigating a transition in a family or in a family business that entangles you with the past.

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Kristen Tarrin is a part-time judge and full-time advocate for children in Colorado. In this episode, she shares her passion for helping families navigate restructuring after separation and discusses the challenges of handling cases involving coercive control and domestic violence.

As a Child and Family Investigator (CFI), Kristen serves as a court-appointed neutral tasked with gathering information from parents, children, teachers, therapists, and other key individuals. In Colorado, CFIs complete 60 hours of initial training, including domestic violence and child abuse education, and continue their training throughout their careers.

Kristen explains that a CFI’s primary role is not to make decisions but to provide the court with a clear, fact-based report and recommendations. She also offers insight from the bench, revealing what she pays closest attention to when reviewing CFI reports: the voices of the children and the perspectives of neutral third parties.

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Join Heidi and Julie for a thoughtful conversation with Consilium Institute’s earliest adopters – attorneys Gretchen Nelson, Trish Siefer, and financial advisor Eloise Patterson. These three amazing women founded their firm on the Consilium Process’s visionary, integrated model of helping families restructure, rather than destruct, after a divorce. Listen to Trish, Gretchen, and Eloise talk about what it means to be part of a creative, innovative law firm in a challenging environment.

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Is it possible to find peace during conflict? In this exclusive episode, we uncover the powerful link between meditation and mediation to radically transform how you approach tough conversations, especially divorce. We sit down with nationally recognized divorce mediator and bestselling author, Gabrielle Hartley, who shares the principles behind her revolutionary Better Apart method. Discover how grounding yourself with meditation provides the clarity, patience, and respect needed to unlock mutually beneficial solutions in any relationship—from marital separation to everyday conflict resolution. Stop spiraling and start resolving. Tune in to learn the secret to getting Along.

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Can a challenging career in family law still pave the way for a truly wonderful life? Retired Judge Julie Field and Heidi Webb, co-founders of the Consilium Institute, welcome family law attorney Stephen Vertucci to discuss a transformative approach to legal practice.

Stephen, an early adopter of the Consilium process, shares how he shifted his perspective from being mired in negativity to finding re-energizing purpose—seeing his work as “a part of the creation of two families, not the breakup of one.” Dive into this candid conversation to hear Stephen’s key advice for professionals on protecting their mental health, the importance of breaking bread to settle cases, and the powerful message behind his favorite movie of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life. Learn how to find a better, less conflicted path for your clients and for yourself.

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In the most challenging moments of life, particularly those involving family law, the court system can feel foreign and frightening. But what if the judge presiding over your case saw their role as an opportunity to build peace and help your family “restructure”?

Join us for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with Judge Kelley Southerland, a leader in family law who is helping shape a more compassionate court experience for families across Colorado. Since taking the bench in 2017, Judge Southerland has been a steady champion for families—and especially for children—ensuring that every voice is heard during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Today, Judge Southerland shares the unconventional path that led her to the bench, emphasizing that her goal is to make sure litigants feel seen and heard in a welcome space. She discusses the critical importance of listening to children’s voices, the power of collaboration between the Bench and the Bar, and her commitment to judicial wellness, which includes waking up before 5 am to exercise and read. Learn how she uses her human perspective and heart to ensure the court process leads to true resolution and success for families.

Learn more and register at consiliuminstitute.com and get 10% off using the code BOLD10.