• Common Myths Around Financial Aspects of Divorce - Myth #3: A Business Valuation Will Cost 5-Figures
    Jan 23 2025

    Common Myths Around Financial Aspects of Divorce #3 - A Business Valuation Will Cost 5-Figures

    Hi, welcome to MediatorPodcast.com, a podcast and video series about mediation, negotiation, and collaboration. My name is Melissa Gragg, and I'm a valuation expert and divorce financial mediator in St. Louis, Missouri. Today, we are with Rosalia Labate, and we're discussing myths in divorce. Rosalia is located in New York and is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and a Certified Public Accountant. She also provides services such as financial forensics, lifestyle analysis, and business valuations. We've been discussing myths surrounding the financial aspects of divorce. One myth we're going to address today is the belief that a business valuation will cost you five figures. Rosalia, is that a myth, or should it be a legitimate concern?

    Podcast episode takeaways:
    Myth Debunked on Cost: Business valuations do not always cost five figures; the price varies based on the depth of analysis required and the complexity of the business. Simple reviews could cost less, especially in mediation contexts where full detailed reports might not be necessary.

    Different Levels of Valuation: There are levels to business valuations depending on the couple's needs—from basic reviews using tax returns to detailed examinations involving financial statements and underlying records.

    Mediation Misconceptions: In mediation, there's a misconception that expensive experts are unnecessary. However, expert involvement can uncover critical financial details such as personal expenses disguised as business costs, significantly affecting settlements.

    The Value of Neutrality: Utilizing a neutral business valuator can provide a more balanced and realistic appraisal of the business value, which can be crucial for fair negotiations in mediations.

    Importance of Financial Understanding: Comprehensive financial analysis by experts can reveal discrepancies and hidden assets not apparent through simple document reviews, highlighting the importance of professional involvement in financial settlements during a divorce.

    Rosalia Labate
    https://labatecpa.com/
    (516) 996-7788
    rosalia@labatecpa.com

    Melissa Gragg
    CVA, MAFF
    Expert testimony for financial and valuation issues
    Bridge Valuation Partners, LLC
    melissa@bridgevaluation.com
    http://www.BridgeValuation.com
    http://www.ValuationPodcast.com
    http://www.MediatorPodcast.com
    https://www.valuationmediation.com
    https://www.thedivorceallies.com/
    Cell: (314) 541-8163

    mediator,mediation,mediation tips,learn mediation,divorce mediator,divorce mediation,divorce,divorce mediation tips,divorce lawyer,divorce attorney,divorce mediator near me,choose a good divorce mediator,divorce advice,best divorce mediator,divorce mediator st louis,divorce mediator new york,financial mediator,financial mediation,financial mediation near me,financial mediator near me,financial mediator missouri,financial mediator st louis,financial expert

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    33 mins
  • Common Myths Around Financial Aspects of Divorce - Myth #2: "I Don't Need a Business Valuation"
    Jan 15 2025

    Common Myths Around Financial Aspects of Divorce #2 - "I Don't Need a Business Valuation"

    Hi, welcome to MediatorPodcast.com, a podcast and video series about mediation, negotiation, and collaboration. My name is Melissa Gragg, and I'm a valuation expert and divorce financial mediator in St. Louis, Missouri. Today, we are joined by Rosalia Labate, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Certified Public Accountant located in New York.

    Another common thing we hear is, "I don't need a business valuation." Listen to the full episode for why this is a myth.

    Podcast takeaways:

    Misconception About Business Valuation Necessity:
    A key takeaway from our discussion is debunking the myth that business valuations are unnecessary if the financial figures appear straightforward from tax returns. Rosalia emphasizes that underestimating the complexity of a business's worth can lead to significant financial discrepancies in divorce settlements.

    The Importance of Specialist Involvement:
    We stress the critical role of engaging a valuation specialist early in the divorce proceedings to ensure that all financial aspects are thoroughly analyzed. This is especially vital in complex cases where substantial assets are involved, ensuring that all parties have a clear and accurate financial understanding.

    Risks of Non-Professional Valuation:
    The conversation highlighted the dangers of relying on non-experts for business valuation, such as attorneys or accountants who may lack the necessary valuation expertise. This can lead to inadequate assessments and potential financial losses.

    Verification and Validation Essential:
    Trust but verify was a recurring theme, underscoring the need for meticulous verification of all financial data presented during divorce negotiations. This approach prevents potential manipulation and ensures fairness in the valuation process.

    Collaborative Approach Between Experts and Attorneys:
    Finally, the podcast advocates for a collaborative approach between financial experts and attorneys. This synergy enhances the accuracy of financial affidavits and valuations, providing clients with well-rounded, expert-driven support throughout their divorce proceedings.


    Rosalia Labate
    https://labatecpa.com/
    (516) 996-7788
    rosalia@labatecpa.com

    Melissa Gragg
    CVA, MAFF
    Expert testimony for financial and valuation issues
    Bridge Valuation Partners, LLC
    melissa@bridgevaluation.com
    http://www.BridgeValuation.com
    http://www.ValuationPodcast.com
    http://www.MediatorPodcast.com
    https://www.valuationmediation.com
    https://www.thedivorceallies.com/
    Cell: (314) 541-8163


    mediator,mediation,mediation tips,learn mediation,divorce mediator,divorce mediation,divorce,divorce mediation tips,divorce lawyer,divorce attorney,divorce mediator near me,choose a good divorce mediator,divorce advice,best divorce mediator,divorce mediator st louis,divorce mediator new york

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    26 mins
  • Common Myths Around Financial Aspects of Divorce - Myth #1: Attorneys Should File Financial Affidavits
    Dec 17 2024

    Common Myths Around Financial Aspects of Divorce - #1 Attorneys Should File Financial Affidavits

    Hi, welcome to MediatorPodcast.com, a podcast and video series about mediation, negotiation, and collaboration. My name is Melissa Gragg, and I'm a valuation expert and divorce financial mediator in St. Louis, Missouri. Today, we are joined by Rosalia Labate, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Certified Public Accountant located in New York. She specializes in financial forensics, divorce finances, and business valuations. Although we work in a lot of the same spaces, our approaches differ slightly.

    In this podcast series, we will explore three common myths surrounding the financial aspects of divorce. This will be a conversational podcast featuring two financial experts with decades of experience in divorce. We often encounter the same questions from our clients, so we thought it would be interesting to offer different perspectives on these myths.

    Today, we'll discuss Myth One, which has been widely debated online, including on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The myth in question is that an attorney is the best person to file the financial affidavit. Rosalia, could you start us off by explaining this myth, and what exactly a financial affidavit is?

    Rosalia Labate
    https://labatecpa.com/
    (516) 996-7788
    rosalia@labatecpa.com

    Melissa Gragg
    CVA, MAFF, CDFA
    Expert testimony for financial and valuation issues
    Bridge Valuation Partners, LLC
    melissa@bridgevaluation.com
    http://www.BridgeValuation.com
    http://www.ValuationPodcast.com
    http://www.MediatorPodcast.com
    https://www.valuationmediation.com
    https://www.thedivorceallies.com/
    Cell: (314) 541-8163

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    27 mins
  • Negotiation Beyond the Zeros: High Net Worth Divorce Strategy
    Oct 17 2024

    Negotiation Beyond the Zeros: High Net Worth Divorce Strategy. Million dollar divorce? Billion dollar divorce? Try not to get blinded by these numbers. It's all strategy.

    In this episode, we are speaking with Beth McCormack. She's a Divorce and Family Law Partner at Beerman, LLP in Chicago. Beth focuses on highly complex family law matters and has experience in complex litigation as well as mediation and collaborative law.

    Welcome to MediatorPodcast.com, a podcast and video series about mediation, negotiation and collaboration. My name is Melissa Gragg, and I'm a Valuation Expert and Divorce Financial Mediator in St. Louis, Missouri.

    Questions discussed:
    What is typically involved in a billion-dollar divorce?
    What are some issues billionaires fight over in divorce that most people wouldn’t even consider?
    How do negotiation tactics differ between a million-dollar and a billion-dollar divorce?
    What’s most important when crafting a strategy for a high net worth divorce?
    Are there specific laws that give high net worth individuals leverage in divorce negotiations?
    Is it more challenging to manage the legal team and other experts when dealing with high net worth divorces?
    What negotiation techniques are most effective when every dollar counts in a divorce?

    https://www.thedivorceallies.com/
    http://www.MediatorPodcast.com
    https://www.valuationmediation.com

    Melissa Gragg CVA, MAFF
    Expert testimony for financial and valuation issues
    Bridge Valuation Partners, LLC
    melissa@bridgevaluation.com
    http://www.BridgeValuation.com
    http://www.ValuationPodcast.com
    http://www.MediatorPodcast.com
    https://www.valuationmediation.com
    Cell: (314) 541-8163

    Beth McCormack
    bmccormack@beermannlaw.com
    https://www.beermannlaw.com/team/beth-f-mccormack/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-mccormack-0453a84/


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    48 mins
  • Business of Negotiation: Inherited Trauma and Family Wealth
    Sep 17 2024

    In this episode, we're speaking about the Business of Negotiation, Inherited Trauma and Family Wealth with Ruschelle Khanna. She's a family advisor, mediator and therapist in West Virginia. She helps create small, strong bonds between parents and adult children in order to live healthy financially secure lives. In mediation we deal with a lot of high conflict around the financial aspects of divorce, and we also deal with a lot of family and generational wealth. And with that comes a bunch of relationship issues and trauma that people start to unpack when they start getting divorced.

    Hi, welcome to the MediatorPodcast.com, a podcast and video series about mediation, negotiation, and collaboration. My name is Melissa Gragg, and I'm a valuation expert and divorce financial mediator in St. Louis, Missouri.

    Topics discussed:
    How do you negotiate with difficult personalities?
    How is mediation a tool to use when conflict is high in business or family matters?
    Do you see addictive behaviors or other personality traits in high-conflict families?

    Melissa Gragg CVA, MAFF
    Expert testimony for financial and valuation issues
    Bridge Valuation Partners, LLC
    melissa@bridgevaluation.com
    http://www.BridgeValuation.com
    http://www.ValuationPodcast.com
    http://www.MediatorPodcast.com
    https://www.valuationmediation.com
    Cell: (314) 541-8163

    Ruschelle Khanna
    rk@ruschellekhanna.com
    https://www.ruschellekhanna.com/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruschelle-khanna-lifestyle-for-legacy/

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    47 mins
  • Prenups and Postnups: Who Needs Them and Why?
    Aug 26 2024

    In this episode we are with Laurie Israel - a national Prenuptial Agreement Mediator, Consultant, Lawyer, and author of the Generous Prenup: How to Support Your Marriage and Avoid the Pitfalls. She's located in Massachusetts and has been an attorney for over 35 years.

    We discuss prenups and postnups and who needs them and why. Laurie has a different way of looking at prenups and in this episode describes who they are beneficial for and who might not need one.

    Hi, welcome to MediatorPodcast.com, a podcast and video series about mediation, negotiation and collaboration. My name is Melissa Gragg, and I'm a Valuation Expert and Divorce Financial mMediator in St. Louis, Missouri.

    Topics discussed:
    The Risks and Benefits of Prenuptial Agreements
    State Laws and Financial Discussions in Marriage
    The Emotional and Relational Impact of Prenuptial Agreements
    The Role of Mediation in Formulating Prenuptial Agreements
    Future of Marriage and the Evolving Perception of Prenuptial Agreements

    Melissa Gragg CVA, MAFF
    Expert testimony for financial and valuation issues
    Bridge Valuation Partners, LLC
    melissa@bridgevaluation.com
    http://www.BridgeValuation.com
    http://www.ValuationPodcast.com
    http://www.MediatorPodcast.com
    https://www.valuationmediation.com
    Cell: (314) 541-8163

    Laurie Israel
    https://www.laurieisrael.com/
    laurie@laurieisrael.com
    Laurie's Book


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    46 mins
  • Relationship Issues and Things to Consider Before You Call a Divorce Attorney
    Jul 31 2024

    Today we're talking about relationship issues and things to consider before you call a divorce attorney with Jackie Harounian, she's a family law attorney in Long Island, New York. It could be months, years that you're considering ending a relationship. Sometimes we spend a lot of time in this thought process of "What could I do, what should I do? I don't know if this is right." Before we even get into this type of situation where you're actually calling a divorce lawyer, which really is way down the pipeline that you're ready to go. But what are the first steps that couples should take when they're even considering divorce or having some issues?

    Welcome to MediatorPodcast.com, a podcast and video series about mediation, negotiation and collaboration. My name is Melissa Gragg, and I'm Valuation Expert and Divorce Financial Mediator in St. Louis, Missouri.

    Questions Discussed:
    What are the first steps couples should take when they start experiencing serious relationship issues?
    What are the most common mistakes couples make when considering divorce?
    How can a pre-nup or prenuptial agreement act as insurance in a marriage?
    What is a legal separation and how is it different from a divorce?
    What is a "post-nup" and when should couples decide to explore this option?
    When is mediation a better option than litigation?

    Melissa Gragg CVA, MAFF
    Expert testimony for financial and valuation issues
    Bridge Valuation Partners, LLC
    melissa@bridgevaluation.com
    http://www.BridgeValuation.com
    http://www.ValuationPodcast.com
    http://www.MediatorPodcast.com
    https://www.valuationmediation.com
    Cell: (314) 541-8163

    Jackie Harounian
    Wisselman Harounian Family Law
    https://lawjaw.com/
    jackie@lawjaw.com

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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • The Traditional Wife (Trad Wife) Movement and How to Protect Yourself Financially
    Jul 29 2024

    Today we're going to be walking through the concept of how to be a traditional wife or a "trad wife" with Erika Anne Englund. She's an attorney, she's a mediator, she's a divorce strategist with 18 years plus experience and helps people try to divorce better.

    Welcome to MediatorPodcast.com, a podcast and video series about mediation, negotiation and collaboration. My name is Melissa Gragg, and I'm Valuation Expert and Divorce Financial Mediator in St. Louis, Missouri.

    Four ways to protect yourself if you decide to become a traditional wife:
    -Get more than a high school diploma (educate yourself)
    -Take charge as the family's CFO
    -Ensure your husband has life and disability insurance
    -Secure an ironclad prenup

    https://www.thedivorceallies.com/
    http://www.MediatorPodcast.com
    https://www.valuationmediation.com

    Melissa Gragg CVA, MAFF
    Expert testimony for financial and valuation issues
    Bridge Valuation Partners, LLC
    melissa@bridgevaluation.com
    http://www.BridgeValuation.com
    http://www.ValuationPodcast.com
    http://www.MediatorPodcast.com
    https://www.valuationmediation.com
    Cell: (314) 541-8163

    Erika Anne Englund, Attorney-Mediator-Strategist
    https://erikaenglund.com/
    916.668.9338

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    1 hr and 10 mins