{"id":864,"date":"2026-04-14T03:41:02","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T03:41:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hhww.mindiii.com\/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=864"},"modified":"2026-04-14T03:41:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T03:41:03","slug":"inside-equitable-mediation-helping-couples-divorce-amicably-and-affordably","status":"publish","type":"podcast","link":"https:\/\/hhww.mindiii.com\/index.php\/podcast\/inside-equitable-mediation-helping-couples-divorce-amicably-and-affordably\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside Equitable Mediation: Helping Couples Divorce Amicably and Affordably"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>\ud83c\udf99\ufe0f Welcome to Healthy Happy Wise Wealthy (HHWW)! In this thoughtful and eye-opening episode, host Mary Meyer sits down with divorce mediator Joe Dillon of Equitable Mediation to unpack the differences between mediation and litigation, the financial and emotional burdens of traditional lawyer-led divorce, and how holistic mediation can change the lives of families. Drawing on decades of mediation experience, Joe Dillon shares both personal stories and professional insights, offering listeners practical frameworks and hope for navigating divorce with dignity.<\/p>\n\n\n \n<div data-block=\"gutenkit\/button\" data-post-id=\"864\" id=\"block-a39b30eb-39c2-4b88-8350-6ba77e1b1806\" class=\"wp-block-gutenkit-button gkit1b1806 gutenkit-block\"><div class=\"gkit-btn-wraper\"><a class=\"gkit-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/ws2YnuijIS0?si=UJZ1gtSUY8LtWS0f\">Click to Watch<div class=\"icon-right\"><svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" class=\"gkit-icon\">\n<title>play-button1<\/title>\n<path d=\"M29.85 8.403c-2.136-3.7-5.585-6.346-9.711-7.452s-8.436-0.538-12.136 1.598c-3.7 2.136-6.346 5.585-7.452 9.711s-0.538 8.436 1.598 12.136c2.136 3.7 5.585 6.346 9.711 7.452 1.378 0.369 2.776 0.552 4.165 0.552 2.771 0 5.506-0.727 7.971-2.15 3.7-2.136 6.346-5.585 7.452-9.711s0.538-8.436-1.598-12.136zM29.839 20.108c-0.991 3.697-3.361 6.786-6.676 8.7s-7.175 2.422-10.872 1.431c-3.697-0.991-6.786-3.361-8.7-6.676s-2.422-7.175-1.431-10.872c0.991-3.697 3.361-6.786 6.676-8.7 2.208-1.275 4.658-1.926 7.141-1.926 1.244 0 2.497 0.164 3.731 0.494 3.697 0.99 6.786 3.361 8.7 6.676s2.422 7.175 1.431 10.872zM23.674 14.891l-10.283-5.937c-0.546-0.315-1.197-0.315-1.743-0s-0.871 0.879-0.871 1.509v11.874c0 0.63 0.326 1.194 0.871 1.509 0.273 0.158 0.572 0.236 0.871 0.236s0.599-0.079 0.871-0.236l10.283-5.937c0.546-0.315 0.871-0.879 0.871-1.509s-0.326-1.194-0.871-1.509zM22.841 16.467l-10.283 5.937c-0.013 0.007-0.039 0.022-0.077 0s-0.039-0.052-0.039-0.067v-11.874c0-0.014 0-0.045 0.039-0.067 0.015-0.009 0.028-0.012 0.040-0.012 0.018 0 0.030 0.007 0.038 0.012l10.283 5.937c0.013 0.007 0.039 0.022 0.039 0.067s-0.026 0.060-0.039 0.067zM25.831 8.803c-1.981-2.559-4.958-4.278-8.169-4.716-0.455-0.062-0.876 0.257-0.938 0.712s0.257 0.876 0.712 0.938c2.782 0.38 5.361 1.869 7.077 4.086 0.164 0.212 0.41 0.323 0.659 0.323 0.178 0 0.358-0.057 0.509-0.174 0.364-0.281 0.43-0.805 0.149-1.168z\"><\/path>\n<\/svg>\n<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n\n<p>\ud83c\udf1f Topics Covered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Joe Dillon\u2019s background and Equitable Mediation\u2019s resource-rich website<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The myth that mediators have to be lawyers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The real cost of divorce: mediation vs. litigation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emotional pitfalls of divorce and why lawyers aren\u2019t therapists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How mediation fosters creative solutions for family, finances, and housing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using scenario planning and \u201czone of agreement\u201d for lasting outcomes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The rise of cohabitation and nesting arrangements post-divorce<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proprietary courses and resources for preparing for divorce, finance, and negotiation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n \n<div data-block=\"gutenkit\/button\" data-post-id=\"864\" id=\"block-7abcce4e-c776-406d-a37c-31f779d22fdb\" class=\"wp-block-gutenkit-button gkitd22fdb gutenkit-block\"><div class=\"gkit-btn-wraper\"><a class=\"gkit-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/s\/11ab33a0\">Click to Listen<div class=\"icon-right\"><svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" class=\"gkit-icon\">\n<title>play-button1<\/title>\n<path d=\"M29.85 8.403c-2.136-3.7-5.585-6.346-9.711-7.452s-8.436-0.538-12.136 1.598c-3.7 2.136-6.346 5.585-7.452 9.711s-0.538 8.436 1.598 12.136c2.136 3.7 5.585 6.346 9.711 7.452 1.378 0.369 2.776 0.552 4.165 0.552 2.771 0 5.506-0.727 7.971-2.15 3.7-2.136 6.346-5.585 7.452-9.711s0.538-8.436-1.598-12.136zM29.839 20.108c-0.991 3.697-3.361 6.786-6.676 8.7s-7.175 2.422-10.872 1.431c-3.697-0.991-6.786-3.361-8.7-6.676s-2.422-7.175-1.431-10.872c0.991-3.697 3.361-6.786 6.676-8.7 2.208-1.275 4.658-1.926 7.141-1.926 1.244 0 2.497 0.164 3.731 0.494 3.697 0.99 6.786 3.361 8.7 6.676s2.422 7.175 1.431 10.872zM23.674 14.891l-10.283-5.937c-0.546-0.315-1.197-0.315-1.743-0s-0.871 0.879-0.871 1.509v11.874c0 0.63 0.326 1.194 0.871 1.509 0.273 0.158 0.572 0.236 0.871 0.236s0.599-0.079 0.871-0.236l10.283-5.937c0.546-0.315 0.871-0.879 0.871-1.509s-0.326-1.194-0.871-1.509zM22.841 16.467l-10.283 5.937c-0.013 0.007-0.039 0.022-0.077 0s-0.039-0.052-0.039-0.067v-11.874c0-0.014 0-0.045 0.039-0.067 0.015-0.009 0.028-0.012 0.040-0.012 0.018 0 0.030 0.007 0.038 0.012l10.283 5.937c0.013 0.007 0.039 0.022 0.039 0.067s-0.026 0.060-0.039 0.067zM25.831 8.803c-1.981-2.559-4.958-4.278-8.169-4.716-0.455-0.062-0.876 0.257-0.938 0.712s0.257 0.876 0.712 0.938c2.782 0.38 5.361 1.869 7.077 4.086 0.164 0.212 0.41 0.323 0.659 0.323 0.178 0 0.358-0.057 0.509-0.174 0.364-0.281 0.43-0.805 0.149-1.168z\"><\/path>\n<\/svg>\n<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n \n\n\n<p>Key takeaways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mediation can save you tens (or even hundreds) of thousands of dollars, prevent emotional trauma, and give families more control over outcomes than litigation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The majority of divorce disputes are financial, making Joe Dillon\u2019s finance background a key advantage in settlement and scenario planning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creative agreements\u2014like cohabitation, nesting, and flexible buyout plans\u2014are possible and often essential, especially in high-cost housing markets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emotional support and coaching are integral; divorce isn\u2019t just paperwork, it\u2019s an emotional journey that is better navigated with a holistic mediation team.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Planning for future \u201cwhat-ifs\u201d in your divorce agreement saves massive strife down the road\u2014use frameworks and scenario planning to decrease future conflict.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Some questions I ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cI thought you had to be a lawyer to be a mediator. Why is your finance background so valuable in these cases?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cWhy does using lawyers often make emotional conflicts\u2014and the bill\u2014worse?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cWhat are some of the most creative solutions you\u2019ve put together when couples couldn\u2019t do a traditional buyout or sale of their house?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cHow do you plan for the unknowns, the \u2018what-ifs\u2019 five years down the road, so couples don\u2019t have to keep coming back to court?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cHow does your process handle tough emotional stalemates, and when does mediation ever fail?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cCan people outside your six main states work with you or use your resources?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cTell me about your courses\u2014who are they for and what will they learn?\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more about our guest:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Website:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.equitablemediation.com\/\">equitablemediation.com<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Schedule a free consult (for residents in six states): Via website appointment buttons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check out Joe &amp; Cheryl Dillon\u2019s mediation courses:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.equitablemediation.com\/divorce-courses\">https:\/\/www.equitablemediation.com\/divorce-courses<\/a>\u00a0(Financial Preparation, Negotiation, Emotional Preparation)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Read Joe\u2019s blog, including the popular post on cohabitation after divorce:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.equitablemediation.com\/blog\">https:\/\/www.equitablemediation.com\/blog<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>@EquitableMediation on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Resources list:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Equitable Mediation:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.equitablemediation.com\/\">equitablemediation.com<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Courses: Divorce Financial Preparation, Divorce Negotiation, and more (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.equitablemediation.com\/divorce-courses\">link to courses<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blog post: \u201cCan Living Together After Divorce Work?\u201d\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.equitablemediation.com\/blog\">Read Here<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mediation\/Affordable mediation directories: Search for your state\u2019s mediation association (e.g., New York Council on Divorce Mediators)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Divorce mediation info for non-served states: Local court websites, mediation directories, or referrals by contacting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Joe Dillon for recommendations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Podcast Sponsor:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are so excited to have IT company&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindiii.com\/\">https:\/\/www.mindiii.com<\/a>&nbsp;as a Season 2 sponsor.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Founded in 2015, MINDIII is a Product Development and Data + AI Company that builds scalable digital products and intelligent data platforms. They help businesses design, engineer, and launch high-impact web and mobile applications, powered by modern data engineering, analytics, and AI solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Specialities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Product Strategy &amp; Full-Stack Development<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AI-Powered Web &amp; Mobile Apps&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Data Engineering &amp; Analytics<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AI &amp; ML Solutions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cloud &amp; DevOps Solutions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>IT Consulting &amp; Dedicated Teams<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UI\/UX &amp; Workflow Automation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Software Testing, Maintenance &amp; Support<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Email &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:healthyhappywisewealthy@gmail.com\">healthyhappywisewealthy@gmail.com<\/a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:santosh@mindiii.com\">santosh@mindiii.com<\/a>&nbsp;to request a quote for software services listed above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Listen to @HealthyHappyWiseWealthy on @ApplePodcasts, @Spotify, @Audible, @iHeartRadio, @Pandora and all major podcast platforms<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83c\udf1f Connect on @Instagram, @Facebook, @TikTok and @LInkedIn @HealthyHappyWiseWealthy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@HealthyHappyWiseWealthyNetwork<br>Listen on @Spotify, @Audible, @Applepodcasts, @iHeartRadio, @Pandora and more<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Know someone who should be a guest? Email&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:healthyhappywisewealthy@gmail.com\">healthyhappywisewealthy@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mary Meyer is a Business Development Consultant, Host, On-Camera Talent, Coach and Storyteller<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Produced by the Incomparable Erika Christie&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Support our work by donating through Venmo:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.venmo.com\/u\/HealthyHappyWiseWealthy\">https:\/\/www.venmo.com\/u\/HealthyHappyWiseWealthy<\/a>. Donations are not tax deductible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>#DivorceMediation #HealthyHappyWiseWealthy #DivorceSupport #MediationOverLitigation #FinancialWellness #EmotionalHealth #PeacefulDivorce #CreativeSolutionsForDivorce #DivorceMediation #Mediation #DivorceCosts #Mediation #NavigatingDivorce<\/p>\n\n\n \n<div data-block=\"gutenkit\/back-to-top\" data-post-id=\"864\" id=\"block-6b4a976b-5579-486b-9b8b-a15df1e956f9\" class=\"wp-block-gutenkit-back-to-top icon-only gkite956f9 gutenkit-block\"><div class=\"gkit-back-to-top\" data-settings=\"{&quot;style&quot;:&quot;icon-only&quot;,&quot;offset_top&quot;:0,&quot;show_scroll&quot;:false,&quot;show_after&quot;:400,&quot;foreground&quot;:&quot;#FF5050&quot;,&quot;background&quot;:&quot;#EEEEEE&quot;}\"><span class=\"icon-wrapper\"><div><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\" class=\"gkit-icon\"><path d=\"M214.6 41.4c-12.5-12.5-32.8-12.5-45.3 0l-160 160c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.8 0 45.3s32.8 12.5 45.3 0L160 141.2V448c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32s32-14.3 32-32V141.2L329.4 246.6c12.5 12.5 32.8 12.5 45.3 0s12.5-32.8 0-45.3l-160-160z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n \n    <div class=\"xs_social_share_widget xs_share_url after_content \t\tmain_content  wslu-style-1 wslu-share-box-shaped wslu-fill-colored wslu-none wslu-share-horizontal wslu-theme-font-no wslu-main_content\">\n\n\t\t\n        <ul>\n\t\t\t        <\/ul>\n    <\/div> \n","protected":false},"featured_media":865,"template":"","meta":{"postBodyCss":"","postBodyMargin":[],"postBodyPadding":[],"postBodyBackground":{"backgroundType":"classic","gradient":""},"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":""},"class_list":["post-864","podcast","type-podcast","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hhww.mindiii.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/podcast\/864","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hhww.mindiii.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/podcast"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hhww.mindiii.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/podcast"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hhww.mindiii.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/865"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hhww.mindiii.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}