Authors
Meet the experts behind our publications on divorce, family law, co-parenting, and family transitions.
Amy Colton
Amy Colton is a Wealth Advisor with Forefront Wealth Partners and Divorce Financial Guide with Your Divorce Made Simple. She comes to the financial planning industry after a successful career of more than 40 years in sales, management and business development in the technology and pharmaceutical industries. During that time, she spent more than 20 years at International Business Machines (IBM) as an executive in sales and management. For the past six years she has been working with individuals and couples going through divorce to help them negotiate the division of assets, child considerations, as well as financial and tax planning needs both during and after the divorce. She has created a unique process for helping people navigate divorce by combining the skills of a Certified Divorce Specialist, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) and Family Law Mediator. This process is called “The Kitchen Table” divorce. It is a new way to approach divorce which saves time, saves money and creates an amicable environment that allows for win-win outcomes. Having had three divorces of her own and the additional experience of guiding many couples through their divorce, she is able to educate her clients on how to navigate this extremely emotional time. She and her team have worked with divorcing individuals and couples guiding them through the divorce process with civility and saving them thousands of dollars. By getting educated on the different options available, likely outcomes and knowledge about the divorce process, she can inspire couples to move forward with confidence. Securities and Advisory Services offered through Calton & Associates, Inc., dba Forefront Wealth Partners, Member FINRA/SIPC. OSJ: 2701 N. Rocky Point Drive, Suite 1000, Tampa, FL 33607 (813) 264-0440. Calton & Associates, Inc. does not provide legal or tax advice. Forefront Wealth Partners and Calton & Associates, Inc. are separate entities.
Claudia Porter
As a CFP®, CDFA®, and Wealth Advisor I am passionate about helping clients move forward with purpose, clarity, and confidence. Born and raised in Germany, I initially earned a Ph.D. in Linguistics and devoted years to teaching and research before personal and professional challenges in the U.S. inspired me to follow my earlier passion for the financial services industry. My experience of navigating financial constraints and rebuilding after a difficult divorce have shaped my core belief: financial independence is the foundation of personal freedom. This fuels my mission to empower clients through education, resilience, and strategic planning. My approach is deeply personal and holistic. I don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, I focus on truly understanding your story, values, and vision for the future. Whatever life transition you are facing, I develop proactive, tax-savvy investment strategies tailored to your evolving needs. Beyond my role as an advisor, I’m also an author, speaker, and thought leader in women’s financial empowerment. Through books and education initiatives, I help people move from uncertainty to action—and from surviving to thriving.
1 publication
Donna Cates
Meet Donna S Cates: A trailblazer committed to revolutionizing women's financial futures! With over two decades of experience as a financial advisor, wealth builder, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), Certified Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®), and Divorce Financial Mediator, Donna has made it her mission to empower women at every stage of life. "I'm dedicated to dispelling financial uncertainty for women and guiding them toward self-reliance." - Donna S Cates Donna's innovative approach breaks down barriers and challenges the traditional views of women's roles in finance. Her motto, "a man is not a financial plan," resonates with women everywhere, inspiring them to take control of their financial destinies. Whether navigating the early career hustle or the complexities of life's transitions, Donna's tailored financial plans are designed to meet diverse goals and needs. As the dynamic founder of two thriving businesses, "Money Matters Wealth Solutions" and "Navigating Divorce," Donna focuses on everything money-related, with a special knack for turning women's savings into a lasting retirement income and also for divorce financial mediation. She's not just about the numbers; Donna brings energy and enthusiasm to her educational workshops, engaging speeches, and bestselling books. With another exciting book in the works, she's continually pushing the envelope to make financial literacy accessible and fun. Join Donna S Cates on her mission to empower women to take control of their financial futures and thrive with confidence and independence!
1 publication
Dr. Elana Hoffman
I'm a licensed Clinical Psychologist who believes divorce isn't the end of the story — it's often the beginning of a better one. Specializing in divorce and relationship transitions, I help people do the real work of understanding themselves so they can build the relationships they actually deserve.
1 publication
Erica Carlson
As someone who has walked the path of divorce, I understand the overwhelming emotions and challenges it brings—especially when family is involved. Throughout my own journey, I encountered incredible legal support, but I also recognized a critical gap in emotional guidance. Navigating divorce isn’t just about paperwork and courtrooms; it’s about emotions, fears, and finding strength amidst uncertainty. That’s why I’m here—to fill that gap and offer the support I wished I had during the toughest p
Erin Snow
Erin Snow, founder of Seacoast Listening Lounge, has always been passionate about empowering women to speak their truth, process emotions, and feel valued. With a background in empathetic communication and emotional support, Erin recognized a gap in services for women who need more than therapy or casual conversation—they need a safe, judgment-free zone to vent, process, and reflect. With Seacoast Listening Lounge, Erin created a space where women can share openly, feel supported, and leave feeling lighter, clearer, and more confident.
Jessica Zadjura
Jessica Zadjura knows firsthand the complexities of divorce. She is the child of divorce herself, one of five siblings in a blended family, and now a wife, mother, and stepmother. These personal experiences fuel her compassionate yet no-nonsense approach to guiding clients through the family law process, both inside and outside the courtroom. As the founder of Zadjura Family Law LLC, Jessica blends fierce advocacy with a deep commitment to helping families find lasting solutions. She believes that while conflict may be inevitable, resolution does not always have to be a battle. Jessica’s philosophy centers on empowering clients with clear options, honest and straightforward guidance, and unwavering support, whether that means negotiating a settlement, mediating a parenting plan, or litigating a contested case. Her goal is always to protect the best interests of children while helping parents build sustainable, healthy arrangements that allow families to move forward. Jessica has deep roots in Anne Arundel and Howard Counties, where she has practiced family law since the inception of her career. She understands the court systems, the judges who hear these cases, and the unique challenges families face in these communities. Her practice extends beyond these county lines, serving clients throughout Maryland with the same personalized approach. In addition to her legal practice, Jessica is deeply engaged in her community and the broader legal profession. She serves as an adjunct professor at Anne Arundel Community College, where she enjoys sharing her knowledge and mentoring the next generation of legal professionals. She is a current board member for Impact100 Greater Chesapeake, supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families. Jessica was also appointed as the 2025–2026 Co-Chair of the Family Law Section for the Maryland Association for Justice, Inc., reflecting her commitment to advancing the practice of family law statewide. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland and a Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law. She has completed Maryland’s 40-hour basic mediation training, plus the 20-hour advanced training in child custody and marital property, qualifying her to serve as a third-party neutral in family disputes both privately and through court appointment. She has also completed parent coordination training and best interest attorney training to serve as a court-appointed or privately retained parent coordinator and child attorney. Her commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed: from 2016 to 2023, Super Lawyers named her a Maryland Rising Star in family law. In 2024, 2025, and 2026, she earned the coveted Super Lawyer recognition — an honor reserved for just 5% of Maryland lawyers each year. Jessica’s mix of real-world empathy, local knowledge, and unwavering commitment, combined with her dedication to teaching, community service, and professional leadership, makes her the advocate you want in your corner, whether you are navigating litigation, mediation, parent coordination, or charting a different new path forward for your family.
Jill Kaufman
Jill Kaufman is a Therapist, Divorce Coach, Mediator & Co-parenting Expert. After going through her own difficult divorce, she made it her life’s mission to make the process less overwhelming for others. Her book, online course and transformational group coaching program help parents navigate the overwhelming process of divorce both emotionally and strategically with less stress, more confidence and a greater sense of peace. Jill also co-founded Divorce Network Pro, a directory of divorce professionals committed to a low-conflict, family-focused approach.
1 publication
Justin Milrad
Justin Milrad is a Certified Divorce Coach, author, and devoted dad. He helps individuals turn divorce from a breakdown into a breakthrough, guiding clients to design the life they want after separation with clarity, confidence, and strategy.
1 publication
Laura Lorber
For years, Laura worked directly with children as a Master Infant Toddler Teacher and a Program for Infant-Toddler Care (PITC) Fellow. She saw firsthand how chronic family stress directly affects a child's brain development. That is why she shifted her focus. She realized she could help children more by helping their parents build plans that shield them from the crossfire. Her approach is deeply inspired by the Reggio Emilia preschool philosophy, as she was previously the Infant-Toddler Lead for the San Diego Reggio Roundtable. Laura holds a J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law, uses her legal background to create firm boundaries around what is legally necessary and possible. Juris Doctor (J.D.), University of San Diego School of Law MC3 Certified Mediator Certified Co-Parenting Specialist (CoPS) Program for Infant-Toddler Care (PITC) Fellow Co-Founder, Elder Care Coalition Author, Your Co-Parenting Plan Blueprint Over 8 Years of Practice, specializing in high-conflict and complex family matters
1 publication
Leah Hadley
Leah Hadley, AFC®, CDFA®, MAFF® Founder/Senior Financial Planner As the Founder of Intentional Divorce Solutions and Intentional Wealth Partners, Leah Hadley is committed to guiding clients to financial independence through thoughtful and strategic planning. An influential voice in the financial community, Leah is a sought-after speaker and expert in overcoming financial setbacks and navigating the financial complexities of divorce. She's a frequent guest on podcasts and has contributed her insights to numerous books and online platforms. Leah is also the author of "When It's Just Not Working: A Practical Divorce Guide for Stay-At-Home Moms." At the heart of her practice, Leah finds genuine satisfaction in empowering her clients to achieve their most heartfelt financial goals. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and spending quality time with her husband, three children, and three dogs.
1 publication
Melissa Murphy Pavone
Melissa Murphy Pavone is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® with over a decade of experience helping individuals navigate divorce with clarity and confidence. As the founder of Mindful Divorce Partners, she specializes in collaborative divorce planning, financial education, and helping clients make informed decisions during one of life’s most challenging transitions. She is the author of Divorce by Design, a practical guide to building the right divorce team and protecting your financial future.
1 publication
Oona Metz
Oona Metz is a nationally recognized therapist, writer, and speaker who specializes in treating women navigating divorce. With over thirty years of experience, Oona has supported hundreds of women through the process of divorce. She is the founder of The Beacon Group Fellowship which trains mental health clinicians throughout the country to lead divorce support groups. She lives near Boston, Massachusetts, with her partner, and a handful of pets. Her young adult children have flown the coop but return home often.
1 publication
Pam Friedman
Find Help Resources Blog Partners 🇺🇸 Login Get Listed Pam Friedman's photo Pam Friedman Certified Divorce Financial Planner and CFP Austin, TX Send Message About Pam Friedman, CFP®, CDFA®, is a Managing Director and Principal at Robertson Stephens. She has over 30 years of financial planning and investment experience. Prior to joining Robertson Stephens, Pam was a co-founder of Silicon Hills Wealth Management and founder of Divorce Planning of Austin. She previously worked in both New York and London at CIBC and UBS, respectively, raising capital for both public and private companies. Pam also has experience in financial education as a lecturer for the graduate and undergraduate programs at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. Pam is passionate about educating her clients to help them develop their financial plan through all of life’s transitions. She is on a mission for women and men to be more informed about their money, especially in the context of their relationships. Whether you are getting married, living together, or ending your relationship, her books on the subject, “I Now Pronounce You Financially Fit” and “Financially Fit Divorce”, are important reading. Pam was recently recognized as 2023 Woman Financial Planner for the Year by Wealth Solution Report. Pam is a trained family law mediator and, for more than 10 years, Pam has been teaching financial topics in divorce to mediator trainees for Mediators and Arbitrators of America. Pam currently hosts the Western U.S. Support and Development call for the national Association of Divorce Financial Planners (ADFP) and previously served on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of ADFP. Pam earned the designation CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) in 2006 and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) in 2011. Pam holds an MBA, BBA and BA in Finance and Economics from The University of Texas at Austin. She enjoys walking with her husband, Mitch, and their dogs on the trail on Lady Bird Lake, watching standup comedy at The Paramount, and visiting zoos in the U.S. and around the world
1 publication