Episode 242 - How to Prepare for Divorce Mediation and Negotiation

Divorce mediation can feel intimidating, especially if you are unsure how negotiations work or what preparation is required. In this episode of The D Shift, Strategic Divorce Consultant Mardi Winder is joined by certified divorce coach Keri Gwynne and mediator and financial expert and mediator Ryan Finley to discuss how individuals can prepare for divorce mediation with clarity, confidence, and strategy.

Keri Gwynne shares how her own difficult divorce experience led her to create Starting Point by Freedom, an advocacy service designed to help individuals navigate divorce with the guidance and support they often struggle to find. Ryan Finley explains how his background in financial analysis and mediation allows him to bring structure and clarity to complex divorce negotiations.

Together, they explore how thoughtful preparation, emotional support, and financial understanding can make the mediation process less overwhelming and far more productive.

In this conversation, you will learn:

• How to prepare effectively for divorce mediation

• Why financial clarity is essential before entering negotiations

• The role divorce coaches and financial professionals can play in mediation

• How preparation can reduce conflict and stress during the divorce process

• Why co-parenting planning should be part of mediation discussions

The discussion also highlights how building a strong team of advisors can help individuals approach mediation with greater confidence and realistic expectations. Divorce is often one of life’s most difficult transitions, but with the right preparation and support, mediation can become an opportunity to move forward toward a more stable and positive future.

About the Guests:

Keri Gwynne is a Certified Divorce Coach and CEO of Starting Point by Freedom, a comprehensive divorce service offering coaching, mediation and family-focused guidance. With certifications in both High Conflict and Transitional Divorce, she has helped guide more than 550 families across the nation through the divorce process with clarity and confidence. Through her own lived experience as a high-conflict divorce survivor, Keri blends empathy, compassion, and resilience with deep professional expertise to help individuals rebuild and reclaim their lives after divorce.

Ryan Finley is the Founder of Freedom Financial Services Group, a divorce finance advisory firm helping families, attorneys, and courts navigate the financial complexities of divorce. With more than twenty years of executive leadership in finance and forensic accounting, Ryan has guided hundreds of families nationwide toward financial clarity and confidence. As a CPA, CDFA, CVA, and court-approved mediator, Ryan brings both technical precision and empathy to the table—bridging the gap between financial analysis and human understanding. His ability to simplify complex financial issues and foster productive dialogue makes him a trusted resource for attorneys and clients alike.

To connect with Keri and Ryan:

Website: https://www.startingpointfreedom.com/

Website: https://www.freedomfsg.com/

Ryan’s phone: 941-945-2846