Episode 253 - How to Protect Your Finances, Children, and Future in Divorce Mediation

In this episode of The D Shift, Mardi Winder is joined by Keri Gwynne and Ryan Finley for a direct, practical conversation on what it actually takes to prepare for divorce mediation the right way.

This is not about “getting through” mediation. This is about protecting your outcomes.

Too many people walk into mediation unprepared. They are emotionally overwhelmed, unclear about their financial reality, and making real-time decisions that will impact them for years. This is where costly mistakes happen.

This conversation breaks down how to approach mediation strategically across three critical areas: your children, your finances, and your long-term stability. Keri shares how detailed, well-structured parenting plans reduce conflict and protect children from being pulled into the middle. Ryan explains how to understand your full financial picture, when forensic accounting is worth the investment, and how to ensure nothing is being overlooked or hidden.

Together, they highlight what real preparation looks like. Emotional regulation so you can think clearly under pressure, financial clarity so you know what you are agreeing to, and a defined strategy so you are not reacting in the moment.

If you are heading into mediation or even thinking about it, this episode will challenge you to stop hoping it works out and start preparing so it does.

Key Takeaways

• Why mediation outcomes are directly tied to preparation, not luck

• How detailed parenting plans prevent future conflict and protect children

• The biggest financial mistakes people make before and during mediation

• When it makes sense to investigate hidden assets and when it does not

• How to walk into mediation with clarity on what you need and what you will accept

• Why emotional regulation is critical to making sound decisions under pressure

• The role of the right professionals in protecting your long-term outcomes

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