#7: Everything You Thought You Knew About Divorce with Family Law Attorney Melanie Mandles

Today on What She’s Having, we’re popping the cork — and maybe tearing up a few contracts — with our fabulous friend and powerhouse family law attorney, Melanie Mandles. She’s the woman behind some of the smoothest splits and fiercest fresh starts in Southern California — and trust us, she’s seen it all.

From courtroom drama to pre-nups and post-nups, Melanie shares her expert insight on how to navigate love, money, and modern marriage with clarity and compassion. We talk about:

• The truth behind prenups and postnups (and why they don’t have to be scary)

• The biggest myths about divorce, custody, and the “10-year rule” in California

• How to protect your peace — and your children — during emotional transitions

• Why a great lawyer can be as essential as a great therapist

• How to build strong, fair partnerships (and the importance of keeping your cool)

Melanie also opens up about her 28-year career, what it’s like to represent high-profile clients discreetly, and why sometimes the best legal strategy is grace under pressure.

If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind closed doors in family law — or you just want to protect your future with more wisdom and confidence — this episode is a must-listen.

Because today, we’re having what she’s serving: Freedom, fresh starts, and fierce representation.

Timestamps):
00:00 – Cold open & intro: Freedom, fresh starts, fierce representation
02:10 – Meet Melanie Mandels + why she’s Jen’s “secret weapon”
05:30 – How Melanie chose family law + career origin story (UCLA to Century City)
09:45 – Calm under pressure: experience vs. emotion in high-stakes cases
14:20 – CA basics: community vs. separate property, inheritance, and co-mingling
20:05 – Prenups done right: the 7-day rule, 2–3 month timeline, and why good prenups can strengthen marriages
27:40 – Postnups: when you ran out of time pre-wedding (pros/cons)
31:15 – Debunking “10-year” myths: support duration, prenup “expiration,” and property
36:50 – CA vs. other states: high spousal support, child support through high school
40:30 – Resilience stories: rebuilding after divorce & a powerful recovery moment
46:20 – Custody misconceptions: 50/50 isn’t automatic, kids > convenience, parenting vs. childcare
52:10 – Your “divorce success team”: attorney, forensic accountant, co-parenting counselor
56:45 – Misappropriation & reimbursements: affairs, big gifts, gambling, and community funds
1:01:00 – Date of separation, reconciliation, and financial ripple effects
1:05:20 – Courtroom culture: why settlement-first wins (and a judge’s hallway moment)
1:10:40 – Before marriage: talk money, kids, where to live, and how you’ll build wealth together
1:13:30 – Considering divorce: referrals > Google; try therapy first; protect the kids
1:17:00 – Keep your identity, passion, and intimacy (yes, scheduling can help)
1:21:30 – Wrap & gratitude

---

Connect with Melanie Mandels
Firm: Wasser, Cooperman & Mandels, LLP
📍 Based in Century City, CA
🌐 www.wcmfamilylaw.com
📧 [e-mail]
📞 [phone]

---

Connect with What She’s Having
🎧 Listen anywhere you get your podcasts
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube.com/@WhatShesHaving
📸 Follow on Instagram & TikTok: @officialwhatsheshaving
💌 For guest inquiries or collaborations: [e-mail]