Episode Overview:

In this episode, I sit down with long-time friend and legal expert Richard Sperling, a seasoned family law attorney whose practice focuses on collaborative divorce mediation, premarital and postmarital agreements, and Marvin/palimony claims. With decades of experience in real estate law, business law, and mediation, Richard brings a unique, peace-focused perspective to complex family dynamics.

We take a fun, and deep dive into the intersection of real estate and family law, exploring:

• How real estate gets handled in divorces
  
  

• Why putting things in writing is always a good idea
  
  

• Common misunderstandings about ownership, equity, and verbal promises
  
  

• The value of premarital agreements and postmarital agreemens
  
  

• And why peacemaking might be the most underrated skill in law (and real estate!)
  
  

Whether you're a real estate agent,  attorney, or someone navigating relationship transitions—this episode is packed with practical insight.

What You'll Learn:

• How Richard transitioned from real estate law into family law and mediation
  
  

• The emotional intelligence involved in real estate and divorce negotiations
  
  

• When (and why) premarital agreements are enforceable—and what makes them invalid
  
  

• What happens when a spouse stays in the home post-divorce and how taxes are impacted
  
  

• The truth about common law marriage in California
  
  

• How gifts from parents during marriage are treated in divorce settlements
  
  

• Why cohabitation agreements are critical for unmarried couples buying property

Key Quote:

"A verbal promise in a marriage isn't binding. But if you're not married, a verbal promise might be."