205. The 50/50 Divorce Myth: What Equitable Distribution Actually Means

Most people assume divorce means everything splits 50/50. In most of the country, that's not how the law works — and learning it mid-process can cost you dearly.

In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down with Jessica Fagan, founder of Fagan Law Group, an Atlanta-based family law firm focused on complex divorce, custody, and high-asset family matters. Jessica breaks down what equitable distribution really means, why "fair" and "equal" are not the same thing, and how her "zone of settlement" approach helps clients negotiate from knowledge instead of fear.

In this episode:

Why only 9 states follow strict community property rules

The tax traps hiding inside a "50/50" account split (Roth vs. traditional, tax basis, risk)

How fairness is evolving when one spouse earns the income AND runs the household

The zone of settlement: your best day vs. worst day in court

Why judges are a wild card — "a sledgehammer, not a scalpel"

Being heard in mediation without being pressured into a bad deal

Why alimony is declining — and when more than 50% of assets is the smarter ask

What AI gets wrong about analyzing divorce finances

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