# 177. Divorce Is a Business Deal: Strategy for High-Conflict Divorce with Courtney Harkness

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/we-chat-divorce-podcast-980618/177-divorce-is-a-business-deal-strategy-for-high-conflict-divorce-with-courtney-harkness
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/we-chat-divorce-podcast-980618/177-divorce-is-a-business-deal-strategy-for-high-conflict-divorce-with-courtney-harkness.md
Podcast: [We Chat Divorce Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/we-chat-divorce-podcast-980618)
Published: 2026-01-07T13:36:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chrt.fm/track/G4CF79/traffic.megaphone.fm/MHL3050527735.mp3
Audio file: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/chrt.fm/track/G4CF79/traffic.megaphone.fm/MHL3050527735.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2266

## Resource

High-conflict divorces thrive on chaos. In this episode of We Chat Divorce, hosts Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down with divorce strategist and coach Courtney Harkness to explain why treating divorce like a business deal—not an emotional battleground—can dramatically shift power, protect assets, and preserve peace. Courtney, creator of the Divorce Is a Business Deal framework, shares how successful professionals can stop reacting and start leading their divorce with strategy. Drawing from her own experience co-founding a private-equity-backed company and navigating a high-conflict divorce, Courtney breaks down the three-phase approach she uses with clients: Stabilize, Strategize, Execute. You’ll learn why emotional stabilization must come first, especially when dealing with narcissistic or high-conflict spouses; how reacting fuels conflict and legal costs; and why “no sudden moves” is one of the most powerful rules in divorce. The conversation also explores why rushing to hire an attorney without financial clarity often escalates conflict—and how preparation saves time, money, and long-term regret. Karen and Catherine connect Courtney’s framework directly to the My Divorce Solution methodology, emphasizing the importance of verified financial data, lifestyle analysis, and scenario planning before negotiations begin. Together, they explain how clarity replaces fear, how strategy changes leverage, and why winning in divorce isn’t “beating” your spouse—it’s getting out with your future intact. Key Topics Covered: High-conflict divorce strategy Divorce and narcissistic dynamics Stabilize, Strategize, Execute framework Financial preparation before legal action Why reacting is costly—and preparation is powerful How to protect assets, peace, and decision-making ca…

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