The Divorce Mistake That Costs Families Thousands, According to Susan E. Murray
July 14, 2026

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Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • Discover why rushing into litigation can cost families far more than they expect, both financially and emotionally.
  • Learn how mediation can help many couples resolve divorce disputes while preserving time, money, and peace of mind.
  • Uncover the situations where settlement is possible and the circumstances that require a strong courtroom strategy.
  • Find out why comparing your divorce to a friend's experience often leads to unrealistic expectations and costly mistakes.
  • Explore how hidden assets, business valuations, and financial transparency can shape the outcome of a divorce.
  • Get practical advice on choosing a family law attorney whose experience and approach align with your goals and circumstances. 
  • Hear how Pennsylvania's evolving approach to pet custody is changing the way courts view beloved family companions.
  • Gain insight into the common misconceptions fueled by online searches and AI generated legal advice that can derail a case.
  • Discover how Susan's background as both a therapist and family law attorney helps clients make informed decisions during life's most difficult transitions.

In this episode…

Many people assume that the best divorce strategy is to fight for everything, but what if that approach is actually the mistake that costs families thousands? Susan E. Murray explains why understanding your options before taking legal action can make all the difference. Could avoiding unnecessary conflict be the smartest legal decision you'll ever make?
Susan discusses when mediation offers the best path forward and when litigation becomes necessary to protect a client's interests, particularly in cases involving abuse, hidden assets, or complex custody disputes. She also shares why relying on stories from friends, internet searches, or AI generated legal advice often creates unrealistic expectations. The conversation also explores the surprising rise of pet custody disputes, including a real case where thousands of dollars in legal fees were spent before both parties finally agreed to share custody of their dog.
In this episode of Verdict Signal , host Daniel Gouw interviews Susan E. Murray, Family Law Attorney and mediator serving clients through her Media, Pennsylvania practice and the Alpha Center for Divorce Mediation. Practicing family law since 1986, she brings a rare combination of legal experience and a background in therapy to help families resolve conflict. They discuss mediation versus litigation, choosing the right attorney, child and pet custody, common divorce misconceptions, and the future of family law in Pennsylvania. Tune in to learn how to make informed choices that protect what you build.

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