The Path of Empowerment: Self-Representing in Divorce with Tracey Bee

The Path of Empowerment: Self-Representing in Divorce with Tracey Bee | Divorce Strategy

Hi, welcome to The Divorce Allies podcast, a podcast and video series where we dive into all things divorce and focus on the process of creating a settlement offer with a team of professionals. My name is Melissa Gragg, and I'm the financial mediator and business valuation expert. I'm here with Victoria McCooey, our high conflict divorce coach. And in this episode, we're actually going to discuss the path of empowerment and self-representing in divorce—basically how to be prepared for a settlement as well. But Tracy Bee is our expert and attorney and pro se family court strategist. Welcome, Tracy.

5 Key Takeaways
Self-Representation Is a Right—But Not Always the Best Option
You can represent yourself in court (known as going "pro se"), but that doesn’t mean you should. Before choosing this path, assess your emotional readiness, time availability, and ability to stay organized.

Strategy Over Law in Family Court
Tracy emphasizes that family court is 80% strategy and only 20% law. Success often comes from understanding how the system works, presenting yourself well, and doing deep research—not just quoting laws.

Preparation Is Empowerment
Even if you hire a lawyer later, doing the prep work yourself—like organizing financial documents, researching your judge, and understanding court procedures—can save thousands of dollars and boost your confidence.

File Motions, Document Everything
If you need something like a psychological evaluation or expert involvement, don’t just ask verbally—file a written motion. It creates a formal record and shows the judge you're serious and prepared.

The Court May Not Support You—You Need to Be Unstoppable
Pro se litigants often face resistance from court staff or bias from judges. Tracy’s advice? Be mentally tough, do your research, know your judge, and create contrast—consistently show up as the prepared, respectful party.

Connect with Tracey Bee:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/familycourtstrategist/
https://thedivorcesolutionist.com/

Connect with Melissa:
Melissa Gragg  
CVA, MAFF 
Expert testimony for financial and valuation issues  
Bridge Valuation Partners, LLC  
melissa@bridgevaluation.com  
http://www.BridgeValuation.com  
http://www.ValuationPodcast.com  
http://www.MediatorPodcast.com  
https://www.valuationmediation.com  
https://www.thedivorceallies.com/
Cell: (314) 541-8163

Connect with Victoria:
https://www.victoriamccooey.com/
 @VictoriaMcCooey  

Divorce Mediation, Settlement Offer Divorce, Financial Mediation, Divorce Negotiation Tips, How to Prepare for Divorce, Parenting Plan Divorce, Asset Valuation Divorce, DIY Divorce Tips, Business Valuation in Divorce, Divorce Financial Planning, Mediation Strategies, Divorce Mediation Process, 

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