STEER: START WITH A PLAN
You need a property settlement but you don't have to hand over the steering wheel
STEER is a calm, legally-smart workbook to help you lead one practical, fair conversation without waiting for your ex or handing it all over to lawyers too soon.
Get the workbook now to start this on your terms.
YOU'VE SEPARATED. BUT THE SETTLEMENT? IS STILL HANGING
Your ex is telling you something that doesn't sound quite right. Or they keep stalling. You're stuck in a holding pattern, not sure how to have the conversation without it turning into a fight.
You want to be fair. You want to be able to see where you’re going and move this forward. But you’re worried about looking unprepared, saying the wrong thing or turning what’s supposed to be amicable into something hostile.
And deep down? You’re exhausted. You’re juggling work, kids and a thousand decisions. You don’t have time to figure out what fair even looks like, let alone how to propose it firmly.
You need a plan. And you need to feel like you’re steering this, not waiting for someone else to decide your future.
STEER gives you a structured, amicable way to start. It helps you shape one respectful conversation, show you're prepared and set the direction so you're no longer stuck in a holding pattern.
Why STEER Works
I’m Marnie Cooper, Mediator, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Separation Strategist. I created STEER for you. You’re smart, capable and sick of waiting. You’ve held it together for everyone else. Now it’s your turn.
STEER is the same process I use with my private clients. It helps you take the step toward settlement without waiting for permission.
Most people approach property settlement conversations, usually starting at the kitchen table, in one of two ways:
- They wing it, and it falls apart because emotions take over, or they look unprepared, or their ex steamrolls them.
- They hand it straight to lawyers and spend thousands on administration they could have done themselves.
STEER gives you a third option. You prepare how a lawyer wants you to be prepared and then you decide how to use it.
Maybe you use it to have that first conversation at the kitchen table. Maybe you use it privately to get clear on your position before you engage a lawyer or mediator. Either way, you’re not starting from scratch. You look prepared. You feel in control. And that changes everything.
A structured, step-by-step guide that helps you prepare for the property settlement conversation whether you're ready to talk tomorrow or you just need to get your head straight first
- A clear framework to gather your numbers and rough estimates are fine to start.
- A fair range to work with so you're not locked into one fragile number that falls apart under pressure.
- Two practical options to present so you're leading the conversation, not reacting to whatever gets throw at you.
- Scripts and conversation openers that keep things calm, structured and time-boxed.
- Follow-ups for scenarios where they stall, say "50/50 or nothing" or go silent.
This isn't a passive read. It's an action tool. You can dip in for 10-minute windows. Start with what you need most: a script, a range, or a scorecard. It's designed to get you out of your head and into motion.
Enter your email below and I’ll send you the STEER Kitchen Table Settlement Starter. You’ll have it in your inbox in the next few minutes.
What people are saying
You don't have to do everything
on your own
If you download STEER and realise you need more support, whether it’s coaching to prepare your position or mediation to facilitate conversation, I’m here. Start with STEER. Get clear on your numbers, your range and your options. Then decide what kind of support makes sense for you.
Just walk into conversations about your future prepared.
