How Not To Suck At Divorce: Divorce Advice You Need To Hear (Morgan Stogsdill and Andrea Rappaport)

This episode digs into the trauma, mental, emotional and sexual abuse that went on in the FLDS cult, led by Warren Jeffs, and how it relates to the trauma that goes on in many marriages and divorces. 

This episode has been produced to support KidSide Miami. A charity which enables families in the family court system to recieve FREE therapy in the Miami Day county. 

PLEASE visit our special link TODAY (11/17) to donate to KidSide. Every donation goes DIRECTLY to helping a family work towards happier and healthier relationships with their children in the family court system. 

Donate HERE!

How hard is it to leave a cult?

What happened in the FLDS?

What kind of abuse went on in the FLDS?

Can you get a divorce in a cult?

In this episode, we explore the relationship between alcohol and divorce, diving into how exactly how drinking impacts your emotional state, decision-making, and overall well-being during one of life’s most challenging times. This episode IS NOT about giving up drinking completely; it’s about understanding when alcohol is helping or hurting as you navigate the divorce process.

In this episode, you'll learn:

-What actually happens in your brain when you drink to cope with stress?

-How do you know if you're drinking for the wrong reasons?

-What are the warning signs that you’re blowing past your emotional "stop signs"?

-What action steps can you take to keep your relationship with alcohol in check during a divorce?

Our guest, Colleen Kachmann, known as the "Hangover Whisperer," is a recovery-certified master coach and an expert in alcohol use awareness. She shares science-backed insights on the impact of alcohol on the body and mind during stressful periods and offers practical advice on mindful drinking.

Remember, this episode is here to guide you without judgment—only support. Whether you decide to drink less, stay mindful, or seek more support, we’re here to help you navigate this journey in the healthiest way possible.

Connect with Colleen:

Website: https://www.colleenkachmann.com/

Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer

Tiktok: @hangoverwhisperer

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

You know her, you follow her, you love her, it's Gabrielle Stone joining us today on the season three finale of How Not Suck at Divorce. 

Gabielle has been THROUGH it when it comes to heartbreak and divorce. After discovering that her husband was having an affair with a 19 year old, she quickly filed for a divorce...but that's just where her story BEGINS.  Gabrielle has experienced a lot of LIFE over the last decade.  And guess what?  She's HAPPY. She crawled her way through and on a life changing trip to Europe, she discovered herself. 

It was really important to us to offer some light at the end of the tunnel for our Season Three Finale!

We really hope you enjoy this conversation with two time best selling author, and podcaster, Gabrielle Stone. 

To get your hands on her book, Eat, Pray #FML, head here:

Eat, Pray, #FML

To get your hands on her new journal, F*ck off, I'm Healing, head here:

F*ck off, I'm Healing

To listen to Gabielle's podcast, #FML Talk, head here:

FML Talk

We love you all and we want you all to know that there IS light at the end of the tunnel for you. 

You WILL get through this. This pain will NOT last forever. 

Stick with us, we'll get you through it. 

For more support, join our private communities:

http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

http://www.patreon.com/hownottosuckatdivorce.com

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we dive into the world of prenuptial agreements (prenups) and why they might be something to consider for anyone entering a marriage, especially if you're coming into the union with significant assets or wealth. They cover everything from what goes into a prenup, who might need one, and how to navigate the conversation with your partner, to the importance of finding a good lawyer and ensuring fairness in the agreement. They also discuss some of the more unusual clauses that might appear in prenups and share tips on how to approach the topic with your partner in a way that is clear and non-confrontational.

The burning questions you'll get answers to:

Who typically needs a prenup?

Are there any common clauses included in prenups, like those involving children or lifestyle?

How much can you expect to pay for a prenup?

Should both parties hire separate attorneys when creating a prenup?

What should someone look out for if they are served a prenup?

When is the best time to start discussing and signing a prenup before marriage?

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

We're back with Season 3!

We thought we'd kick off the best season yet by starting at the beginning of the end . . . when you know it's over.

We welcome guest and retired husband Mike Draper to the show as he shares his story of when he knew it was over and what life after divorce is really like for a single dad. Check out Magic Mike, I'm sorry, I mean Mortgage Mike on IG @mortgage_mike

As always we're keeping it real and keeping the levity because this process is tough enough. But you are never alone. You got this and we got you.

We MISSED you and love when you slide into our dms so reach out!

@theandrearappaport

@divorceattorneychicago

Would you benefit from Discernment Counseling? This week, we find out. The founder of discernment counseling, Dr. Bill Doherty, joins us on the podcast. Not only did Dr. Doherty develop a specific type of counseling for couples where one is considering divorce, he's also been on Oprah not just once, but twice! From Harpo to How Not To Suck At Divorce, Dr. Doherty is moving up in the world, that's for sure.

Discernment counseling is when one person is leaning OUT of the relationship and considering divorce and the other person is leaning IN and wants to try to make things work. This type of counseling gives people clarity and confidence based on a deeper understanding of what has happened in the marriage.

Dr. Doherty answers the questions:

1. What is discernment counseling?
2. Does discernment counseling solve problems in the marriage?
3. What are the differences between couples therapy and discernment counseling?
4. How long is discernment counseling?
5. What are the three paths of discernment counseling?
6. How do I know if we should try couples therapy or discernment counseling?

Stay until the end because Dr. Doherty blows the lid off traditional therapy and tells us he favorite type of wine (you won't believe his answer). 

You can find Dr. Bill Doherty and search for a local discernment counselor at discernmentcounselors.com.

Please hit the 5 stars in your podcast app, we need the external validation, but more importantly, it helps our podcast show up in searches so we can help those who are struggling through the divorce process. 

Remember, you got this and we got you.

Slide into our dms, we love hearing from you! @theandrearappaport @divorceattorneychicago

We know - it sounds pretty daunting and impossible. This episode is full of actionable steps for you to take.

In this episode, we chat again with forensic psychotherapist guest, Micaela Van Dine https://mvdpsychotherapy.com/, about how to prepare to leave your abusive marriage.

You're going to hear about:

-Setting a timeline for leaving (we know- sounds impossible)

-Understanding your/your spouse's financial situation

-Securing sentimental belongings

-Safely exiting the marriage

-Making sure you're doing things "by the law" in your state

-Be SUPER mindful of the kids

Our Divorce Crash Course was help you out here- BIG TIME- please, go check it out. It's $97 and will give you an actionable plan that will help save THOUSANDS and avoid major mistakes. https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

 Friends, you can reach out to Micaela directly on her website if you want her consulting advice. 

As always it’s recommended to consult with legal professionals and therapists specific to the listener's jurisdiction to ensure appropriate and personalized advice.

If you need support in finding someone in your area, shoot us over an email at hello@hownottosuckatdivorce.com

Our Family Wizard is here to help you with your coparenting journey. http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Soberlink is here for you if you're concerned about alcohol usage during parenting time. Go to: http://www.soberlink.com/notsuck to get $50 off your device.

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea opens up about her personal journey and how getting divorced legitimately saved her life. She shares her experiences of being in an unhealthy marriage, the physical toll it took on her, and the turning point that led her to take control of her life. Andrea also discusses the mistakes she made during her divorce process, including choosing the wrong lawyer and rushing into decisions without proper counsel. Despite these challenges, Andrea highlights the importance of having the right support and taking action to improve your life after divorce.

In this episode, you'll learn:

1. The emotional and physical toll an unhealthy relationship can take, and the importance of recognizing when it's time to make a change
2. How to avoid common mistakes in the divorce process, such as rushing into decisions or hiring the wrong attorney
3. The power of taking small steps toward healing, understanding that it takes time but can ultimately lead to a healthier and happier life
4. The importance of quality time with your children post-divorce and focusing on what truly matters
5. Why finding the right legal representation and support system can make all the difference in navigating divorce

This episode is a raw, honest look at Andrea's experience and serves as a reminder that, though divorce is challenging, it CAN lead to personal growth and happiness.

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

Attention: Andrea tried accupunture and she's OBSESSED. 

Did you know that accupunture can help with anxiety?? It can. I'm not lying. 

In you're in the Chicago area, PLEASE check out Chicago Family Accupunture in Northbrook, IL. 

100% worth, tell them Andrea from How Not Suck at Divorce sent ya!

http://www.instagram.com/chicagofamilyacu

Okay, raise your hands if you're open to trying a new way of healing!!

Apparently, talk therapy doesn't work for everyone who's stuggling with overcoming trauma. 

Today's guest, Carrie Holladay, is a trauma healing coach and she's giving us an overview on somanic healing and how it could possibly with for you. 

What is somantic healing?

How to heal from trauma?

How to heal from childhood trauma?

How to heal from relationship trauma?

This episode is leaning a little "woo woo", we know, but stay with us!! Healing doesn't look the same for everyone, and if you've tried everything else and it hasn't worked, why wouldn't you be open to something different??

Somatic healing works with your nervous system to help your body release the trauma that you're storing in your body. 

The process can happen in groups on in one on one sessions. And, it can be virtual!

To find Carrie:

This episode is HUGE and a MUST LISTEN if you are in the process of picking an attorney. 

The joke is, why do so many spend more time debating on whether they're going to swipe right of left on someone on Tinder then they do picking their divorce attorney?!?!?

On this special RE AIR episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we cover what you should be asking your prospective divorce attorney and what answers give you the GREEN light to move forward and what answers are a HUGE RED FLAG!!

To break it all down, we have Max Leinoff on the pod. Max is a family law attorney in Miami, Florida with Leinoff and Lemos, P.A. His firm was voted one of the Best Law Firms by U.S. News and World Report for 2021 and 2022.

Max answers:

• What three things you must hear from your divorce attorney
• What should you do if your divorce lawyer disagrees with you?
• The importance of expressing your goals honestly with your divorce lawyer
• Who will you be working for when you hire an attorney? Is it a bad sign if they have other associates helping you?
• What questions should you ask divorce lawyers before deciding who to hire? These may surprise you.
• What is a no fault state when it comes to divorce?
• How can you work with your divorce attorney to move things along swiftly and smoothly?

"When you're looking for an attorney, you don't want a yes man or a yes woman." - Max Leinoff

If you're in Florida, here is where you can find Max Leinoff: Max@LLPA.com www.llpa.com (305) 661-1556 - office

Also, Max shouts out his lovely wife, Katy, who is an incredibly talented, professional artist who has worked with Vans and was recenly featured on the Ralph Lauren website. You can see Katy's work on instagram @katyilana. We checked her out and now we're obsessed with her, too!

To join our private community, please visit

http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

or 

http://www.patreon.com/hownottosuckatdivorce.com

And please, follow us on Instagram for more tips and divorce entertainment!!

http://www.instagram.com/hownottosuckatdivorce

In this episode, Andrea and Morgan give advice on creating parenting schedules and what you need to keep in mind to ensure the best interests of the children are at the forefront.

We dive into some of the most common custody issues:

*50/50 arrangment

*right of first refusal

*asking for more than 50% custody

*difference between custodial custody and parenting time

*best parenting time schedules for younger kids

*more creative parenting time schedules

And speaking of kids, Our Family Wizard is here to make coparenting easier! And trust us, you want Our Family Wizard as a tool in your divorce toolbox. Head to: http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck to get access to a FREE article that we co-wrote with Our Family Wizard on how to best communicate with a challenging ex spouse!

And remember, our private community is here to support you. Join us at: http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

And if you have not yet filed for divorce and would prefer to listen to our episodes privately, you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/NotQuiteReadyForDivorce. Our entire library of episodes can be listened to discreetly for $4.99 a month. 

Follow us on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/hownottosuckatdivorce

See you next week, friends!

Friends. Listen up. You need to make sure that your divorce attorney is going to GUIDE you through the long, winding road that is divorce.

Take a listen to the dynamic duo, Sarah Jacobs and Jamie Berger, family law attorneys and owners of Jacobs/Berger LLC, located in Morristown, New Jersey.  Their mission is making the divorce process less nerve-wracking by focusing on the human side, rather than getting caught up in legal battles. Isn’t that what we all want?! (Yes, it is..) 

Sarah and Jamie express why it's so importatnt to find a relatable attorney who communicates well, knows your goals, and speaks your language. 

Episode highlights:

*Jacobs and Bergers’ approach to making divorce less stressful

*The concept of redefining the family through non-aggressive strategies

*The importance of a divorce attorney understanding and addressing your needs and goals

*The necessity for attorneys to be relatable and communicative

*Positive outlook on divorce as a new beginning

*Being a divorce "tour guide"

*A Real Housewives of New Jersey divorce story....(this sh$t is GOOD)

If you are in the NJ area and looking for representation- reach out to Sarah & Jamie.

Here's the site again : http://www.jacobsberger.com

Aaaaaannnndddd, ya'll - you KNOW you want some glowing skin, who doesn't?? Andrea and Morgan are LOVING their results from Dermamade, and we know that you will, too. This skincare line is so effective and not super $$$. For a limited time, you can save 50% off (which is INSANE) with code AMY50. Head to http://www.dermamade.com

And don't forget: Our Family Wizard is here to help make coparenting easier. And if you want some tips on how to communicate in a more effective way that won't make you want to pull out your hair extentions...go to http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck - pop in your email address and you'll get an article from US that maps out a plan for you!

Join our private community: http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

We love you, we're here for you, you can do this. 

Go get yourself a good attorney. 

Today we're back with Dr. Meaghan Boston Daly to discuss if divorce can kill you. We'll talk about the impact of long term and short term stress when going through a divorce and what sex, drugs and tacos have to do with it.

If this sounds heavy, don't worry, we know how to bring the levity. Be sure to stay until the end because we have roped Dr. Meg into playing the game you all love (we hope), Decline to Comment. 

Bonus...Morgan shares what your lawyers talk about when they go out for drinks together ;)

You can find Dr. Daly here: www.harper-health.com

And you can slide into our dms here:

@divorceattorneychicago

@theandrearappaport

There's a growing trend to share your life with someone and NOT get legally married...which sounds great, right?!?

No marriage = no divorce...so what could be bad??

Well, there's some things to consider...and on this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce we are chatting with Houston area attorney, Susan Myres, who's shedding light on the perils of playing house.

So, if you're considering NOT getting remarried because, well, divorce SUCKS, we totally get it, but please listen to this episode FIRST so you're well aware of the pros and cons. 

Things to consider: Tax benefits, medical rights, survior rights, pre marriage assets, just to name a few!!

There are many, many ways to live a happy and healthy life with your partner, just be aware of your rights!

Susan is availabe at https://www.thehoustondivorcefirm.com/our-team/susan-myres/

To join our private community, visit: http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

And to listen to our episodes privately, visit: http://www.patreon.com/hownottosuckatdivorce.com 

This episode is going to help you help your kids as you navigate your divorce.

Meet Sara Olsher. She's the founder of a company called Mighty and Bright, a company dedicated to helping parents help their kids through difficult transitions, like a divorce. 

Mighty and Bright makes stylish coparenting calendars that are designed for your children! They are have books, games and tons of other resources!!

And wise words from Sara:

Here are three steps you can take to show your child EMPATHY:

1) Get on their level- physically.  Speak to them eye to eye so you're not looking down to them when you're talking

2) Validate their emotions- refrain from using phrases like "don't cry". Let them cry. It's okay for your child to be upset. Validate their feelings by saying, "I know that you're feeling really upset right now. That's okay. I'm here for you"

3) When your child is hurt by the other parent's actions, you can tell them: "Mommy and Daddy love you very much. We do not mean to hurt your feelings and we are sorry that your feelings got hurt. Thank you for letting me know and I will make sure we do better." 

Go check out www.mightandbright.com to see how their resources can help you!

And here's a special link to a book that Sara wrote to help talk to your kids about Divorce!

Use CODE: DONTSUCKATDIVORCE for a special discount

https://mightyandbright.com/products/ebook-how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-divorce

And a nugget of wisdom from Morgan from our Fan Mail segment: If you find an attorney whom you cannot afford long term, but you really liked them ...you might want to consider paying them for a consultation. If can give you good feedback on your case!

In today’s episode, Andrea and Morgan discuss what happens AFTER you’ve been served with a petition for divorce…aka “dissolution of marriage”. 

So if you’ve wondered:

How do I choose the right 🤷🏻‍♀️divorce attorney?

How do I manage 🤦🏼‍♂️ divorce stress?

Who can help me understand 🙅🏻‍♀️ divorce documents?

Then this episode is for YOU. 

You deserve the right guidance and mindset is CRUCIAL.  

Divorce is a journey that can be navigated with resilience and grace, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. How Not to Suck at Divorce offers you practical advice, and a much-needed dose of humor.

**********

If alcohol is an issue and you’re concerned about your kids’ safety during your co-parent's parenting time, please check out Soberlink. http://www.soberlink.com/notsuck Vist the link to get $50 off your device.

And if you want more guidance and support in regards to co-parenting, head over to Our Family Wizard. Our Family Wizard is here to make co-parenting EASIER. Click on this → link ← to get free access to communication tips that will save you time, money, and a big fat headache! 

Please visit our private communities for more.

http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

http://www.patreon.com/notquitereadyfordivorce

And follow us on IG!

http://www.instagram.com/hownottosuckatdivorce

Today’s episode is about something we get asked about A LOT - recording your ex.

The truth of the matter is there are some major things you MUST think about before hitting that record button, and yes, EVEN if your attorney suggests it. However, there is a time & a place for capturing what you need to help your divorce proceeding. 

We answer: 

• What legally admissible means and how it applies to you

• When we would recommend you recording your ex

• What does it mean in your state? Is it legal? And what does it mean?

• When would it be appropriate to record and when would it not be?

And, why we LOVE Ring doorbells (not sponsored...yet..hit us up, Ring!)

This episode is not only insightful but a resource for you that you may need at some point & we want to equip you with the information you need.

And remember, Our Family Wizard is here to help you with your coparenting journey. To learn more about Our Family Wizard, please go check them out, you'll also get access to a special (and funny) article we co wrote with them!! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Do you have the Divorce Crash Course??? It's going to help you- BIG TIME.

https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

You've got this, friends, and we've got you!

Well, here the F we go. 

The 5 biggest mistakes I (Andrea) made during my divorce.

Mistake #1: Marrying the wrong person. Ignoring ALL of the red flags. Ignoring my gut. HUGE mistake.

Mistake #2: Not having the right tools to think LOGICALLY, therefore functioning from a sheer emotional place

Mistake #3: Hiring the wrong attorney for my case

Mistake #4: Signing a parenting agreement without consulting a child therapist

Mistake #5: Not having realistic expectations

This is a big episode. As uncomfortable as it is to be this vulnerable, it's more important that everyone know the mistakes that are SO easy to make that can cost you money, time with your kids, and a lot of mental sanity.

One mistake that I DIDN'T make was recogizing that my mental health was suffering towards the end of the divorce and that the "juice wasn't with the squeeze" on several issues...walking away and being done CAN be right decision for many in the divorce process. However, you ALWAYS want to follow the guidance of your attorney.

Which is why ALL ROADS LEAD BACK TO HIRING THE RIGHT ATTORNEY FOR YOUR CASE!

Don't forget, the first person to DM us from this episode gets a homemade chocolate chip banana bread (Morgan's fav) shipped right to their door!! (US and Canada listeners only!...sorry to our 1 listener in Honduras, but we still love you)

Lean on us. We're here to get you through this mess. And so are our sponsors.

Need help with alcohol monitoring during parenting time? Soberlink has your back. 

http://www.soberlink.com/notsuck

Want to make coparenting a whole lot easier? Check out Our Family Wizard.

http://www.ourfamilywizard.com

Join our private communites. If you need to listen to our episodes WITHOUT them being uploaded to your familes' icloud, join our Patreon community for private listening AND bonus episodes.

http://www.patreon.com/hownottosuckatdivorce.com

And please join our free support group!

http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

We love you guys! See you next week. 

If you haven't been living under a rock, you saw the movie: The Wolf of Wall Street.

Now you're going to hear about the real life experience of being married to infamous character in which the movie was written about. 

You’re also going to hear find out the hell can you do so that you're not carrying around this weight and this storm cloud for the rest of your life.

To learn more about how YOU can work directly with Dr Nae (and we know you want to), check her out here: https://drnae.com/about-dr-nadine-macaluso/#

AND, grab her book, Run Like Hell here: https://drnae.com/run-like-hell-book/

So tune in as we chat with Dr. Nadine Macaluso, a clinical expert and ex-wife of the real-life Wolf of Wall Street, Jordan Belfort.

If you're in need of coparenting support- look no further than Our Family Wizard. We LOVE them. Head here for more information: http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

And finally, if Dr Nae's story sound at all like yours...you NEED the Divorce Crash Course, get it here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

In this episode, we dive into the difficult topic of feeling strung along in a marriage. Whether your spouse is coming and going as they please or avoiding making a decision about your future together, it can leave you feeling powerless. The hosts discuss how midlife changes like perimenopause and stress only make these dynamics more challenging, but the real focus is on how to take back your power by setting boundaries.

Morgan shares a real-life story about a client stuck in this frustrating limbo, and they explore how setting boundaries—though scary—can be the key to getting clarity in your relationship. With humor and compassion, they tackle why it’s so important to reclaim control, even if it means being labeled the "bad guy."

In this Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How to recognize if you're being strung along in your marriage.
• Why setting boundaries might be the healthiest move (even if it feels terrifying).
• How midlife changes like perimenopause can impact your emotional and mental well-being.
• What to do when your spouse seems to have one foot in and one foot out of the relationship.
• Why sometimes being the bad guy is the best thing you can do for yourself.
• How hair extensions may not save your marriage, but they sure can comfort you through tough times.

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

Let us start off by saying that we LOVE therapy.

However, all therapists are NOT created equally and on this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce we are looking at the problem that some therapists create for their clients.  Okay...stay with us...

Dr Bill Doherty is joining us on this very special episode to shed light on a topic that needs more attention. We want you to listen to this episode to truly disgest the ideas discussed, but for the show notes, we will leave you this:

Be aware of comments that your individual therapist makes regarding your spouse or ex spouse without ever meeting them. 

Be even more aware of personality disorders that your individual therapist might claim your spouse or ex spouse has. 

This episode has LOTS of controvesial ideas, so please listen with an open mind. 

To find Dr Doherty online, please visit : http://www.discernmentcounseling.com

As always, we bring the information you need while navigating your divorce, the entertainment you deserve and the empathy you are craving. 

We are here for you every single step of the way. Pre divorce, during your divorce, and post divorce. 

We will guide you, maybe make you laugh, and hopefully help you feel less alone. 

For more community, please join our Patreon and Facebook groups.

You've got this and we've got you!

This week we're talking about how to find the right divorce lawyer.  It's like Tinder for Attorneys!

To break it all down, we have Max Leinoff on the pod. Max is a family law attorney in Miami, Florida with Leinoff and Lemos, P.A. His firm was voted one of the Best Law Firms by U.S. News and World Report for 2021 and 2022.

Max answers:

• What three things you must hear from your divorce attorney
• What should you do if your divorce lawyer disagrees with you?
• The importance of expressing your goals honestly with your divorce lawyer
• Who will you be working for when you hire an attorney? Is it a bad sign if they have other associates helping you?
• What questions should you ask divorce lawyers before deciding who to hire? These may surprise you.
• What is a no fault state when it comes to divorce?
• How can you work with your divorce attorney to move things along swiftly and smoothly?

"When you're looking for an attorney, you don't want a yes man or a yes woman." - Max Leinoff

If you're in Florida, here is where you can find Max Leinoff: Max@LLPA.com www.llpa.com (305) 661-1556 - office

Also, Max shouts out his lovely wife, Katy, who is an incredibly talented, professional artist who has worked with Vans and was recenly featured on the Ralph Lauren website. You can see Katy's work on instagram @katyilana. We checked her out and now we're obsessed with her, too!

We had so much fun with Max, we made him participate in Spin the Wheel, Andrea's favorite segment (Morgan hates it). What embarrassing thing will Max have to do? Stay to the end to find out.

Don't missed our OBSESSED segment: This week, Morgan is obsessed with Portillos. We ordered Portillos during the photoshoot for this season, because Morgan and Andrea love nothing more than a great cheeseburger. The photographer kept shooting because watching the us chow on Portillos in fancy dresses was too good to miss. If you're not from Chicago, you may not know how amazing Portillos is. They are iconic. They're best known for hot dogs, burgers and Italian beef (and cheese fries and chocolate cake shakes).  If you're not in Chicago, you can have their food shipped to your door. Life-changing. We're not affiliated (yet)....we're just obsessed.

We'd love to know what you think of the show! Please email us at hello@hownottosuckatdivorce.com or dm us at:

@theandrearappaport @divorceattorneychicago

You can also reach out to us through our website:

www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com We read every message and reply personally, because our community means the world to us and we want you to know we're here for you. You got this and we got you.

It's the season FOUR premiere!!!  We are SO excited to bring you an AMAZING season of advice, divorce tips, and of course, a lot of LAUGHS.

AND...we have a brand new segment! Forget "OBSESSED", and welcome to "OVER IT", our time to share what's driving us NUTS...it's sure to bring you some much needed humor!  Starting with Morgan's strong aversion to people using their speaker phone setting in public places...meanwhile, Andrea says, "bring in ON!", (just make sure your friend of family member enunciates). 

Today's episode highlights the story of Jessica Frew's marriage, divorce, and her BEAUTIFUL life (and relationship with her ex), post divorce. If you don't yet know her, do yourself a favor and go follow her : www.instagram.com/heyjessicafrew . Jessica is the host of the popular, Husband in Law, podcast where she, her current husband, and her ex husband tell their story. We don't want to "spill the tea" here in the shownotes, so you're going to have to listen to this episode to hear all about Jessica's experience and how she so gracefully navigated the major changes in her life AND how she helps other women do the same. 

Check Jessica's coaching groups out here: http://www.theboldlogic.com

And, here are some shoutouts to our season 4 sponsors!!

If you or your ex spouse is struggling with alcohol and you have concerns about being sober during parenting time, please visit: http://www.soberlink.com/notsuck for $50 off a device

And please, if you are navigating a high conflict divorce and need a safe and effective way to communicate with your coparent, please visit http://www.ourfamilywizard.com

As always, take deep breaths. Move your body, and find a way to laugh EVERY SINGLE FREAKING DAY. 

You've got this, and we've got you. 

Join our FREE community : http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

And to listen to our episodes PRIVATELY and get access to BONUS interviews, join us here: http://www.patreon.com/hownottosuckatdivorce.com

What is Nesting??

Nesting is when a divorced couple with children keep the children in the family home, or "nest", and the divorced parents spend their parenting time in the "nest" and their non parenting time outside of the "nest".

The pros and cons to this lifestyle are varied, and that's exactly why we brought on Beth Behrendt, who's "nested" for many years and even wrote a book documenting not only her experience, but the experience of five other families. 

Listen to this episode to hear Morgan's legal questions regarding the topic and Andrea's slighty taboo questions on the sticky side of "nesting". 

This episode will open your eyes to a completley different approach to living with your children post divorce. This lifestyle is NOT for everyone. Please consult your attorney and therapist before venturing down the nesting road. 

To get your hands on a copy of Beth's book, Nesting After Divorce, head HERE!

Beth also offers access to an exclusive group on Facebook to those who are "nesting curious"

 Facebook Group

As ALWAYS, Morgan and Andrea are here to guide you, support you, and entertain you along your journey pre, during and post divorce. 

You've got this, and we've got you!!

Thank you for 10k downloads (11.8k to be exact)! Your support means the world to us.

Today Morgan and Andrea are stuck in a snowstorm talking to wealth advisor Franco La Marca.

Earlier this week Andrea posted on Instagram about financial abuse in a marriage and throughout the divorce process. So many people reached out sharing similar stories and many women said they didn't realize what they were experiencing was actually financial abuse.

So they decided to have the financial expert himself, Franco La Marca, join in on the conversation and share 3 essential things everyone should be doing to protect their finances.

We would love to hear from you after today's episode. Please feel free to message Morgan @divorceattorneychicago and Andrea @theandrearappaport.

You can find Franco La Marca at:

www.bernstein.com

franco.lamarca@bernstein.com

Friend, let’s be real, we know that you're tired of pretending that everything is okay.

We know that your gut is telling you that your marriage is not going to work.

So, now what???

If you have EVER wondered:

"What do I do if I think I want a divorce?" - this episode is for you. 

If you're considering divorce but don't know where to begin, this episode is for you. 

If you're just miserable in your marriage, but feel stuck, this episode is for you. 

Don't forget: The DCC is here to help you save up to THOUSANDS on your divorce AND help you avoid making MAJOR mistakes. Get The Divorce Crash Course HERE!

Join our private community: Here!

And remember, Our Family Wizard is here to help you make coparenting easier. Believe us, you want to check them out: http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

This podcast was designed to give you information, entertainment and empathy as you embark on the divorce process. 

We know that divorce is hard. We know that it's a long and draining process. We also know that life is so much better on the other side. 

Don't give up. Everyone deserves to be happy. 

You've got this and we've got you.

How to find a divorce attorney

What questions to ask a divorce attorney or a divorce lawyer

Where do you find a divorce lawyer or attorney

Should you google "tough divorce lawyer"

How do you vet a divorce lawyer or divorce attorney

What steps do you need to take if you don't have a financial advisor

How much do divorce lawyers charge and what's included

What is a divorce mediator

This is a lot but we promise you, we make it easy to digest and we'll make you laugh. Be sure to stay until the end for our favorite segment - wild divorce stories that are a hilarious lesson on what NOT to do.

In this episode of How Not To Suck At Divorce, we dive into handling the tough emotions that can arise during the holiday season when you're going through a divorce. We know it’s not easy, and we’ve got your back!

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

1. Embrace the sadness – Don’t fight it. We talk about why feeling sad is totally normal and how pushing those feelings down will only make them linger longer.
2. Move your body – It doesn’t have to be anything intense, but a little walk can go a long way in helping clear your mind and improve your mood.
3. Shift your focus – Find a project, something to get your hands on, like a craft or home project, to take your mind off the stress and give you a sense of accomplishment.
4. Get out there – Even if it's just for a short time, saying yes to an invite and getting dressed can help break the isolation and give you a sense of normalcy.

So, if the holidays are feeling heavy or you’re just struggling to cope, listen in for some practical tips and support to make it through. We get it – divorce is a marathon, not a sprint, and we’ve got you every step of the way.

Links to the amazing products discussed in episodes:

• Jouer Under Eye Balm
• Women's Heated Vest
• Men's Heated Vest
• Flameless Candle lighter

In today’s episode, we have a very first for this podcast & an incredibly special guest - Retired Los Angeles Judge Dianna Gould-Saltman. That’s right - a VERY recently retired divorce judge! (who BTW, has divorced several celebrity couples)

Let's face it- nobody wants to go to court. It’s just not a fun experience. If you're navigating the divorce process, going before the judge is likely a step that you are trying to avoid for several reasons. But for one reason or another, it happens for a lot of divorcing couples. 

So, what do you do you to get the judge "on your side"???

In this episode you’ll learn: 

* An easy thing you can do to help yourself get in the right headspace for court 

* What do to and not to do when you’re actually in front of the judge in court 

* Does it matter if the judge *knows* the attorney who’s representing you or your spouse

* What are some mistakes that Judge Dianna saw in her courtroom over and over 

*What's a "private divorce"??

If you’re going through this nasty thing called divorce and ready to learn how to prepare for court in the eyes of a retired divorce judge…this epiosode is for YOU. 

AND! If you're wanting to hire Judge Dianna Gould- Saltman as your mediator or your private judge...guess what? You can do that! Find her here: https://signatureresolution.com/neutral-CPT/hon-dianna-gould-saltman-ret/

And friends, if your case is going into court then you likely need some more emotional support. Look no futher than our private community. You can find it right here: http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

**********

Do you know about Our Family Wizard?? Because if not, you really need to go sign up for their newsletter. Our Family Wizard makes coparenting A LOT easier by helping you organize your calenders, expenses, AND monitor communications : and best part, it's looked upon HIGHLY in the courts as a way to help families do divorce better. To learn more, go to: http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

If you’re wondering how to get a divorce, should I file for divorce, how can I suck less at divorce and if you should saw your house in half like one couple did, this is the podcast for you.

In today’s episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we dive deep into the collaborative divorce process with Lucia Levias, a family law attorney specializing in this approach. We discuss what collaborative divorce is, how it differs from traditional litigation, and whether it might be the right choice for your situation. Lucia shares the benefits of this process, including cost savings and a more peaceful resolution, while also addressing who is best suited for this approach and the potential pitfalls to watch out for.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The basics of collaborative divorce and how it works
• How collaborative divorce can potentially save you money compared to traditional litigation
• What professionals are involved in a collaborative divorce and how they support the process
• When a collaborative divorce may or may not be right for you
• How to approach your spouse about considering a collaborative divorce
• The importance of being aligned with your spouse for this process to succeed
• Real-life examples of how collaborative divorce can help resolve tough issues like spousal support and parenting plans

Lucia's website: https://duboislaw.net/

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we dive into the overwhelming fear that often accompanies divorce and its impact on decision-making because lets face it - when we're fearful or scared we are NOT in our right minds.

We’re joined by transformational coach Annmarie Chereso, who shares her expertise on how fear affects the brain and behavior during such a challenging time. Annmarie provides practical tools to manage fear, including a four-step method that helps individuals move from a place of fear to empowerment.

You will learn:

1. How fear impacts decision-making during a divorce and how to recognize when it is taking control
2. Practical steps to shift out of fear and into empowerment, including breathing techniques, physical movement, and self-compassion
3. Why it's crucial not to make decisions when in a heightened emotional state and how to effectively manage fear
4. How embracing the right mindset can help individuals navigate the emotional challenges of divorce, leading to a more balanced and positive outcome

CLICK HERE to grab the Best Parenting Schedules Advice Workbook

Connect with Annmarie:

Website: www.annmariechereso.me

Free Resource: Out of YOUR Mind and Into Your Body! 5 Day Challenge to reconnect with your intuition and trust yourself: https://annmariechereso.me/trust/

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

This is no episode for babies (no offense, babies). We're getting into some real, REAL stuff in this episode. This is one of the biggest concerns our listeners have so we wanted to dedicate an entire episode to how to put your kiddos first in your parenting agreement.

Today, we have therapist Dr. Malissa Tigges with us to talk about how to create a parenting agreement that prioritizes the welfare of your kids. Dr. Tigges is a licensed clinical and forensics psychologist with over 10 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and an evaluator. She helps people make the best decisions possible when developing their parenting agreements. Dr. Tigges, Morgan and Andrea answer: What do divorcing couples need to understand when putting together their parenting agreement?

How to design the parenting agreement so it's appropriate at each age of the children.

The biggest mistake divorcing couples make when creating their parenting agreement. What is the main difference of a parenting plan that involves a younger child vs. a teenager? Can you modify a parenting agreement? Who should you consult with to ensure your parenting agreement is the best for your child? Should you open the parenting agreement email after having a few drinks? What is co-parenting therapy and is it necessary? What do you do when your rights are being violated during the divorce process when you're drafting the parenting agreement? What's the best schedule for co-parenting? 50/50? Week on, week off? Every other weekend? The answer may upset you, but it's important to understand. Is there wiggle room in a parenting agreement if there's a special trip or long weekend planned? Dr. Tigges also shares her absolute "must-dos". Here is where you can connect with Dr. Tigges: @drmalissatigges on instagram, tiktok and facebook Dr. Tigges is licensed in Florida but if you're not in Florida, your state may allow you to do telehealth with Dr. Tigges so if you need guidance, reach out!

OBSESSED: This week Andrea is obsessed with a non-medicated inhaler that has been scientifically proven to calm anxiety. It's called CalmiGo. It measures how much air you exhale and will vibrate when you exhale properly to help you regulate your breathing. It helps Andrea feel more grounded and has made her realize how shallow she typically breathes during the day. It's genius. CalmiGo sent the inhaler to Andrea after she posted the instagram reel of the time she was in the hospital for a panic attack. But please know, we do not recommend products just because we got one free. We will only recommend products we truly love and use.  And this is one of those, for sure. If you go to Andrea's IG and click the link in her bio, you'll get a $30 off coupon.

Don't miss the very end of the episode because we talk about how it has just been discovered that honey bee venom can kill breast cancer cells. Amazing! There's also a new study on a possible cure for lupus and other autoimmune diseases AND, new developments on slowing the progression of Alzheimer's. We love ending the show with some positivity :)

To our one listener in Honduras, we see you and adore you. Thank you for being here with us. xo

We'd love to know what you think of the show! Please email us at hello@hownottosuckatdivorce.com or dm us at:

@theandrearappaport @divorceattorneychicago

You can also reach out to us through our website:

www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com We read every message and reply personally because our community means the world to us and we want you to know...

Warning: Our favorite F bomb is dropped at 8:52 (thanks Rob!)

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Andrea and Morgan are talking love! The love you had, the love for your kids, the excitement of future love and the love for dress shirt on top/pjs on bottom. 

We are so excited to welcome our special guest Rob Roseman from the popular podcast WTF Divorce. Rob gets really real with us as he talks about his own divorce. Rob hasn't spoken publicly about his experience and we're so honored he chose to share his story with us.

Morgan, Andrea and Rob discuss how you decide if you should stick it out for the kids, how checking your ego at the door can help you have an amicable divorce where the kids thrive and the truth about what dating is like in the aftermath.

Where to find Rob:

WTF Divorce podcast

Insta: @wtfdivorce

https://www.wtfdivorce.com/

In today’s episode, we’re tackling one of the toughest realities of divorce: custody. Custody arrangements can feel unnatural, overwhelming, and emotional. Deciding when and how much time you spend with your children after a divorce is never easy, but it’s an unavoidable part of the process. In this episode, we break down how to handle custody agreements, how to mentally prepare for time away from your kids, and what you need to know to navigate this difficult terrain.

We share personal insights and experiences, including the pain of feeling like you’re “having your cake and eating it too” and how to come to terms with these challenging decisions. Special guest Heather Quick, founder of the Florida Women’s Law Group, joins us to explain how custody laws have changed in Florida and what that means for parents.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why custody arrangements can feel so unnatural and how to start accepting this new reality.
• How the new Florida custody law that assumes 50/50 time-sharing affects parents.
• The importance of planning for holidays, summers, and unexpected changes in parenting plans.
• How to prioritize your children's needs while managing your own emotions and mental health.
• Why you need to think long-term when negotiating custody agreements.

We answer the questions:

• What do you do when you just can’t agree to 50/50 custody?
• How do you plan custody arrangements for holidays and summers?
• What are some real-life examples of custody agreements that work (and don’t work)?
• Is it really possible to modify a custody plan later?
• How do you start emotionally preparing for time away from your kids?

Whether you're in the middle of a custody battle, preparing for it, or just want more insight into how to handle this part of divorce, this episode will give you the perspective and tools you need to navigate this tough chapter with more clarity. You’ve got this, and we’ve got you!

Connect with Heather:

Website: https://www.floridawomenslawgroup.com/

Tune in to learn how you can handle these difficult decisions without losing your sanity (or your dignity).

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

Today we have fan favorite Dr. Randy Heller to discuss how to heal from infidelity. Betrayal often has a huge impact on the divorce process because it adds fuel to an already raging fire. We want to help you move through the anger so you can make good decisions during your divorce. This is a heavy issue but we promise, by the end of the episode, you will feel better. If you're new here, Dr. Randy Heller is a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed mental health counselor, certified Supreme Court family mediator, credentialed collaborative divorce family specialist and facilitator, parenting coordinator, certified hypnotherapist, and the founder and Clinical Director of The Family Network. Like, wow. Dr. Randy talks about the different types of infidelity. It's not just cheating. Infidelity can also be lying, stealing, and hiding money. Infidelity can be any type of betrayal. We talk about:

Triggers after the betrayal How to trust your attorney after having your trust broken by your spouse How to deal with the pain of infidelity

How to heal Because levity is important, we didn't skip our obsessed segment today. This week Morgan is obsessed with Meyers hand soap. Her fave scents are Rosemary, Rain, and Daisy (it doesn't smell like flowers). Post-pandemic Morgan is especially appreciative of how well it lathers and cleans. We're not affiliated with Meyers but if they want to slide into our dms, we won't be sad.

You can find Dr. Randy Heller here:

thefamilynetwk@aol.com

646-717-6718

mycollaborativeteam.com

No matter what you're going through, we're here for you.

We love hearing from you so don't be shy. Slide into our dms: @hownottosuckatdivorce

@theandrearappaport

@divorceattorneychicago If you're liking our little show, it would mean the world to us if you rated and reviewed us right in your Apple podcast app or wherever you listen XO

Can you have boundaries with your narcissitic ex??? The million dollar question, right??

The answer is that boudaries live within YOU. You don't need someone else's cooperation or approval- you just need to enforce the boundaries you set (which is the hard part)

So today we are chatting with Katherine McNichol, a Ontario based therapist who's here to teach us about setting and enforcing boundaries.  You might know Katherine from her hilarious IG account (http://www.instagram.com/katherinemcnichol.com) ! If you haven't checked out her account yet- GO! Her memes are so damn funny. 

So what's the process for setting boundaries with a narc??

1) Set the boundary by telling them "This conversation is to discuss _______________"

2) When they attempt to change the subject (even if it's by throwing a jab at your expense) you can say, "I hear the you want to discuss ________________ and we can do that at another time, but right now we are talking about ___________.

3) Set the boundary. "This conversation is to talk about ______________. If you keep bringing up ___________,I'm going to need to end this conversation."

4) When that boundary that you just set is crossed- END THE CONVERSATION.

The boundary does not exisit unless you enforce it.

If you're interested with working with Katherine, please visit: http://www.kiruwellness.com and remember to check out her IG page for daily tips!! 

And now, a word from our sponsor:

If you are in need of coparenting support you NEED to check out Our Family Wizard. They are here to make even the most high conflict situations a lot easier. Visit them at:

http://www.ourfamilywizard.com

And remember, we have private communites for you to join!

If you need to listen to our episodes privately, please check out:

http://www.patreon.com/hownottosuckatdivorce.com

and don't forget about our private FB community!

http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

Chew on this: It's not the divorce that hurts the children; it's the conflict.

Coparenting can be REALLY hard, everybody knows that. But coparenting with someone who's really difficult, and someone who gave you hell during your divorce process is reaaaaallllly hard, believe me, we know. We have heard it all. 

So what the hell can you do to make this situation work? Well, we are going to tell you! Today, on the show we have Deb Conley, a therapist who specializes in high conflict coparenting.

Here are three ways you can reframe your mindset to help you BEGIN to coparent with someone who's not easy to coparent with:

1) Don't live in the past. (Look, we know they sucked when you were married to them, but not EVERYTHING they do as a coparent is sucking. Try your best to separate.)

2)Speak to them the way you would speak to a boss or a coworker. Take the emotion out of it. (Easier said that done, we know, but you have to reframe your mind to view this as a business relationship: the relationship of being effective coparents. 

3) Let IT GO (of control) This one sucks, but it's important. You can't control everything. You just can't. You've got help yourself determine the issues that are MAJOR that warrant bringing up your concern to your coparent and things that you need to just LET GO OF.

(If you are rolling your eyes and you want to scream, Andrea is with you. Having control is probably her favorite hobby)

But wait, there's more!!

Deb Conley offers a course you can take to help you be a better coparent. It's done virutally and not both you and your ex have to take it! (Although it does work better if you both take it!)

To sign up for the course, email:

paralegal.petrichlaw@gmail.com

Subject Line: CoParenting Course

In the body of the text, mention you heard Deb speak on How Not to Suck at Divorce and they'll be extra nice to you!

Course is available to everyone. 

BONUS EPISODE on this topic over on our PATREON channel- go listen NOW!

Aside from that, Morgan loves girls' trips, Andrea does not. 

Andrea is heading to Vegas this weekend with her kids to teach them how to gamble and party all night. (THAT'S A JOKE< CALM DOWN)

love you guys! Hang in there!!

For those of you who are facing the holidays WITHOUT your kids, let us reassure that your feelings dread and sorrow are completely normal. Even if you're feeling mixed emotions, THAT'S completely normal. 

It's a dramatic change from how things used to be. It can feel strange...empty...and just plain wrong. 

We can promise you this: you WILL get through these holidays...even though they might be challenging. 

Listen to this special re- air episode with our friend, Lisa McGregor, to hear her take on what she did to help herself get through those first few years...you hear Andrea weigh in as well- her take is a little different. 

And here are some updated action steps from Andrea:

1. Let yourself feel sad. Pretending you're okay when you're not does you no favors.
2. Move your body. We're not asking you to run a mile, but we are asking you to go for a walk.
3. Do something, anything. You don't need to go our and party all night, but grabbing a fresh Starbucks at least gets you out of the house. 

And now, a word from our sponsors:

Treat yourself to some new sheets, don't sleep on those same sheets you shared with your ex, YUCK. Cozy Earth is all about LUXURY!!  Visit : http://www.cozyearth.com and use code: HNTSAD to save 35%!!!

Our Family Wizard is here to make coparenting EASIER. Visit: http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck to sign up for their FREE newsletter and learn our OFW can help YOU!

Join our private community! http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

And if you need to listen to our episodes privately: http://www.patreon.com/notquitereadyfordivorce

Yep, divorce confessions! We're talking real moments that often come up during divorce! We share anonymous confessions and are here to remind you that divorce can make you feel like you're losing your mind, but you're not alone.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why it’s totally normal to have wild, irrational thoughts during divorce (and you’re not crazy)
• How to protect yourself legally when things get out of control
• The importance of having a legal team you can trust, especially if criminal behavior is involved
• Why you should absolutely NOT write your kids a letter explaining your divorce
• Why giving into the urge to stalk or harass your ex can make everything worse
• What to do when you’re overwhelmed and just want to pack your shit and leave

No matter how crazy things feel right now, you’re not losing it. You'll feel that in this episode!

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

It's what we all worry about the most in divorce: our kids. 

Will my kids be okay after the divorce?  Will my divorce ruin my kids' lives?

Is it fair to make my kids live in two houses?

****This is a special re air episode with Dr Randy Heller.  We talk about what's in our control in regards to our childrens' emotional and mental wellbeing during and after the divorce process.

There's a lot to digest here, so listen when you have sometime to yourself.

Biggest takeway: Your kids will be okay if you are okay.

To reach Dr Randy Heller please visit https://familynetworkflorida.com/

For more support with families, check out Our Family Wizard. Our Family Wizard makes communication between coparents easier. Learn more at http://www.ourfamilywizard.com

And please, join our private community for more support and guidance.

http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

WOW. This episode is powerful. 

If you're new to our show, welcome. On How Not to Suck at Divorce, we walk you through the divorce process from "I think I want a divorce" to "I'm divorced, now what?!" and EVERYTHING that happens between.

For many of us, our divorce comes with a "healthy" dose of trauma. Now, this term is certainly a buzz word right now that's often misused, so listen closely as our special guest, trauma therapist, Lauren Auer, digs into what trauma really is and how you can begin to heal from it.

Heard the phase, "the issue's in the tissues"? Well, that's becuase trauma tends to make a little home in our bodies and gets so damn comfortable that it doesn't want to leave. For this reason, traditional talk therapy doesn't always "do the trick" to subside the symptoms of trauma...(more on thse symptoms in the episode!).

Techniques like EMDR and Brainspotting can be quite helpful will working through a trauma block. On this episode, Lauren walks Andrea through a brainspotting exercise and it's...powerful.  

This episode will help you learn some tricks that you can apply EASILY to help yourself when you're feeling overwhelmed with anxiety and panic, as a result from trauma.

To reach Lauren and learn more about her services, you can find her here: https://steadfastcounseling.com

And to find her on IG to watch her viral reels and techniques, head here:

https://instagram.com/steadfastcounseling

And now, a word from our sponsors...

If your coparent is adding to the TRAUMA in your day, then friend, please check out Our Family Wizard. At Our Family Wizard, they strive to make coparenting easier...even for the biggest PIA cases.

https://www.ourfamilywizard.com

We are here for you. You can do this. Come join our community. 

https://www.facebook.com/thehownotosuckatdivorcecommunity

You're getting divorced, which sucks. But now, you still have to temporarily live under the same roof as your EX!!!??

WTF.

We know, we get it. On this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we are going to tackle the subject of what you can do to preserve your sanity while still living in the same house with your soon to be ex spouse. 

Questions like:

Can I date other people before I get divorced?

Can I spend money on myself and going out if I'm still living with my ex?

How will my ex and I figure out kid time?

How do I make sure my ex and I are splitting household chores evenly?

Will all be answered!

We are nearing the end of season 3 of our show and we are SO GRATEFUL for all of our listeners. We know that you have a lot going on in your life right now and we are honored that you carve out some time to spend with us. 

We know that divorce is hard. We know it's long and draining.  We are here to help guide you, offer you information, entertainment, and empathy and ultimately, help you not SUCK at getting divorced. 

Please rate and reivew our show!!

And message us on social, we would love to hear from you!!

Andrea is in pain and Morgan got pooped on by an iguana in a palm tree. It's been quite an exciting week. But today all is right with the world because we're here with Dr. Meaghan Boston Daly to talk about divorce and physical wellness. Dr. Meg is a concierge internal medicine doctor in Chicago and has quite the resume. We're so excited to be able to pick her beautiful brain. 

We'll discuss how being in an unhappy marriage really wears us down. Dr. Meg will tell us all about the subtle physical symptoms of emotional stress, Morgan will answer if your spouse can find out if you're on medication for your mental health during the divorce process, and Andrea will share about the connection between her body pain and being in a toxic marriage.

By the way, we're scouting closets across the world. If you have a closet we can record our podcast in AND you live in a climate with predictably warm weather patterns, please invite us to your home. We've had it up to here with Chicago "spring".

We love you Wyoming, thanks for telling your friends!

Where to find Dr. Meg: www.harper-health.com

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

@divorceattorneychicago @theandrearappaport

"Self Care" can be MUCH easier than you think. Forget about the day at the spa or the daycation at the fancy hotels...those are great, but not everyone has the money and time!!

Here's something that EVERYONE can do. Meditate. Stay with me. Meditation does not have to be so "woo woo" and for people who spend their afternoon hugging trees. Meditation is a really valuable way to help you get your sh$t together, for lack of a better expression!

Listen to the calming voice and words from Lynne Goldberg, she's the co founder of the Breethe App, an app that's designed for the non meditator. You'll find quick and simple guided meditations that will help you reframe your mind and help you gear up for big moments in your divorce: signing agreements, mediation, etc. 

Just TRY it...what do you have to lose??  And you have EVERYTHING to gain!

To download the Breethe App, head here: https://breethe.com

And a note from our Sponsors:

How Not To Suck at Divorce is sponsored by Worthy.

Worthy helps you get the most money possible for your diamond jewelry or luxury watch, fast and risk-free. Their experts do all the work for you, and their competitive auctions get you up to 3X what a local jeweler might offer in as little as 2 weeks. 

With Worthy, you’re in control from start to finish. If your item doesn’t sell for the price you want, Worthy sends it back to you at no cost, fully insured.

And now for a limited time you’ll get an extra $100 when your jewelry sells for over $1,500. All you have to do is register at https://worthy.com/notsuck. (See website for terms.)

How Not To Suck at Divorce is also sponsored by Soberlink.

 Soberlink’s alcohol monitoring system is the simplest and most efficient way to prove sobriety during parenting time. 

As we always say, you’ve got this and we’ve got you, which is exactly why we’ve teamed up with Soberlink to give you $50 off your device. 

To sign up and claim your offer, visit www.soberlink.com/notsuck

In this episode, we're diving into the difficult and emotional topic of creating a custody schedule. Whether you’re just beginning the divorce process or in the thick of it, figuring out the best arrangement for your children while managing your own emotions can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help you break it down, with guidance from family law attorney and mediator Rebecca Parra. Rebecca brings a wealth of experience in creating custody plans and offers practical tools to help you make the best decisions for your family.

In this episode, we answer questions like:

• What are the biggest challenges parents face when creating a custody plan?
• How can the new Custody Navigator tool help visualize and plan your custody schedule?
• What creative custody arrangements can be used for non-traditional work schedules?
• How do factors like child support affect custody agreements?
• What can you expect from mediation, and how can it help you come to a peaceful resolution?

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

In today's episode, it's REAL TALK as we tackle some of the biggest hurdles in divorce—financials, legal strategy, and emotional resilience. We talk about staying calm under pressure, understanding your finances, and working effectively with your attorney.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the flood of legal requests? Unsure whether you're working with the right attorney? Or maybe you're wondering what purchases to make before you file for divorce? These are just some of the questions we tackle in this episode.

Key Questions Explored:

• Do you really have to respond to every demand from your ex immediately?
• What simple action can help you reset when you're overwhelmed?
• Why might a phone call or face-to-face meeting with your attorney be a smarter move than sending another email?
• What should you do if you're unsure your attorney is the right fit for you?
• Is there a smart time to make big purchases before your divorce?
• How can you protect what you brought into the marriage, financially?
• What red flags should you watch for during the divorce process?
• Can understanding tax implications actually help you negotiate better terms?

Hit play for these practical tips and secrets to help you feel more confident and in control during your divorce.

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

How do you know if you hired right divorce attorney for your case?

This episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce is an inside peek into the minds and personalities of the top family law attorneys of New York City. 

Introducing: 

Michael Calogero

https://www.cohenclairlans.com/attorneys/michael-calogero

Lois Liberman

https://www.blankrome.com/people/lois-j-liberman

Nicky Rooz

https://selwlaw.com/nicky-rooz/

Any divorce attorney can get you divorced, but who's going to the right person in your corner to help fight for what's most important to you and your children?

In you're wondering:

Which NYC divorce attorney has the best bedside manner?

How do I know if I'm hiring the right divorce attorney?

How much do divorce attorneys cost?

How long will my divorce take?

Take a listen to this very special episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce!

a word from our sponsors...

Our Family Wizard is here to make coparenting EASIER.

 Free tips and guidance for those navigating a challenging coparenting relationship available for our of our listeners, head here: http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

For more support, join our private community on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

The house.  A hot topic during divorce.

And for good reason; it's the house where you made lots of memories, especially if you have children together.  But since the house is likely an asset that you have as a couple, now that you are divorcing, it's an asset that will need to be divided. 

So, what the hell should you do with the house??

If you've been googling:

"Can I keep my house in my divorce?"

"How can I figure out how much my house is worth?"

"Do I have to split my house with my ex husband/wife?"

Then this episode is for you!

Let's break this down into three steps that you can take to help you through "the house" process:

1- Determine the value (either by getting it appraised or by getting a CMA- listen to the episode to learn what CMA stands for!)

2- Have a better understanding of what the court would decide to do with the house should you and your ex not reach a conclusion together (you will rely on your attorney heavily here)

3- Be prepared to negotiate with your ex. Kind of goes without saying, but keep in mind that house is something that can be used as leverage at some point in your divorce process.

It's really difficult for a lot of us to view something as personal as our home as part of a business transaction, but that's exactly why we felt that this episode is so important. 

And stay tuned for part 2 of "The House" where we are going to give you some pro tips on what you can do if your wish is to keep the house!

Oh, and Morgan is obsessed with Publix grocery stores...listen to episode to hear how she thought the name was pronounced when she was younger!!

If you need Morgan or Andrea for more insight and guidance, please DM or email...or come find us at the nearest Publix in the bakery section!!

This week we are excited to welcome Dr. Randy Heller to the show. Dr. Heller is a licensed mental health therapist, collaborative divorce therapist and a mediator. A true unicorn. 

Today we're discussing the three conversations Dr. Heller recommends people have before filing for a divorce. We'll also be addressing the biggest concern parents have, "will the kids be ok?"

We love hearing from you so feel free to slide into our dms @theandrearappaport and @divorceattorneychicago

Where you can find Dr. Randy Heller:

familynetworkflorida.com

familynetworknewyork.com

646-717-6718 (NY)

954-236-4490 (FL and CT)

Did you know there's an actual process that helps unhappy couples decide whether divorce is the right move??? We are releasing this re-air episode today because it's important to talk about options. Divorce is NOT the answer for every couple, and a lot of you are wondering, "is divorce right for me?"

So, sit back, have an open mind...and take a listen. 

*****************************************************************************************

Would you benefit from Discernment Counseling? This week, we find out. The founder of discernment counseling, Dr. Bill Doherty, joins us on the podcast. Not only did Dr. Doherty develop a specific type of counseling for couples where one is considering divorce, he's also been on Oprah not just once, but twice! From Harpo to How Not To Suck At Divorce, Dr. Doherty is moving up in the world, that's for sure.

Discernment counseling is when one person is leaning OUT of the relationship and considering divorce and the other person is leaning IN and wants to try to make things work. This type of counseling gives people clarity and confidence based on a deeper understanding of what has happened in the marriage.

Dr. Doherty answers the questions:

1. What is discernment counseling?
2. Does discernment counseling solve problems in the marriage?
3. What are the differences between couples therapy and discernment counseling?
4. How long is discernment counseling?
5. What are the three paths of discernment counseling?
6. How do I know if we should try couples therapy or discernment counseling?

Stay until the end because Dr. Doherty blows the lid off traditional therapy and tells us he favorite type of wine (you won't believe his answer). 

You can find Dr. Bill Doherty and search for a local discernment counselor at discernmentcounselors.com.

Please hit the 5 stars in your podcast app, we need the external validation, but more importantly, it helps our podcast show up in searches so we can help those who are struggling through the divorce process. 

Remember, you got this and we got you.

Slide into our dms, we love hearing from you! @theandrearappaport @divorceattorneychicago

This week we're talking about how not to annoy your attorney. We're kidding! Kind of. You want to make the most of your time with your legal counsel because, as we're sure you've guessed by now, divorce is a bit pricey. We discuss divorce concierge service, texting your attorney, the importance of a strategy call, why your attorney has junior associates helping on your case and how to best communicate with your legal team. We will also get very real about how much a typical retainer fee will run you, and the broad range of hourly rates.

Stay tuned because our holiday party is coming up. Will Cardi B be there? We'll see.

Be sure to subscribe, rate and review!

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea and Morgan tackle the often-overlooked topic of how perimenopause and menopause can impact relationships and yep, that's right- divorce. They are joined by Dr. Heather Cushing, an MD who specializes in hormonal health, to discuss the effects of hormonal changes on women's moods, behavior, and marital dynamics. The conversation covers the confusion and frustration many women feel as they experience shifts in their bodies and emotions, which can often be mistaken for relationship problems. Dr. Cushing explains the difference between perimenopause and menopause, the importance of hormone therapy (HRT), and how addressing hormonal imbalances can help women make clearer, more rational decisions during the divorce process.

Questions Answered in this Episode:

• What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
• What symptoms are commonly experienced during perimenopause and menopause?
• How do hormonal changes affect mood and relationships?
• How can hormonal changes lead to feelings of irritability and emotional distance in marriages?
• What should women do if they feel like they are not themselves during perimenopause or menopause?
• How do hormone imbalances impact decision-making, especially regarding marriage and divorce?
• What steps can women take to address hormonal issues before making life-changing decisions like divorce?
• Is hormone therapy a safe and effective treatment for women experiencing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms?
• How can men navigate the challenges of supporting a spouse going through hormonal changes?
• What are the best approaches to take for those who are hesitant to start hormone treatment but want to feel better?

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

Today, a dear listener is sharing her divorce story with us. Welcome to the show, Zoe!

Zoe talks about how she stayed in her deteriorating marriage for 6 years. She recalls the control her ex had over her, how finances and religion played a role in her staying, and the moment she knew it was finally over.

Morgan shares some great tips if you're overwhelmed by all the paperwork and Andrea talks about finding the humor in a family therapy session over zoom with her ex-husband.

We know divorce is hard and draining, and that’s exactly why we are here. We are a part of your community now, and we got you.

DM us your stories and questions, we are here to help you.

@divorceattorneychicago

@theandrearappaport

Check out our shiny new website and let us know what you think!

https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com

What should you get your friends for Christmas or Hanukkah  this year?

What should you buy your divorced friends for Christmas or Hanukkah  this year?

Here's our "Oprah's" Favorite Things episode (Thanks to our FABULOUS guest, Bill Doherty, who once mentioned that we interviewed him better than Oprah did...we will forever think that we are in the same lane as the queen of daytime TV)

This season, you FOR SURE want to get your hands on:

1. Chocolate Shakeology Protein Shake

https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/d/chocolate-plant-based-vegan-shakeology-SHKCHVegan?referringRepId=971096

2. Fresh Overnight Mask

https://www.sephora.com/product/fresh-floral-recovery-redness-reducing-overnight-mask-P479841?country_switch=us&lang=en&skuId=2535417&om_mmc=ppc-GG_18525596383_139024248461_pla-1211245547446_2535417_626611912078_9021768_c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoq-LjKzX-wIV03NvBB1OagOrEAQYAyABEgIrv_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

3. Rose Forever Roses

www.roseforever.com

4. MomSquad Clothing "Diva" Leggings

https://momsquadclothing.com/collections/bottoms/products/diva

5. Pura Home Fragrance

https://www.trypura.com

6. Williams Sonoma Truffle Popcorn Salt

https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/regalis-black-truffle-popcorn-salt/

7. Andrea's Giant Water Bottle

https://a.co/d/34A4Pgc

8. Body Restore Shower Tabs

https://a.co/d/fDF69VL

9.  The Original Chicago Sauce

https://hereheremarket.com/products/the-original-chicago-sauce?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6pvUu63X-wIVt2xvBB2J_AmEEAAYASAAEgIqQvD_BwE

10. One Piece Onesie

https://www.onepiece.com/us

For forth and SHOP, folks! Wishing you a very merry/happy holiday shopping season!!

You gotta hear this episode. 

The end of Moncia's marriage involved betrayal, alcohol abuse, and porn addiction. What's fascinating about her experience is not what she went through, but how she CHOSE to heal.

When Monica and her now ex husband entered couples therapy, they also did individual therapy, and Monica join a support group. In that support group, she found perspective and reflection. With that, she was able to see that there was a role that SHE PLAYED in the breakdown of the marriage. Now, it's not to say that anything that Monica did or didn't do caused her husband to make his choices. Rather, Monica was able to see that some of her behavior came from a strong desire to control a situation, what wasn't helping anything. 

Once she was able to let go and accept her husband for who he was, everthing changed.

Yes, their divorce process began, but so did Monica's beautiful healing process.

Fast forward to the present day: Monica is sharing her dinner table with her exhusband, their children, AND her new boyfriend. You can see for yourself on her IG: https://www.instagram.com/monicaleighblog/

She now hosts her own podcast: Choosing to Heal with Monica Leigh

She also runs her own support community for other women looking to heal! Check it out!

https://monicaleighblog.com/community

This episode should give you hope and inspiration. Please visit our private communities for more.

http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

http://www.patreon.com/notquitereadyfordivorce

And follow us on IG!

http://www.instagram.com/hownottosuckatdivorce

Today we're talking about divorce when alcohol addiction is involved, with Soberlink's Chris Beck.

Alcohol addiction is on the rise and it can exacerbate the already difficult process of divorce. We know how delicate and important this issue is so we want to remove the stigma and speak openly about how it impacts both parties and how to make navigating divorce with alcohol addiction a little easier.

We talk about a device called Soberlink that Morgan has been using for several years in her family law practice. Soberlink combines a breathalyzer with facial recognition software and wireless connectivity to produce a confirmation report of sobriety that can be sent to anyone who is a part of the monitoring agreement (lawyers, coparent, rehab facilities, etc). This reduces conflict and gives the coparent assurance that their child is being cared for by a sober parent. It also gives the parent with the alcohol addition the opportunity to be in their child's life. It's truly a wonderful device for all involved.

We loved our conversation with Chris because it's so clear how much he cares about keeping families together during divorce when one person struggles with alcohol addiction. Keeping families together during and after divorce is our mission as well so his words really resonated with us. Plus Chris made us laugh, and he made Andrea cry so it's very well-rounded just as we like it.

Thank you, Chris!

Tap here to go to soberlink.com to learn more about their tech, programs and examples of family law orders.

You can also check out soberlink on:

Twitter @soberlink Facebook @soberlink

We'd love to hear from you! Are you divorcing someone with an alcohol addiction? Do you have an alcohol addiction and you're worried how it will play out? Have you used Soberlink?

@hownottosuckatdivorce

@theandrearappaport

@divorceattorneychicago Remember, you got this and we got you.

Today on How Not To Suck At Divorce, Morgan is recording from a beach, Andrea is learning kung foo, it's a typical day over here.

We are so excited to have the legendary Bill Eddy on the show. Bill is a lawyer, therapist, mediator, keynote speaker and the author of over 16 books on divorce. Not only does he specialize in high-conflict divorces that involve people with personality disorders like narcissistic, borderline, anti-social, and histrionic, he has also trained over 500,000 professionals on managing high conflict disputes. Morgan is fan-girling big time.

Today we're going to dive deep into high conflict divorce with the master himself and learn how to use Bill's BIFF technique if you're going through one of these messy divorces.

Order Bill's books on Amazon here and here or at your favorite independent bookstore. His latest book has been #1 in the divorce category the last 18 months. It's a must-read-now.

Connect with Bill at www.highconflictinstitute.com

If you'd like to see a reel of Andrea doing her kung foo moves please flood her dms:

@theandrearappaport

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we dive into the complexities of navigating a divorce when you have a child with special or higher needs. We’re joined by Cari Pines, an attorney in LA who specializes in family law and has personal experience with raising special needs children. Cari shares her expertise on how to manage the legal and emotional challenges that come with divorce when your child requires extra care and attention.

What you’ll learn:

• How to communicate effectively with your attorney about your child’s special needs
• The importance of gathering information about your child’s diagnosis, behaviors, and needs before you begin the divorce process
• The role of a forensic expert and why this might be necessary in some cases
• Practical advice on managing disputes with your ex regarding your child’s medical care and therapy
• Tips on using tools like Our Family Wizard to keep track of communications and medical expenses
• How to take care of yourself while navigating the difficult path of parenting a child with special needs during a divorce

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

Alright, here's one of Andrea's least favorite topics...but probably the most important: the parenting agreement. Below are the show notes for a special re air episode, all about the parenitng agreement. 

Remember, our Divorce Crash Course holds your hand through ALL of the important decisions you make during your divorce process. Grab you DCC, right here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course for only $97, you can save up to THOUSANDS and avoid making MAJOR mistakes. The cost of our crash course includes 5 short videos, which are wildly informative and entertaining (if we do say so ourselves) AND includes a printable guidebook, that has mental health break exercises built in!

***********

We're getting into some real, REAL stuff in this episode. This is one of the biggest concerns our listeners have so we wanted to dedicate an entire episode to how to put your kids first in your parenting agreement.

Today, we have therapist Dr. Malissa Tigges with us to talk about how to create a parenting agreement that prioritizes the welfare of your kids. Dr. Tigges is a licensed clinical and forensics psychologist with over 10 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and an evaluator. She helps people make the best decisions possible when developing their parenting agreements.

Dr. Tigges, Morgan and Andrea answer:

What do divorcing couples need to understand when putting together their parenting agreement?

How to design the parenting agreement so it's appropriate at each age of the children.

The biggest mistake divorcing couples make when creating their parenting agreement.

What is the main difference of a parenting plan that involves a younger child vs. a teenager?

Can you modify a parenting agreement?

Who should you consult with to ensure your parenting agreement is the best for your child?

Should you open the parenting agreement email after having a few drinks?

What is co-parenting therapy and is it necessary?

What do you do when your rights are being violated during the divorce process when you're drafting the parenting agreement?

What's the best schedule for co-parenting? 50/50? Week on, week off? Every other weekend? The answer may upset you, but it's important to understand.

Is there wiggle room in a parenting agreement if there's a special trip or long weekend planned?

Dr. Tigges also shares her absolute "must-dos".

Here is where you can connect with Dr. Tigges:

@drmalissatigges on instagram, tiktok and facebook

Dr. Tigges is licensed in Florida but if you're not in Florida, your state may allow you to do telehealth with Dr. Tigges so if you need guidance, reach out!

Also- Our Family Wizard is here to help make your coparenting journey a whole lot easier. To learn more about them and to get access to an article that we cowrote, visit them at: http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

In this episode: Andrea, Morgan, and James Quigley dive into the world of divorce and family law, AND  contempt of court. Listen to get some strategies for dealing with violations of court orders, and the emotional toll of navigating divorce. 

* Examples of non-willful violations of court orders and the importance of making reasonable efforts to comply

* Situations where pursuing contempt charges for financial issues in divorce cases may be warranted, and the process of filing a petition for the court to consider contempt charges

* Assessing the teamwork of law firms, understanding lawyer agreements, and maintaining credibility with the court

* Communication strategies with challenging co-parents, using co-parenting apps, and documenting interactions.

* Acknowledgment of the emotional toll of divorce, abuse, and gaslighting, and the recommendation to seek mental health support.

* Stressing the importance of addressing emotional issues with support, as lawyers are not therapists.

This conversation is filled with real-life anecdotes, practical advice, and a touch of humor, all aimed at providing support and guidance for those going through a divorce. Join us as we tackle these complex issues and share resources, all while navigating the intricacies of divorce with honesty and levity.

To find James Quigley online, head to: https://www.beermannlaw.com/team/james-m-quigley/

and follow the guy on IG, it'll make his day. https://www.instagram.com/quigleyondivorce/

And remember:

If you're concerned about your children's safety during your co parent's parenting time becuase of alcohol, Soberlink is here to help. To learn more visit: http://www.soberlink.com/notsuck and get $50 off your device.

Our Family Wizard is here to my coparenting EASIER, how awesome is that??!! To get FREE access to an article that we co wrote with the Our Family Wizard team that gives action steps on how you can better communicate with you ex, go to: http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

We have private communities, don't forget!! Join us. We're helpful and, like, way fun:

http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

http://www.patreon.com/notquitereadytodivorce

http://www.instagram.com/hownottosuckatdivorce

Introducing: The Real Divorce Attorneys series- a spin off of How Not to Suck at Divorce. 

This series offers an exclusive sneak peek into the minds and personalites of family law attorneys to help you discover who might be the right fit for you. Today, we are introducting you to 4 of Chicago's TOP divorce attorneys.

This episode gets crazy, so buckle up!

And if you're already midway through your divorce process...or not in the Chicago area, fear not, this episode will give you a fresh prespective on your case, and probably make you laugh!

We're covering:

How much money will my divorce cost me?

How long will my divorce take?

Who's the best divorce attorney in Chicago?

Best attorney in Chicago to counter a narcissist?

To reach out to the attorneys you heard on today's episode, head here:

Brian Blitz: https://www.bergerschatz.com/attorneys/brian-j-blitz/

Melissa Caballero Dunn: https://www.merelfamilylaw.com/attorneys/melissa-caballero-dunn/

Jessica Interlandi: https://www.sdflaw.com/team/detail/Jessica-bank-interlandi/bio

Scott Kramer: https://www.gmrfamilylaw.com/scott

And make sure you check out Our Family Wizard if you need extra support with coparenting.

http://www.ourfamilywizard.com

Join our private community for more insight and community!

http:www.facebook.com/thehownotosuckatdivorcecommunity

In today’s episode, boooooy did we shed some light on the top asked questions when navigating a divorce. From the quirky laws about eavesdropping, (did you know in Illinois recording someone on the phone without consent is a no-go but in public, it’s fair game?), to seeking multiple opinions like you would for a tricky medical condition – this episode has it all. 

And here's your place to grab access to the DCC: The Divorce Crash Course, yes, you need this! :The Divorce Crash Course

 And hey, for those wondering about GALs and child representatives in custody battles, we've got the lowdown right here.

In this episode we answer: 

• HOW to tell your spouse you want a divorce (and the big reason why we suggest NOT doing it on a weekend)

• What to do when you feel like your spouse has been hiding finances and is it worth it to continue digging? 

• Trial separations before filing! Doing the right thing or putting off the inevitable? 

• GAL - what it is and the role that it serves 

• How do you know if a GAL is going to help or hurt your case? When do you advocate that you want one? Do you say “I want one”, or is it something that you wait for a judge to slap on to your case? 

• Difference between GAL child rep - How would you know when you need one and not the other?

• Who does a GAL speak to and who does a GAL not speak to? And is a GAL the same thing as a custody evaluator? Are they going to come into my home and see what my home looks like? 

• What does parental alienation actually mean? 

• What happens if your ex records your conversations? Are they allowed to do this?

• How late is too late is too switch attorneys? 

• Experience requesting an order from the judge 

I promise we’re in your corner and here for you and remember, you’ve got this and we’ve got you!

**And remember, if alcohol use is a concern with safe parenting time, then Soberlink is a tool you need in your toolbox. Learn more and save $50 off your device here: https://www.soberlink.com/notsuck ***

To join our private community, head here: The How Not to Suck at Divorce Community

Oh friends, you won't want to miss this episode. Morgan and Andrea are back this week (with an amazing re-air) with top Dallas family law attorney, Rebecca Armstong, find her here! talking about the things you SHOULD and SHOULDN'T do after you file for divorce.

First off, do you have the DCC???

If not, you 100% need this tool so you don't totally screw up in your divorce process. It will save you THOUSANDS of dollars!!

GET IT HERE!

Rebecca, Morgan and Andrea answer:

-What 3 things should you do after you file for divorce?

-What 3 things should you absolutely NOT do after you file for divorce?

-Do I need a therapist if I'm going through a divorce?

-Can being in therapy be used against me if I'm going through a divorce?

-Why should I go to an annual checkup at the doctor during a divorce?

-Can I record my spouse during an argument and use it during divorce proceedings?

-Will my spending habits be scrutinized during a divorce?

-What advice did Oprah give Andrea about her own divorce?

***************

Let's talk about co parenting, shall we??

Our Family Wizard is here to help you with your co parenting journey and we are HUGE fans of what they do.

http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Today we’re doing something a little different; we’re answering listener questions. And they are good. This podcast is for you and so we love when you dm us your questions and stories. Thank you for being vulnerable with us.

Just a few of the questions we answer are: 

How do you support a friend who is going through a divorce when you’re happily married?

What’s the best way to organize your documents for divorce?

How do you answer the dreaded question from acquaintances “how are you”?

We’ll also hear one more way Andrea sucked at her divorce. Learn from her mistake-this is a don’t miss episode.

Wyoming, are you out there? Slide into our dms!

@divorceattorneychicago

@theandrearappaport

It's our freaking 75th episode!!!

So let's talk about mortgages, baby!  

We've got Sam Sharp, celebrity mortgage broker, here to give you insider information on interest rates, credit scores..and everything you need to know regarding refinancing or getting a brand new mortgage.

So if you're wondering why interest are so damn high right now, this episode is for YOU!

How important is your credit score?? Well, no shocker that it's VERY important. Make sure you listen to this episode to learn what you can do to improve your score.

(and did you know that a credit score for a mortgage is different from a regular credit score??)

Listen to the experts, don't DIY this stuff!

All of our US listeners are welcome to reach out Sam, you can find him here:

http://www.samsharp.com

http://www.instagram.com/samsharp_guaranteedrate

Meanwhile, Andrea is OVER her fatass, her words!! But what's with our butts growing with age??? Jeez, like we don't have enough problems!!

And now, a word from our sponsor:

Our Family Wizard is here to help you STOP TEXTING YOUR EX. No more more fighting on the phone over money issues or parenting time problems!! Go check our Our Family Wizard!

http://www.ourfamilywizard.com

Join our private communites!

To listen to our episodes without having them downloaded to your device, head over to patreon!

http://www.patreon.com/hownottosuckatdivorce.com

And come hang out with us in our free Facebook community! Get more knowledge, more insight and more laughs

http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we dive deep into the dreaded parenting plans (also called custody agreements, parenting schedules, or allocation judgments). They break down what really matters in these complex documents, from decision-making on medical care and extracurricular activities to holiday schedules and the right of first refusal.

Andrea shares her personal struggles with her own parenting agreement and offers tips on how you can avoid the mistakes she made. Morgan provides expert legal insight on how to negotiate a fair agreement that works for both parents and their kids.

What You’ll Learn:

• The key components of a parenting plan: decision-making, holidays, medical care, and more.
• Why you need to be proactive and think about how decisions today will impact your future.
• How to work with your lawyer to create a flexible and fair plan for you and your kids.
• The importance of compassionate communication and why it's key when negotiating with your ex.
• Pro tips on how to handle tricky situations like school choice, summer camps, and the right of first refusal.

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

From the floor of Morgan's son's closet, Andrea and Morgan toast Andrea's grandma, talk olive martinis, and how not to suck at divorce.

This week they're discussing the importance of taking your time when you're going through the divorce process so you're not reacting from an amped up mental space. You are going to hit a point where you just want to wrap it up because you're exhausted, but there are parts of a divorce that are irreversible and you don't want to make mistakes. So take a breath.

Don't forget the SUCK acronym:

Set aside an hour before you respond. Don't react.

Utilize help. You don't have to go this alone. Lean on your lawyer, your therapist, your friend.

Calm yourself. You will make the best strategic decisions when you are level-headed.

Knowledge, get it. Don't be afraid to ask your lawyer if there is something you don't understand.

Ok friends, tell us what you want to know about Morgan and Andrea and maybe we'll include it in "Decline to Comment" on a future episode!

Email your questions to hntsadpodcast@gmail.com

Remember, you got this and we got you. And Morgan has Enrique Iglesias.

This episode is your high conflict divorce survival guide.

We are going to cover the steps you should take to help maintain your sanity and stamina needed to survive high conflict divorce process.

On this episode, we talk with forensic psychotherapist, Micaela Van Dine, https://mvdpsychotherapy.com , who shares her professional insights and personal experiences related to high-conflict divorces in the courtroom.

Do you have our Divorce Crash Course?? If you are navigating a high conflict divorce, this crash course will potentially help you save THOUSANDS of dollars.  Find it here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

As ALWAYS, this episode offers several action steps and practical advice, like:

-Maintaining silence amid provocation

-Building a support system

-Choosing the right legal and mental health professionals to guide you through the difficult process

One of the most helpful tools available to you is Our Family Wizard. Used in many high conflict cases, Our Family Wizard is our top recommendation for organizing communication between coparents. http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

And don't forget about Soberlink! Soberlink to our go-to tool for those who suspect an alcohol issue during parenting times. Visit: http://www.soberlink.com/not to receive $50 off your device.

Hit play & feel a little less alone!

Please reach out to us should you want more support!

Help us help others going through the divorce process by following, rating, and reviewing our show!

If you feel overwhelmed by money, this episode is for YOU. Financial advisor and author of Squeeze the Juice, Jennifer Lee, spends times with us to day to give our listeners some expert tips so that their divorce doesn't ruin them financially. 

Here are some tips that can help you with getting a hold of your money:

1: Do a finanicial triage. (already overwhelmed???Jennifer is here to assist our listeners with this process)

2: Don't be an ostrich. (hiding your head in the sand will get you nowhere. Ask questions. Be brave and tell your attorney that you don't have all of the information they're asking you for. Bonus points if you're brave enough to contact Jennifer and ask a financial expert for help!!)

3: Don't give up on your money situation EVEN IF you made financial mistakes during your divorce process. Educate yourself and take BABY STEPS. Get curious about how you can improve your situation. 

Jennifer's book, Squeeze the Juice, is a FABULOUS place to start educating yourself. This book is story based, so it helps readers wrap their arms around the lessons.

Get it here: Squeeze the Juice

Do NOT JUDGE YOURSELF for not knowing EVERYTHING (or anything) about your finances. Just ask for help. Don't leave money on the table. 

Our listeners can do a FREE 15 call with Jennifer to see if can help you!

https://calendly.com/Jennifermodernwealth

a word from our sponsors

Our Family Wizard is here to make coparenting easier. Sign up for their FREE newsletter to get tips and tricks that can help you coparent better. http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

For more support, join us in our private Facebook community! http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

With divorce, there are things that you might feel you have zero control over, right? 

Maybe you’ve thought before, “My attorney's not fighting me.” 

OR maybe you're frustrated that your attorney's bills are insanely high and you wish there was SOMETHING you could do so save money.

Friend: I hope you listen to this episode with an open mind because we are going to give you very concrete steps that you can take to help your attorney help YOU so that you can make the most out of your attorney.

And, if you haven't grabbed our DCC yet, go get it here. DCC = Divorce Crash Course

Divorce Crash Course

In today’s episode, we cover- 

-Saving money

-Getting your attorney to fight for you 

-Supplying your attorney with the necessary information to really get the best outcome for your case

-Why it’s important to pay your bill on time

-Why it’s important to stick to the FACTS and leave your emotions out of it 

-A clear example of what it looks like to HELP your attorney HELP you 

Andrea asks some JUICY questions to Morgan, that you don’t want to miss!

And remember, Soberlink is here to help you if you're concerned about a coparent's alcohol use. Save $50 off your device and learn more here: https://www.soberlink.com/notsuck

Join our private community, we'd love to have! http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

In today's episode, guess what we’re tackling today? Yep—money.

Let’s be honest, talking finances is about as fun as doing taxes, but it’s one of the biggest reasons people hit pause on their divorce plans. Fear of the unknown can be paralyzing, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Joining us is Phil Weiss, a certified CPA, CFA, and RLP (that’s fancy speak for financial wizard 🧙‍♂️), and he’s here to break down the scary stuff. Phil’s personal story is a reminder of why understanding your finances is key, and he’ll guide us through the basics—from budget apps to aligning your money with your values (yes, that’s a thing).

We’re diving into how to plan financially before, during, and after your divorce, and why having the right attorney is as crucial as knowing how to log into your online bank account (don’t act like you haven’t forgotten!).

Tune in for some straight talk, practical tips, and a whole lot of empowerment as you tackle those financial fears head-on.

Schedule a free consultation with Phil HERE

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

Today we're talking about how to co-parent effectively and why co-parenting should be viewed as a business relationship.

Dr. Heller answers:

How is a family therapist different than a regular therapist?

How can we co-parent effectively?

How can we protect kids during a divorce?

Will kids be ok if we get divorced?

How can I get my spouse or ex to agree to family therapy?

What if my spouse or ex is a narcissist or has bipolar disorder?

How to find a family therapist in your area.

The best ways to manage the business of co-parenting.

We love hearing from you so slip into our dms!

Andrea Rappaport

Morgan L. Stogsdill

Where you can find Dr. Randy Heller:

familynetworkflorida.com

familynetworknewyork.com

646-717-6718 (NY)

954-236-4490 (FL and CT)

Oooooh friend - today you are in for an absolute TREAT. We (Andrea & Morgan) uncover the 5 BIGGEST MISTAKES that we see happening when it comes to getting divorced.

AND, to put the cherry on top, you can get even more access to these topics and so much more "hands on help" with: The Divorce Crash Course. 

Literally - this will be your divorce playbook. You want this crash course, you need this crash course. And, like we said in the show, we priced this guide at a low pricepoint so it's accessable to everyone. Most divorce "courses" are hundreds of dollars and take HOURS to complete. Our crash course is different. 

We also made sure that your privacy is protected. The credit card charge shows up as "DCC150", so nothing about divorce is mentioned. 

There's also an Afterpay option, so you can pay in installments.

And if you're on the fence about getting divorced: This course will help you. 

Okay, here's the link: ➡️ https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course ⬅️

In this episode, we cover some of the goods inside of the The Divorce Crash Course including:

Hiring a divorce attorney

Kids and the mistakes that people make when it comes to kids

If you should sell your house

Communication with your ex (Andrea’s personal fav) 

How to NOT rush through signing those important documents

*************

And if you're concered about your coparent's alcohol use, Soberlink can help: https://www.soberlink.com/notsuck.

This link will give you more information and a coupon for $50 off your device. 

And please join our private community for more support! http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

How do you cope with the pain of not having your kids over a holiday?

Coparenting is hard. Managing the weekends, weeks, and holiday weekends without your kids is harder. 

 Our guest, Lisa McGregor, of The Unplanned Chapter, helps divorced mom through the next phase of their life.

We list out ACTION STEPS that all moms can take is they are without they're kids over a holiday. We know that's it's not easy, but it's doable and we are here to help. 

Please join Lisa's group for support, information, and entertainment. Lisa, along with Andrea from our show, will be providing entertainmnet ALL DAY LONG!!

http://www.facebook.com/theunplannedchapter

And if you want to try Andrea's FAVORITE protein shake, come check it out here:

It's a GAME CHANGER!!

https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/us/d/chocolate-plant-based-vegan-shakeology-SHKCHVegan?referringRepId=2867305

Hang in there, friends. You've got this and We've Got YOU!

What happens if you die during your divorce process?? 

What happens to your children? 

What happens to your money?

We are talking with Lauren Wolven, she’s a partner in Trusts and Estates with Levenfeld Pearlstein in Chicago, IL. 

Here’s the good news: There are several steps you can take to ensure that you’ve covered all of your bases, just in case you die during or soon after your divorce.

We cover a lot of ground on this episode, including:

1. How do I change my power of medical attorney during a divorce?

2. How do I change my Life Insurance policy when going through a divorce?

3. How do I change my Will when I'm going through a divorce?

**How Not to Suck at Divorce Pro Tip**:

Don’t buy your Will template from Etsy. (this started as a joke, until we realized that it's actually possible)

And remember, all roads lead back to hiring the RIGHT team to support you during your divorce process. 

The RIGHT divorce attorney, the RIGHT estate attorney, and the RIGHT podcast to help you along the way!

Make sure you listen all the way to the end of the episode to hear some crazy stories about what some people leave as their final wishes!

To get in touch with Lauren Wolven, please visit her at:

LP Chicago

Oh, and our OBESSION this week??

Andrea tells us all about her obsession with Mark and Graham! Their monogramed handbags are to die fo... nope, not gonna use that expression today!

We love hearing from you! Email us at hello@hownottosuckatdivorce.com or dm us at: @hownottosuckatdivorce @theandrearappaport @divorceattorneychicago

WE'RE ON YOUTUBE NOW! Check us out:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMSvrn9lrdJt8mY1i_1tFwg

You can also reach out to us through our website:

www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com Please rate and review so our little show can reach more people xo

Not only did your marriage not work out, but now your divorce attorney isn't working out!! aaahhh!!

What now?!?

Well, on this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce we are going to talk you through how to switch divorce attorneys, so listen up!

If you're googling:

I hate my divorce attorney

How to not lose all of my money in my divorce?

Can you switch attorneys mid divorce?

How to switch divorce attorneys?

You want to listen to what we have to say!!

There's a checklist we are going to take you through to ensure that you know EXACTLY where you stand with your current counsel, what you SHOULD be getting from them, when to know if it's time to switch things up, and finally, HOW to do it!!

To get your hands on our "Before You Swtich Attorneys" PDF, head to our IG page and visit our bio line!

www.instagram.com/hownottosuckatdivorce

Meanwhile, Morgan is stil being tormented by people using speaker phone in public and Andrea is losing her mind over group text messages!!

And if you're stuggling with coparenting ON TOP of dealing with the headache of attorneys, take a second and visit Our Family Wizard. Our Family Wizard was created to help make coparenting easier- even in the most difficult cases.

http://www.ourfamilywizard.com

And remember, support is just a click away! Join our private groups below!

http://www.patreon.com/hownottosuckatdivorce.com

http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

In today's episode, we talk to therapist Hilary Rosenberg for a candid conversation about the challenges of recognizing and addressing deep-rooted issues in marriage. We explore the psychological effects of denial, the toll pretense takes on personal well-being and children, and why it’s essential to speak out about relationship struggles. Hilary shares insights on attachment styles and the importance of self-awareness, offers practical steps for navigating emotional turmoil and contemplating divorce with clarity and mental well-being. You got this, friend!

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

And if you're looking for the link to the magical eyelid lifters...you're 100% not alone...Andrea tried them after this episode was recorded and is obsessed.

Here's the amazon link: https://shorturl.at/pINWj

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Connect with Hilary:

Website: https://www.millenniumhope.com

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

**This episode is sbrought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/NOTSUCK and get on your way to being your best self.**

Alright, here's the deal. Divorcing someone with a "type 2" personality disorder is NOT a walk in the park. AND there ARE things that you can do to help preserve your sanity...

Let's start here: EXPECT IT TO SUCK.

That may sound hard, but baby, if your marriage was a shitshow, so will your divorce. It'll be worth it, but it's gonna be a mental and emotional battle. So how do you go into war being as prepared as possible?

Arm yourself BOUNDARIES. Historically, type 2 personalites hate boundaries and rarely respect them, so it's crucial that you put strong ones in place that YOU can enforce.

One suggestion that we have is to utilize a coparenting app, specifically, Our Family Wizard. Why? Because this app was designed to help high conflict coparents communicate LESS. Our Family Wizard is an easy to use app that will help you organize your parenting schedule, shared expenses, and even allow you and your ex exchange (what can be) court monitored messages. Now, please keep in mind that just because you use an app like Our Family Wizard DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE ABUSE WILL STOP. That's really important to note. However, using Our Family Wizard will allow you the ability to gain CONTROL. You can even establish the ONE time of day that you have to read (the obnoxious) messages from your ex. It's also the safest way for high conflict coparents to communicate...for those who are in a dangerously contentious situation. 

Listen to the words of our guest, family law attorney, Katharine Rupp, who PERSONALLY uses OUR FAMILY WIZARD. This woman literally practices law and she herself has had experience with gaslighting, mental and emotional abuse.

You're not crazy. You're not making this up. 

You deserve to live a happier and healthier life. You need an exit stradegy. You need a plan. We are here to help you.

If you are contemplating divorce and want a private community to ask questions, listen to our episodes WITHOUT them being downloaded to your phone and have access to BONUS conversations with experts,  please join our private group:

https://www.patreon.com/NotQuiteReadyForDivorce

This episode is sponsored by Soberlink. If you are concerned about your coparents sobriety during their parenting time, please check out Soberlink :http:www.soberlink.com/notsuck

And visit Our Family Wizard and sign up for their newsletter to get some tips and tricks that can make coparenting easier for you. :http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

You've got this. And we've got You. 

Summer’s almost here folks, and you know what that means...camps, vacations..and your divorce, oh my!

Not to mention: the DREADED parenting agreements. One of Andrea’s least favorite topics but something we HAVE to talk about. We talk about the significance of communication and flexibility in establishing summer parenting schedules, and the legal implications of these changes. We also dive into the complexities of co-parenting during summer, including summer camps, child support, and travel logistics. 

In this episode you’ll learn: 

*The challenges of balancing work and children's needs during the summer, especially for working and single parents

*Suggestions for getting help with childcare during the summer

*The importance of creativity and flexibility

*Examples of creative modifications to summer parenting schedules and the importance of communication between parents

*Practical approaches to managing summer activities, like summer camps, co-parenting logistics, and managing expectation

*Strategies for initiating conversations with co-parents about travel plans and managing summer camp choices.

And friend that barely scratches this surface in this jam packed mini episode!

Don't forget to check out the DCC, honey, you need this! : https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

And, go sign up for Our Family Wizard's free newsletter! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

And finally, join our private community! http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

Andrea and Morgan answer the question that you’re probably wondering if you’re going through (or about to go through) a divorce: Will the kids be okay?! 

*******

To get FREE tips on coparenting communication (believe us, you'll want this) head to:

http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck - pop in your email and you'll get access to BONUS tips, direct from Andrea & Morgan.

We get real about the impact of divorce on children and invite: Meg, and sisters Eden & Larissa on the show.  They share their personal stories of coming from divorced households, navigating blended families, and the challenges of balancing different parenting styles.

This episode gives you insight if you’re contemplating divorce or worried about the effects on your kids.

Expect to hear:

*Tips on communicating with challenging co-parents and using "Our Family Wizard" for organized co-parenting, including expenses and messaging.

* The importance of prioritizing the well-being of the children involved and creating a supportive environment for them.

* The challenges and misconceptions of parenting during and after a divorce

** The impact on children and the importance of parental happiness for the well-being of children

***The answer you all want to hear: Will the kids be okay? Answer might suprise you. 

**and BONUS !!! What can you do to give your skin that glow you had before your life turned upside down!! (hint: it's Morgan's obsession)

Get up to 50% off (which is INSANE!) If you go to www.dermamade.com and enter in code: AMY50

This episode is filled with real stories, hope, and honesty to help answer your question: are your kids going to be okay? 

You can do this. We've got you.

Join our private community:

http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

Follow us on IG:

http://www.instagram.com/hownottosuckatdivorce

We'll see ya next week. 

Kate Anthony, host of The Divorce Survivial Guide, is chatting with us tonight to offer another tool to help you at the beginning of your divorce process.

The "D" Word, a new book out by Kate, will offer you a lot of insight and guidance as you decide, "should I stay or should I go?"

Should I stay married for my kids? Does this count as abuse? Why am I so unhappy? What does a healthy relationship even look like?

If the above quesitons sound familar to you...go grab a copy of Kate's book. 

https://www.amazon.com/Word-Making-Ultimate-Decision-Marriage/dp/0806542357

Our hope is that this conversation helps you feel like someone gets what you're going through. We know that the decision to divorce is not easy. We know that there there are a multitude of emotions that fly through your head and heart and that you likely feel an incredible amount of weight on your shoulders. 

Our advice? Talk about these thoughts and feelings. Get your butt in therapy. Start getting honest with yourself about what you want for your life and for your kids' lives. Take responsibility in the role that you play in not only your marraige but also in your life in general. 

A now, a word from our sponsors:

Treat yourself to the softest sheets this holiday season. Visit http://www.cozyearth.com and use code: HNTSAD to save up to 35% !

Our Family Wizard is here to help make coparenting easier. And if you could use some additional support regarding coparenting, do yourself a favor and sign up for their FREE newsletter: http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

And visit Kate Anthony's site to learn more about her podcast and everything else that she has to offer. She's a wealth of support and guidance. https://kateanthony.com

And if you need access to our private library, to listen to all of our episodes in the most discreet way, please sign up for our subscription service. http://www.patreon.com/notquitereadyfordivorce

And our free community over on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

Hard fact: some coparents suck.

Hard truth: there IS something you can do about it. 

The coparenting app, Our Family Wizard, is a favorite tool for both parents and divorce professionals.

Why? Becuase it offers a PLETHORA of options to help you NOT SUCK at coparenting with someone who...sucks.

Now, you may be familiar with Our Family Wizard as a tool to have court monitored conversations with your high conflict coparent BUT DID YOU KNOW that:

1) Our Family Wizard is not JUST for high conflict coparents

2) There are a TON of additional features on Our Family Wizard (beyond the messaging) that will actually help you MORE than the court monitored messaging. (hint: the more you use these other features, the less you'll rely on the messaging feature!)

You NEED to listen to this episode if you're stuggling with coparenting. Trust. It WILL help you.

And also, if Our Family Wizard is good enough for celebrites to use (Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Kelly Clarkson, Lala Kent, Jeff Lewis...just to name a few...) then it's good enough for YOU.

You're welcome.

Also, don't be the a$$hole who eats onion sandwiches on a train. Especially not around Morgan.

And send snacks for Andrea's son, Oliver...he's still hungry and hiding all of this food under his bed.

And now, a word from our sponsor:

Soberlink is here is assist families who are struggling with alcohol addicition that can be a danger during parenting time. To get help, please visit: http://www.soberlink.com/notsuck

And don't forget to join our private communites!

To listen to Bonus Episodes and listen to all of shows without a record of you downloading them, go to:

http://www.patreon.com/hownottosuckatdivorce.com

And you're looking for a community, we've got a GREAT one for you to join!

http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

Coparents might not, but you don't have to suck at dealing with them.

You've got this...and we've got you.

-Andrea and Morgan

Can you get divorced without f@cking up your kids???

In short: yes. 

So, what can you do?

If you are worried about screwing up your children by getting divorced, know this:

1) Your children are likely to sustain MORE damage by you NOT leaving an unhealthy marriage

2) There ARE things that you can do to help mitigate the pain your children experience during the divorce process!

In order to not totally mess up your kids by getting divorced, we suggest you:

1) Get insight from a children's therapist on how to talk to your kids 

2) Keep the information you give your kids age appropriate information

3) Assemble a community for them

(Make sure you listen to this episode to hear why Andrea is so passionate about step #3!)

Also, does anyone still watch the Real Housewives?? Andrea does, and make sure you listen to this episode to hear what Morgan thought of the hotel in Iceland that the Housewives cast stayed in a few years ago!

And remember, you've got this...and we've got you!

Listen to this episode BEFORE you go into mediation. 

It IS possible to have a positive outcome from mediation, even if you feel like you your soon to be ex spouse agree on NOTHING.

 Here are 3 EXPERT tips (from a mediator herself) to help you reframe your mind before entering mediation:

1) You don't have to RESPECT your soon to be ex, but you still need to have some DIGNITY for them. In other words, treat them like a human who also has wants and needs (even if their wants and needs are questionable and they're acting like a total tool)

2)Start to think of the problem as something that's outside of you and your soon to be ex. Meaning, the issue is "who gets the kids this Christmas?" or "who gets the lake house?" or "who's going to get the collection of ketchup bottles?" (yes, that was an actual issue for one of Morgan's cases). The issue is not about YOU, and it's not about you soon to be ex, it's simply a "problem" that needs to be "solved".

3)Think about why you want what you say you want. This one is kinda about checking ego, and also just gaining some perspective on the situation. 

It's important to keep in mind that everyone loses something in a divorce. You're not gonna come of this thing with EVERYTHING you want, it just doesn't work like that. 

In fact, the old divorce joke goes, "if both parties are unhappy and feel they got cheated, then the attorneys did their job" I (Andrea) HATE that joke and it makes me want to scream, but that's the way it goes!

And remember, mediaiton, divorce, all of this mess is just going to be ONE event that happened in your life. It's not your life, you have a lot more life to live when this is all behind you. 

To find Joy online (and if you're in the great state of NY and would like contact Joy, visit:

www.joyrosenthal.com

And to access her course, head here!

https://courses.joyrosenthal.com/landing-on-your-feet

We are here for you, and here to help you not suck at mediation.

As always, please message us with questions!

http://www.instagram.com/hownottosuckatdivorce

And join our private community!

http://www.patreon.com/hownottosuckatdivorce

You've got questions and we've (err, Morgan) has answers!

We're covering supervised visits, attorneys not prioizing your case, nesting, mediation, and how to talk to your kids, and feeling like an a$$hole for wanting to leave an unhappy marriage but not neccassrily a "bad" marriage...

To recap one of the most common questions, which has to do with wanting a clear game plan from your attorney, follow these steps:

1) Ask your attorney for a face to face or at least a phone call to discuss the PLAN

2) At the end of the meeting, ask for a recap with next steps3) Ask for a realistic timeline and the areas where waiting for a court date/hearing back from opposing counsel could play a role into said timeline

4)Ask when you should follow up

So if you've wondered "am I terrible person for wanting a divorce?" or "how can I make sure my ex doesn't get unsupervised visits with my kids?" Or if you've googled, "How can I get my divorce attorney to care about my case?" or "Should I try nesting?" then you want to listen to this episode.

And remember this, whereas it's not criminal to be unhappy in your marriage, it IS criminal to REMAIN unhappy in your marriage. Look at your feelings. Look at your thoughts. Explore those.  Talk to your partner, go to therapy and WORK towards happiness, whether that's getting a divorce or not. 

And now, a word from our sponsors:

Soberlink is here to help coparents who are struggling with an alcohol dependence. It's a discreet device that can ensure that you are parenting safely. Vist:soberlink.com/notsuck

And Our Family Wizard is a revolutionary coparenting app that's dedicated to making coparenting easier, no matter how hard your ex SUCKS. Visit: http://www.ourfamilywizard.com

And join our private communites! http://www.patreon.com/hownottosuckatdivorce.com to listen to our episodes without it being downloaded to your device and http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity for support and laughs!

You've got this and we've got YOU.

On today's episode we're talking about the documents you need for divorce, why they're important to get right and all the feelings you may be feeling as you work through them. We'll walk you through each document so you don't feel overwhelmed.

Andrea opens up about her own experience getting divorced during the pandemic and Morgan gets real about how long the whole process can take.

As we mention in today's episode, please feel free to DM us on Instagram (unless your name is Chad). We're here to help and support you! @divorceattorneychicago and @theandrearappaport

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

In this episode on How Not to Suck at Divorce, Morgan and Andrea welcome Renee Swanson, host of the Covert Narcissism podcast, for a powerful conversation about planning your way out of an emotionally abusive marriage. Renee shares how she reclaimed her identity, protected her children, and gathered strength before initiating divorce — all while still living under the same roof as her husband. It's an episode full of actionable guidance, healing truths, and hope for anyone feeling stuck, exhausted, and unsure of their next move.

What you’ll learn:

• How to emotionally prepare before leaving a toxic relationship
• The power of “baby steps” and small daily actions that build long-term momentum
• Ways to gather legal and emotional information to reduce overwhelm
• How to communicate safely and reclaim your dignity while still in the marriage
• Tools and strategies for coexisting with a high-conflict partner during separation
• Why there’s never a perfect time to divorce — and why that’s okay

Questions answered in this episode:

• Can you begin healing while still in an emotionally abusive marriage?
• What does a practical, step-by-step divorce exit plan look like?
• How do you manage sharing a home with someone who triggers or controls you?
• How do you know when it’s really time to leave?
• What legal steps should you take while you’re still deciding?
• How do you stop reacting and start protecting your peace?

Our Family Wizard is another fantastic resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our DMs, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Connect with our guest, Renee:

https://www.covertnarcissism.com/podcast

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

Spolier Alert: If you don't want to hear about life after divorce, this episode is NOT for you.

What happens if you meet someone you really love after being divorced?

 At what point to decide to blend your lifes?

And what about the kids??

We need a roadmap on blending familes. How to do it. When to do it. How to have the right coversations. Who to have those conversations with and when do you have them....and the list goes on!

On this very special episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we are talking all things blending families (for a very special reason, which you'll hear about in the episode).

To help us navigate these waters, we brought in blending families expert, Mr Ron Deal. (or as we call him, "Ron BIG Deal").  Ron has written NINE books on the subject, and let me tell you, this guy is the REAL DEAL...not just the "big deal"!!

This episode will teach you the magic of making stew. Family stew, that is. (more on that in the episode)

If you've ever wondered if it's possible to blend families with children of different ages, this episode is for you.

If you're feeling anxious about getting remarried because you're wondering how your kids will reaact, this episode is for you.

Listen, lean back, take a breath, and learn.

To find Ron online and his library of books, head here :http://smartstepfamilies.com

To join our private communites, check us out here:

http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

Sending you all so much love and hope for what's possible!

This episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce is sponspored by Better Help. Give online therapy a try at http://www.betterhelp.com/notsuck and get on your way to being your best self.

We want to help you survive the next few weeks. The holiday season is a stressful time, in the BEST of situations. But if you're also navigating a divorce or considering divorce, then you're managing and extra set of stress and unhappiness that's likely making the next few weeks a really tough time. 

Here's how we can help.  Here are 6 pro tips from Morgan and Andrea. You ready for them? Let's go!

1. Set some realistic expectations. Surprises make for more unhappiness.
2. Keep busy. 
3. Prep your family on how to handle themselves around you (tell Aunt Beatrice to not ask you questions)  and possibly your ex.
4. Watch the cheesy holiday movies, we're talking the REALLY cheesy ones, Hallmark channel style. Nothing bad happens in these movies and it makes for great background noise
5. Just say no to parties you don't want to attend. Nobody really cares. 
6. Move your body. It's so damn important. If it's really cold where you live, walk around the mall, or even around a Target. 

And please, join our private communites for extra support!

Here are the links:

http://www.facebook.com/thehownottosuckatdivorcecommunity

And if you need to listen to our episodes discreetly (for those of you who aren't ready to file for divorce and don't want this show popping up on your subscription list)

https://www.patreon.com/NotQuiteReadyForDivorce

FYI: it’s a private community that does have a small fee. $4.99 a month to get all of the episodes discreetly. Ideal for if you don’t want your spouse seeing that you’re listening to the show. 

We’re adding to this channel everyday- so soon there will videos there too. 

The charge shows up as “Patreon” which is just a platform for additional podcasts.

Also! Our Family Wizard is here to make coparenting EASIER. AND, you can get free information on coparenting and handling sticky situations!

Head here: http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Andrea and Morgan are back with best friend of the podcast and fan fave Rob Roseman!  

Rob is the host of the popular podcast WTF Divorce and a single dad who felt the very common feeling of isolation when he went through his own divorce 2.5 years ago. Rob shares his story and the three discuss how to avoid isolation and find your community so you can not just survive, but thrive.

Morgan, Andrea and Rob discuss:

Is it helpful to find others who are going through a divorce or does that make it even more difficult? Trauma bonding during divorce. How Rob and Andrea met. How finding divorce friends is like dating. How Andrea's painful divorce and isolation led her to the podcast and our wonderful community with the absolute best listeners. Why Morgan started this podcast with Andrea and what surprised Rob about her reason.

*** Be sure to listen until the end because Andrea and Morgan get real about friendships during a divorce.

If you're not already listening to Rob's podcast, following him on IG, and all over his website taking advantage of all his free resources (including a search tool to find divorce attorneys and therapists in your area), we highly recommend you do so now! Here is where you can find Rob:

@wtfdivorce www.wtfdivorce.com WTF Divorce Podcast

If you're struggling to find your community, please reach out to us and we will be here for you. Email us at hello@hownottosuckatdivorce.com or dm us at:

@theandrearappaport @divorceattorneychicago

You can also reach out to us through our website:

www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com

By the way, we love that you love our new OBSESSED segment, because we love it too! This week Morgan is obsessed with Sand and Fog candles. If you like candles that actually do what they're supposed to, smell up your house and last, these are for you. They're pretty, smell incredible and they won't break the bank. They even have candles that are meant to clean up pet smell. This week Morgan is burning Juniper Mint, yum. She also highly recommends Clean Linen. We're not affiliated with Sand and Fog and they didn't pay us to review them...Morgan just truly adores them and wants to share the love. Sand and Fog website That's all for this week, friends. Don't forget, you got this and we got you xo.

How do I pick the right mediator for my divorce?

What does a  mediator actually do?

How long does mediation typically last?

How do you know if you should even try mediation??

If you have ever wondered the above questions, this episode is MUST LISTEN!

Morgan and Andrea discuss everything you didn't know that you need to know BEFORE embarking on the mediation process. Remembering that we are here to help you not SUCK at getting divorced!

Mediation helps you step out of the court system to come to a more creative solution for disagreements in your divorce process. 

Keep that in mind. 

Take a listen to this episode and please message us with any questions!

Hit us up on social media!

http://www.instagram.com/hownottosuckatdivorce

You've Got This and We've Got You!

Today we welcome Hilary Rosenberg back to the show to dive into the topic of mental preparation for divorce. I know, I know - but hear is out. The emotional complexities that come with ending a marriage are so hard, terrible, overwhelming and more. Let us take a load off and share our insights and practical strategies to help you navigate your divorce with clarity and strength!

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The critical importance of allowing yourself to grieve the end of your marriage
• Actionable steps to support your mental well-being during the divorce process
• How to create a nurturing and positive environment for yourself as you transition to this new chapter

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we're talking about the often intimidating process of being deposed during a divorce. We break down what a deposition is, how it works, and the importance of preparation to ensure you present yourself as a strong witness. Morgan, a seasoned divorce lawyer, walks listeners through key strategies for handling a deposition, including how to answer questions succinctly, when to ask for a break, and why staying calm is crucial. They also discuss the role of the lawyer in preparing for the deposition, including the importance of honesty, not over-explaining answers, and how to keep your emotions in check, especially if you're feeling overwhelmed or manipulated!

In this episode you'll learn:

1. The purpose of a deposition in a divorce case and why it's crucial to the litigation process
2. How to prepare for a deposition, including working with your lawyer and understanding what questions might come up
3. The importance of staying calm, professional, and concise during a deposition.
4. Why honesty and control over your emotions can make a significant difference in how you’re perceived
5. How to navigate potential emotional triggers, and how to avoid major mistakes like over-sharing or losing your temper

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

Season 3 drops next week! And it's so good. To get everyone back in the divorce game, we've decided to drop some of our most popular episodes from Season 1. (cue time travel music)

Today we're talking about the parenting agreement. You won't want to miss this one. This is one of the toughest parts of divorce and Andrea gets really real and almost didn't want to record this episode. Anna helps make sense of this agreement and how to get through it in one piece. We'll talk about:

What is a parenting agreement?

What should I include in the parenting agreement?

Should we get a mediator?

Holidays during and after divorce

Visitation during and after divorce

Who pays for the kids' things when you get divorced

Cohabitating during divorce

We make it easy to understand. Be sure to stay until the end for our favorite segment: Wild divorce stories that are a lesson in what NOT to do. Hopefully we'll make you laugh and feel less alone.

Remember, you got this and we got you. See you next week for an epic Season 3! Be sure to catch our little sneak peaks on IG:

@divorceattorneychicago

@theandrearappaport

What is a parenting agreement?

What should I include in the parenting agreement?

Should we get a mediator?

Holidays during and after divorce

Visitation during and after divorce

Who pays for the kids' things when you get divorced

Cohabitating during divorce

We make it easy to understand. Be sure to stay until the end for our favorite segment: Wild divorce stories that are a lesson in what NOT to do. Hopefully we'll make you laugh and feel less alone.