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The Separation Shift: Naming the Hidden Labor of Divorce
We’ve coined the term Separation Shift to describe the invisible, exhausting, unpaid labor of divorce.
From scanning affidavits to duplicating kids’ lives across two households, women become the unpaid paralegals of their own freedom.
Divorce Happens: Survival Scenarios: “Help, I was just served with divorce papers and I have no idea what to do!”
Being served with divorce papers can feel overwhelming and leave you wondering what to do next. In this Divorce Happens: Survival Scenarios guide, divorce mediator and attorney Mardi Chadwick-Balcom shares expert advice on the first 24 hours after being served, which documents to gather, and how to respond with intention. Get clear, compassionate guidance to navigate this stressful moment with confidence.
What Happens When Co-Parents Can’t Agree on Anything?
High-conflict co-parenting can make even simple decisions impossible. When parents can’t agree, courts may step in with detailed parenting plans, decision-making authority, or parallel parenting structures. Fresh Starts also offers co-parenting experts who can help.
The Leadership Crisis: Why Leadership Accountability and Taking Responsibility Matters at Every Level
The Leadership Crisis: Why Leadership Accountability and Taking Responsibility Matters at Every Level by Lorraine Connell founder of Peers not Fears, Teen Leadership Coach
How I Fell in Love With Plum Paper Planners
Last year, I picked up a planner from a charity shop and realized how powerful it felt to have a system that reflected me—my lifestyle, my routines, and even the work I do. This year, I finally got to create my dream planner with Plum Paper, and the customization—from layouts to budget pages to my personal guiding phrase on the cover—made it feel like it was truly built for me.
What to Do When Your Ex’s New Partner Posts Photos of Your Kids on Social Media (even after you asked them not to!)
What if your co-parent’s new partner posts photos of your kids online—even after you’ve asked them not to? Learn why recommendations aren’t always enforceable, how to document concerns, and when to raise the issue in court. Download our free ebook What to Consider When You’re Considering Divorce for compassionate guidance on co-parenting and digital boundaries.
What to Do If Your Ex Isn’t Paying Temporary Spousal Support
If your ex isn’t paying temporary spousal support, you have options. Unpaid support is a violation of a court order, and you can ask the court to enforce payment, recover arrears, or even hold your ex in contempt. Learn what steps to take and why documentation matters. Download our free ebook What to Consider When You’re Considering Divorce for practical, compassionate guidance.
What Happens to Pets in Divorce?
Divorcing with pets can be heartbreaking. Courts often treat dogs and cats as property, but some judges consider caregiving and stability. If your ex is threatening contempt over a pet, learn your rights, what evidence matters, and why it’s okay to fight for your furry family. Download our free ebook What to Consider When You’re Considering Divorce for support.
What to Do If You’re Locked Out of the Marital Home During Divorce
If your spouse locks you out of the marital home during divorce, you still have legal rights—especially if both names are on the deed and mortgage. Learn why it’s best to raise the issue in court, how to document what happened, and why safety comes first. Download our free ebook What to Consider When You’re Considering Divorce for compassionate guidance.
Why September Is a Popular Month to Consider Divorce
September is known as “divorce season”—but it’s more than that. As routines reset and the air shifts, many people find clarity about their relationships. Olivia and Jenny from Fresh Starts share why September is such a common month to consider divorce, how timing impacts families, and why this season is uniquely suited to fresh beginnings.
Shadow Cohabitation: Under One Roof, On Different Roads
Shadow Cohabitation is the modern divorce reality: you’ve separated, but stay under the same roof—temporarily—while housing costs, mortgage rates, and rents are high. We coined this term to provide clarity, safety tips, post-split co-parenting guidance and resources so families can stabilize budgets and routines before moving out. Learn what it is, who it’s for, and how to do it intentionally.
Positive Representations of Co-Parenting in TV and Movies—and What We Can Learn From Them
Discover positive representations of co-parenting after divorce in TV shows and movies like Splitting Up Together, Marlon, Kate & Allie, Reba, and Sesame Street. Learn what these healthy portrayals teach us about parenting after separation and how experts can support your co-parenting journey.
What’s the Difference Between a Divorce Mediator and a Divorce Attorney?
Confused about the difference between a divorce mediator and a divorce attorney? We break it down in simple terms so you know who protects your rights, who guides the conversation, and when you might need both. Learn how mediation and legal representation work in divorce—and how to choose the right path for your situation.
Trauma Bonds - What - Why - How to Heal
A trauma bond can feel like love, but it’s actually an addiction to a cycle of reward and withdrawal. Narcissists love-bomb you with attention, then pull away, flooding your body with stress and keeping you hooked. Healing isn’t about “just moving on”—it’s about nervous system regulation, emotional safety, and support. Learn how to break free and reclaim your peace after narcissistic abuse.
Getting Unstuck
There’s a quiet moment—maybe in the middle of the night, maybe while folding laundry or sitting in your car—when you realize something has to change.
What Documents Should You Gather Before Filing for Divorce?
Preparing for divorce can feel overwhelming, but gathering the right documents early makes the process smoother. From tax returns and pay stubs to retirement statements and insurance policies, here’s what to collect before filing. Download our free ebook What to Consider When You’re Considering Divorce for step-by-step guidance.
10 Reasons Divorce Lawyers Need to Join the Fresh Starts Expert Guide
Discover the top 10 reasons divorce attorneys should join the Fresh Starts Expert Guide—the go-to divorce support network for reaching ideal clients, increasing referrals, and building a compassionate, aligned legal practice. Join today to grow your law firm and help redefine the future of divorce support.
Why Divorce Lawyers Should Join the Fresh Starts Expert Guide: Grow Your Practice and Support Your Ideal Clients
Fresh Starts Registry is the premier divorce support network for lawyers looking to attract values-aligned clients. List your legal services in our trusted expert guide and get featured as a compassionate divorce attorney. Grow your client base, increase referrals, and be part of a national platform designed to support professionals in the divorce space.
5-Minute Self-Care Practices for People Going Through Divorce
Going through a divorce can leave you drained, overwhelmed, and unsure how to care for yourself—but self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. In this blog post, we share 10 realistic 5-minute self-care practices you can actually do during divorce to support your healing. From deep breathing to cozy rituals, these small acts are powerful tools to help you feel grounded, even on the hardest days.
Crying in the Car Counts: Realistic Emotional Self-Care During Divorce
Going through a divorce? Emotional self-care can feel impossible—but even crying in the car counts. In this honest, compassionate post, we explore realistic ways to care for yourself during divorce, from small rituals to moments of release. Because healing doesn’t have to be pretty—it just has to be yours.