
Read ‘em and weep (or laugh).
We have lots to say. We hope it helps in some small way!
A couple of tags we thought might be helpful —
Find what you need —

What Does a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Do in a Custody Case?
Learn what a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) does, how they influence custody decisions, and what parents can expect during the GAL investigation.

How to Prepare for a Guardian ad Litem Interview or Home Visit
Learn how to prepare for a GAL interview or home visit—what questions to expect, how to organize evidence, and how to stay calm during custody cases.

What to Do If You Disagree with the GAL’s Report
Disagree with your Guardian ad Litem’s report? Learn how to respond respectfully, gather new evidence, and challenge GAL recommendations in custody court.

Guardian ad Litem vs. Custody Evaluator: What’s the Difference?
Confused about the difference between a GAL and a custody evaluator? Learn what each does, how their reports influence the judge, and how to prepare.

When a Guardian ad Litem Is Appointed After Domestic Violence
Learn what happens when a GAL is appointed in a domestic violence custody case and how to prepare while protecting your safety and your child’s well-being.

What Is Discernment Counseling—and Is It the Right Next Step?
Wondering if discernment counseling is the right next step when divorce is on the table? Learn what it is, how it works, and your options moving forward.

Will a Government Shutdown Slow Down or Impact My Divorce?
Wondering if a government shutdown will affect your divorce? Learn how shutdowns impact courts, finances, and timelines—and whether to pause your divorce.

Is It Normal to Have a Crush on Your Divorce Attorney?
Wondering if it’s normal to have a crush on your divorce attorney? Learn why it happens, the psychology behind it, and how to handle these feelings with care.

Should We Stay Together for the Kids? A Parent’s Guide to Divorce vs. Staying Married
Should you stay together for the kids? Learn the pros and cons, effects on children, and expert answers to FAQs about divorce vs. staying in an unhappy marriage.

Divorce Mediation: How to Prepare Your Non-Negotiables (Especially as a Stay-at-Home Parent)
Preparing for divorce mediation? Learn how to identify and protect your non-negotiables—custody, housing, finances—especially as a stay-at-home parent.

How to Rebuild Financially After Divorce: One Key Step to Start Strong
Wondering how to rebuild financially after divorce? Learn the first steps to take—budgeting, accounts, credit, and clarity—for stability and freedom.

What Counts as “Regular” Child Support Expenses vs. Extras?
What does child support actually cover? Learn which expenses are considered “regular” support (housing, food, clothing, basics) versus “extras” like sports, medical bills, and college costs that parents may split by percentage. Fresh Starts has co-parenting and financial experts who can help. Download our free ebook What to Consider When You’re Considering Divorce for compassionate guidance.

Can You Be Forced to Change Your Last Name After Divorce?
Can your ex force you to change your last name after divorce? No—the decision is yours. You can usually return to your maiden name or a former name through the divorce decree. For a completely new name, a separate petition is required. Fresh Starts has legal and emotional experts to help. Download our free ebook What to Consider When You’re Considering Divorce for guidance.

Tips for Filing an Uncontested Divorce When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
Filing for an uncontested divorce can feel overwhelming, especially with kids and a home to sell. Learn what uncontested divorce means, the steps for filing, and tips for managing stress along the way. Fresh Starts has mediators and attorneys who can help. Download our free ebook What to Consider When You’re Considering Divorce for compassionate guidance.

How Do You File for Divorce in New York If You Have Kids and a House?
Wondering how to file for divorce in New York when you have kids and a house? Learn the basics: residency requirements, filing fees, whether you need a lawyer, and how custody and property are handled. Fresh Starts has attorneys and mediators in New York who can help. Download our free ebook What to Consider When You’re Considering Divorce for step-by-step guidance.

What to Do If Your Credit Card Is Maxed Out Before Divorce
What if your credit card is maxed out before divorce and you can’t pay it down? Learn why marital debt is often shared, how to document family expenses, and what steps you can take right now if your credit score is too low for a balance transfer. Fresh Starts has financial and legal experts who can help. Download our free ebook What to Consider When You’re Considering Divorce for practical guidance.

How Do You File for Divorce in Colorado If You Have Kids and a House?
Divorcing in Colorado with children and a home? Learn the residency rules, custody requirements, equitable distribution of property, and what happens with your house. This isn’t legal advice—use the Fresh Starts Expert Guide by state to find trusted CO professionals.

How Do You File for Divorce in Maryland If You Have Kids and a House?
Divorcing in Maryland with children and a home? Learn the residency rules, grounds, equitable distribution, custody guidelines, and what happens with your house. This isn’t legal advice—use the Fresh Starts Expert Guide by state to find trusted MD professionals.

How Do You File for Divorce in Georgia If You Have Kids and a House?
Divorcing in Georgia with children and a home? Learn Georgia’s six-month residency rule, how marital vs separate property is divided, custody basics, and what happens with your house. This isn’t legal advice—use the Fresh Starts Expert Guide by state to find trusted GA professionals.

How Do You File for Divorce in North Carolina If You Have Kids and a House?
Considering divorce in North Carolina with children and a home? Learn the six-month residency rule, how equitable distribution works, custody and child support basics, and what happens to your house. This isn’t legal advice—use the Fresh Starts Expert Guide by state to connect with trusted NC professionals.