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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 Explain Emotional and Verbal Abuse to Your Divorce Lawyer (So They Can Protect Your Kids)
Learn how to explain emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse to your divorce lawyer. Translate household patterns into legal-ready examples to protect your kids.
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.
Why You Need a CDFA During Divorce
Divorce isn’t just emotional—it’s financial. A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) helps you understand settlement options, taxes, and long-term impacts so you can make smart decisions and save money. At Fresh Starts, we’ve vetted trusted CDFAs who combine expertise with compassion to guide you toward a secure and confident fresh start.
What Is the Income Shares Model for Child Support?
The Income Shares Model for child support ensures kids receive the same financial support they would if parents lived together. By combining both parents’ incomes and dividing costs proportionally, this fair approach is now used in most U.S. states. Learn how it works and whether your state follows this model.
Divorce Happens: Survival Scenarios: “Help, My ex is threatening to move the kids out of state!”
Family Law Attorney Jolee Vacchi explains what to do if relocation is threatened during divorce. Learn your legal rights, when to file an emergency motion, and how to protect your children while keeping communication calm and clear. What if your ex threatens to move the kids out of state? Family Law Attorney Jolee Vacchi explains custody relocation laws and urgent steps you can take.
Divorce Happens: Survival Scenarios: “Help, my spouse emptied out the children’s college accounts!”
What if your spouse emptied the kids’ college fund? Divorce expert Donna Cates, CDFA, explains your rights, recovery options, and steps to protect assets. Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Donna Cates shares what to do if college savings vanish in divorce. Learn the legal implications, how to protect remaining funds, and how to document evidence so you can safeguard your children’s future.
Divorce Happens: Survival Scenarios: “Help, my soon-to-be-ex-spouse changed the locks on our marital residence and I can’t get in!”
Divorce Happens: Survival Scenario – Help! My ex changed the locks. If you find yourself locked out during divorce, you’re not alone. Family Law Attorney Jessica Zadjura explains your rights, safe next steps, and what not to do if your ex changes the locks on the marital home so you can protect yourself and your belongings.
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.
How Do You File for Divorce in Rhode Island If You Have Kids and a House?
Divorcing in Rhode Island with kids and a home? Learn the residency rule, custody basics, and how equitable distribution works for your house. This isn’t legal advice—use the Fresh Starts Expert Guide by state to find trusted Rhode Island professionals.
How Do You File for Divorce in Vermont If You Have Kids and a House?
Divorcing in Vermont with kids and a home? Learn the residency rules, equitable distribution basics, custody guidelines, and how homes are handled. This isn’t legal advice—use the Fresh Starts Expert Guide by state to find trusted Vermont professionals.
How Do You File for Divorce in New Hampshire If You Have Kids and a House?
Divorcing in New Hampshire with kids and a home? Learn the one-year residency rule, equitable distribution, custody basics, and what happens with your home. This isn’t legal advice—use the Fresh Starts Expert Guide by state to find trusted NH professionals.