The Biggest Misconceptions About Divorce, According to a Divorce Professional by Isabel Sanchez, Financial Coach of MES Financial Coaching, LLC.

Need a little distraction? Our madlib is here for you, friend.

Your sister is texting daily, dropping by unannounced, and asking if you’re okay a hundred times a week. It comes from love, but it’s a lot. Olivia explains why needing quiet isn’t a betrayal of that love, and how one honest, gentle text can protect the relationship instead of hurting it.

This November, the Divorce Happens Community is digging into "Who Showed Up," a theme about the friendships that surprised us, the ones that quietly disappeared, and everything in between.

November is a month of tension and transition, which makes it a fitting time to talk about negotiation, the process where much of divorce actually gets decided. Whether it happens through attorneys, in mediation, or at a settlement conference, negotiation isn’t about winning or losing. It’s about reaching workable agreements and keeping decisions in the hands of the people who will live with them. Preparation, clear priorities, and patience matter more than force.

A reader’s mom and sibling keep criticizing her ex in front of the kids, and they think they’re helping. In this month’s Jenny Says So, Jenny explains how to draw a firm line without debating your ex’s merits, and offers a script for the pushback that’s sure to follow.

November Letter from the Editor

November asks us to feel grateful, which can be a lot to ask in the middle of a divorce. In this month’s letter, Editor in Chief Jenny Dreizen suggests a gentler approach: noticing one small thing that went okay, and letting that be enough. She also thanks the experts, supporters and everyday helpers who make this work possible.

Photo by Terrie Alifieri

Podcast Spotlight: The Families First Podcast from ‍Ron Platt of National Association for Single and Divorced Families

A close friend going silent right after learning about your divorce is a real, distinct grief. Here's how to think through whether to reach out one more time or let it go.

Fresh Starts Expert Feature: Karen LeClaire, Stress & Performance Specialist for Life Transitions of CCE Performance and North Andover Counseling Professionals

Co-Parenting Doesn’t Just Need Better Communication. It Needs Better Thinking. by Trina A. Nudson, JD, LBSW of BeH2O® and BeAligned™

Falling Leaves and Failing Marriages by Kimberly Lorah of Blossom Coaching

How My Business Became the Foundation of My Next Chapter by Joselyn Martinez of Balance Financial Solutions

Brief Lifeclass: Narcissistic Maneuvering 101 by Stacey Sanderson of Sanderson Psychotherapy, Coaching and Consulting

Discover the 10 essential questions to ask a children's therapist while navigating divorce to ensure your child receives the emotional support they need. Learn how their experience, therapeutic approach, and ability to handle co-parenting dynamics can provide a safe space for your child to heal and grow.

If you’re ready to get divorced but can’t afford a lawyer—or simply want to handle the process on your own—there’s a powerful, low-cost option you might not know enough about: self-filing for divorce, also known as DIY divorce. With the right tools, resources, and guidance, many people successfully complete their divorce without legal representation—especially when both spouses agree on the major issues like custody, support, and property division. This guide walks you through what DIY divorce is, why it’s a smart choice for many, and how to get started step by step.

A well-thought-out parenting plan can provide stability, set expectations, and reduce conflict, helping your family adjust to this new chapter with as much ease as possible. We’ll explore what a parenting plan is, why it’s essential, and the key factors to consider when crafting one. From understanding legal requirements to addressing practical concerns like schedules, communication, and holidays, we’ll guide you through the process step by step.