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Articles to Support You
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A door is a threshold, not a destination. Remember covering yours in stickers before you knew what waited on the other side? Reconnect with her for a minute. Pick a room, add a few stickers, and save your door when it's yours again.
August Letter from the Editor
August gets no credit for being a season in its own right — but for anyone divorced or divorcing, it's the perfect metaphor for the liminal doorway between the decision and the new life on the other side. This issue's letter is your permission slip to stand in that threshold a little longer, because portals only open when they're ready.
Photo by Terrie Alifieri
In an enlightening interview, Donna Cates, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, emphasizes the importance of financial clarity during divorce. She shares five essential tips to help individuals navigate their financial future confidently, focusing on asset management, credit protection, and the value of a supportive professional team.
In an insightful interview, Amy Slate, a dedicated Real Estate Consultant, discusses her journey to becoming The Breakup Broker, empowering clients during challenging transitions. She highlights the importance of personalized support and strategic planning, emphasizing her commitment to guiding individuals through real estate decisions in divorce with empathy and expertise.
A reader wonders why signing the divorce papers broke her open — and asks the question so many of us are afraid to ask out loud.
An affidavit is a written statement made under oath — legal evidence, not an informal explanation — and in divorce it appears everywhere: financial affidavits detailing income and assets, parenting affidavits describing routines, and sworn statements supporting motions on custody, support, or safety.
A parent asks how to handle the ex's new partner suddenly appearing at school concerts, soccer games, and kid birthday parties — under the watchful eyes of other parents — without looking bitter or pretending to be a happy blended family. Jenny's rule is "neutral grace": be civil, brief, and kid-centered with a simple script and an exit strategy, then let yourself feel it all afterward.
10 Reasons Why High-Performing Women Struggle in Relationships by Ksenia Muench, Divorce Coach
Living Together During Divorce: The Strange Space Between What Was and What’s Next by Lisa Lisser of LZL Coaching
For years, January was branded the month people left their marriages. The internet didn't argue with that idea. It just made it irrelevant.
5 Small Ways to Start Trusting Yourself Again After Divorce by Leah Marie Mazur of Mindfully Ready, Divorce Recovery Coach for Women
The College Conversation Divorcing Parents Can't Afford to Avoid by Vicki Vollweiler of College Financial Prep, Divorce & College Planning Expert
There's a reason the perfect-Saturday trick works better than the standard birthday advice. A Saturday doesn't ask you to perform. It has no agenda built into it, no candles, no one waiting to see whether you look happy enough. It's just a day that's yours to shape — which is exactly what a birthday is supposed to be and almost never feels like, especially in the middle of a fresh start. So instead of trying to engineer a Capital-B Birthday, you build the most unremarkable, deeply satisfying Saturday you can imagine, and then you go live in it. Maybe that's a long walk and a good coffee and absolutely no plans. Maybe it's a houseful of people and something cooking all afternoon. There's no right version, and that's the point: you're not measuring up to anything. You're just designing one good day, on purpose, around what actually makes you feel like yourself. The worksheet below is here to help you find out what that is.
Can I Afford Therapy? A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Insurance and Out-of-Network by Carrie Mead of Carrie Mead, LCPC
The Hidden Risks of “Naked” Mediation (And How to Guarantee a Court-Free Divorce) by Amanda Mason of SOLAGREE®
July Letter from the Editor
Marriage equality was a landmark — but equality in dissolution hasn't caught up. In this issue's editor's letter, Jenny Dreizen calls out the legal gaps, professional blind spots, and lack of affirming support that LGBTQ+ individuals still face when a marriage ends. Finding the right attorney or therapist shouldn't be a second battle. Divorce doesn't look one way — neither does starting over."
Photo by Rachel Koudellou
In an engaging interview, Anna Howerton, a dedicated Relationship Coach, shares her journey in helping individuals navigate the challenging phases of divorce and relationships. Her insights emphasize the importance of clarity, empowerment, and personal growth, making her approach both relatable and impactful in guiding clients toward their fresh starts.
Why September Feels Like a New Year When You're Considering Divorce (and Why We're Talking About This in June) by by Kristina St. Cyr of Kristina St. Cyr Coaching
Artisan Leatherwork With a Mission: Beya Design Is Here for Women by Chavisa Horemans, MES, CDC, CTRC of The Mother Corp - Trauma-Informed Coach & Consultant
In an insightful conversation, Ron Platt, of National Association for Single and Divorced Families, reveals the significance of support systems during life transitions such as divorce. He emphasizes integrating advocacy and financial security, highlighting how NASDF uniquely equips clients with essential resources to facilitate smoother transitions and enhance their well-being.
At 49, after twenty-nine years married, Kristen made a decision that changed everything — and finally let her become herself.
A reader wonders why signing the divorce papers broke her open — and asks the question so many of us are afraid to ask out loud.
Your July cheat sheet for understanding what a divorce judgment actually means — minus the legalese, plus the emotional reality nobody warns you about.
You don't owe strangers your justification. You can be compassionate without accepting shame — and protect your kids without performing your pain for the public.
In an insightful interview, Rachel Spekman, a Career Transition Specialist, discusses her role in guiding clients through the divorce process. She emphasizes the importance of addressing both emotional and professional challenges to help individuals rebuild their identity and achieve fulfilling careers post-divorce.
There's a particular kind of exhaustion that comes with divorce, and it has nothing to do with lawyers or paperwork or dividing up the furniture.
Navigating the Divorce Process: How Coaching Helps Individuals Stay Grounded, Organized, and Empowered During One of Life’s Hardest Transitions by Hope Firsel, Divorce Coach
Inspiration
Are you ready for a Fresh Start? Here are 5 quotes about starting over and beginning again to inspire you on your new journey.
Tweets are the new mantras. We’re rounding up our top 5 weekly Tweets to inspire us on our Fresh Starts journey.
Expert Articles
10 Reasons Why High-Performing Women Struggle in Relationships by Ksenia Muench, Divorce Coach
Living Together During Divorce: The Strange Space Between What Was and What’s Next by Lisa Lisser of LZL Coaching
5 Small Ways to Start Trusting Yourself Again After Divorce by Leah Marie Mazur of Mindfully Ready, Divorce Recovery Coach for Women
The College Conversation Divorcing Parents Can't Afford to Avoid by Vicki Vollweiler of College Financial Prep, Divorce & College Planning Expert
Can I Afford Therapy? A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Insurance and Out-of-Network by Carrie Mead of Carrie Mead, LCPC
The Hidden Risks of “Naked” Mediation (And How to Guarantee a Court-Free Divorce) by Amanda Mason of SOLAGREE®
Why September Feels Like a New Year When You're Considering Divorce (and Why We're Talking About This in June) by by Kristina St. Cyr of Kristina St. Cyr Coaching
Navigating the Divorce Process: How Coaching Helps Individuals Stay Grounded, Organized, and Empowered During One of Life’s Hardest Transitions by Hope Firsel, Divorce Coach
Rebuilding After Divorce: How Coaching Helps Individuals Heal, Reclaim Themselves, and Create a Meaningful New Chapter by Hope Firsel, Divorce Coach
When Divorce Is a Thought You Can’t Ignore: How Coaching Helps Men and Women Navigate One of Life’s Most Difficult Decisions by Hope Firsel, Divorce Coach
Broke By Design - The financial abuse doesn't end when the papers are signed by Ksenia Muench, Divorce Coach
Befriending the Monster of Change of Joy Read of National Association for Single and Divorced Families (NASDF.org)
Can a Shattered Heart Lead to Your Greatest Love Story? by Robyn Vogel of Come Back to Love
How to find an LGBTQ+-affirming personal trainer or gym in your area by Rebecca Stewart of MovementFX, LLC
Rethinking Divorce: A Smarter, More Human Approach to Restructuring Families by Rosemarie Ferrante of Divorce Mediation Center of Fairfield County, LLC
When Addiction Becomes the Third Partner in a Marriage Understanding Addiction Abuse and the Hidden Harm Loved Ones Experience by Meredith Beardmore, Therapist
What Happens When You’re a Stepparent - and You’re Getting Divorced by Meg Priest, Divorce Coach
Helping Teens Grow Without Feeling “Not Enough”: A New Way to Think About Teen Leadership Development by Lorraine Connell founder of Peers not Fears, Teen Leadership Coach
The Silent Divorce Happening in Millions of Marriages by Paulette Rigo of Better Divorce Academy
100 Must-Do’s for the Newly Divorced, Independent Woman by Paulette Rigo of Better Divorce Academy
Divorce and College Planning: What Divorced and Separated Parents Need to Know Before the College Process Begins by Vicki Vollweiler of College Financial Prep, Divorce & College Planning Expert
Helpful Distractions
Sometimes we all just need to check out of life for a while, whether you’re going through a depression, having a difficult time, or just need to hide from the world – we get it, we’ve been there! Here’s our list of 10 television shows to watch when you’re feeling depressed. We’re sending you love, and hope you wrap yourself in a warm blanket, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and snuggle in for some binge-watching.
Sometimes we all just need to escape mentally for a while, so we rounded up 10 funny and interesting documentaries to watch for when you’re feeling low. With a mix of everything from Pixar, to Mister Rogers, music, food, and more, we’re sure there’s something here to watch with a bowl of popcorn and a Diet Coke.
There is truly nothing we love more than snuggling up with a good book and cup of cocoa during the winter (yes, this counts even if you live on the West Coast!). The only thing that would make it better? A Cozy Playlist, of course! We curated this 45 minute long playlist to give you a peaceful break during the day. Chock full of old and new faves, it’s the perfect way to warm up and zone out.
Need to escape for a few hours? We rounded up our favorite reality competition TV shows for those times when you need to zone out and distract yourself. Nothing about romance or home-buying here, though! Food fun and nostalgia TV all the way.
You’re in the early days of your fresh start and the idea of closing your eyes and you know- thinking thoughts, is way, way too horrifying (been there, sis). You need a companion- not a person, but a show. You need a show you can binge.
Divorce Guide Magazine
Discover the 10 essential questions to ask a relationship coach while navigating your divorce to find the right support for healing, rebuilding confidence, and improving communication. Learn how their experience, coaching strategies, and emotional sensitivity can help you move forward stronger and more self-aware.
What Happens When You’re a Stepparent - and You’re Getting Divorced by Meg Priest, Divorce Coach
In an insightful interview, Meg Priest, a Divorce Professional, shares her personal journey through divorce. She discusses the emotional challenges, the importance of clarity, and her mission to provide clients with the guidance she wished she had during her own transition. Embrace your fresh start with integrity and self-trust!
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.
Divorce can dramatically impact your retirement savings, especially IRAs and 401(k)s. Learn the essentials of dividing these assets through Transfer Incidents and QDROs, understand tax implications, and avoid common pitfalls. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know to protect your financial future during divorce and ensure long-term stability.
Buying a house on your own after a divorce is a bold step towards reclaiming your independence and rebuilding your life. But it’s crucial to go into it with eyes wide open. Asking your mortgage lender these ten questions ensures that you understand not just what you’re signing up for, but how to thrive as a solo homeowner
Discover the 10 essential questions to ask a relationship coach while navigating your divorce to find the right support for healing, rebuilding confidence, and improving communication. Learn how their experience, coaching strategies, and emotional sensitivity can help you move forward stronger and more self-aware.
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.
Discover the 10 essential questions to ask a fitness instructor or movement coach while navigating your divorce to find the right support for rebuilding physical strength, reducing stress, and boosting confidence. Learn how their experience, fitness programs, and emotional sensitivity can help you thrive during this transition.
Discover the 10 essential questions to ask a professional organizer while navigating a divorce to find the right support for decluttering, downsizing, and moving. Learn how their experience, organizing strategies, and emotional sensitivity can help you create a fresh, organized start post-divorce.
Discover the 10 essential questions to ask a life coach while navigating a divorce to find the right support for emotional recovery, goal setting, and rebuilding your life. Learn how their experience, mindfulness strategies, and community-building guidance can empower you to thrive post-divorce.
Discover the 10 essential questions to ask a career coach while navigating a divorce to find the right support for your professional growth. Learn how their experience, strategies for re-entering the workforce, and interview preparation can help you achieve financial independence and confidence post-divorce.
Discover the 10 essential questions to ask a potential co-parenting coach to ensure successful communication and harmony post-divorce. Learn how their experience, conflict resolution skills, and approach to parenting plans can help create a smooth, child-focused co-parenting experience.
Learn the 10 essential questions to ask a potential divorce mediator to ensure a smooth, fair, and confidential mediation process. From understanding their experience and mediation style to confidentiality and cost structure, discover what you need to know before making your choice. Find the right mediator to guide you through a collaborative, stress-free divorce process.
Discover the 10 essential questions to ask when choosing a divorce coach. Learn how to assess their experience, support for high-conflict situations, understanding of co-parenting, and emotional resilience strategies. Explore how the right coach can help you navigate the complexities of divorce, rebuild your life, and set clear goals for your future.
Discover the 10 essential questions to ask when choosing a therapist during divorce. From co-parenting support and managing high-conflict divorces to understanding therapeutic methods and financial stress, ensure your therapist is equipped to guide you through this transformative life event.
When your lawyer says, "Make a list of everything you want," it can feel overwhelming. Divorce is about more than paperwork — it's about protecting your future, your children’s stability, and your ability to rebuild. This guide breaks down exactly what to ask for in a divorce, why each item matters, and how to advocate for yourself clearly and confidently.
When you’re navigating divorce, custody, domestic violence, or property division — or any life-changing legal situation — having professional legal guidance can be the difference between confusion and confidence. But what if hiring a lawyer at full price just isn’t possible right now? Let’s walk through one of the smartest ways to get professional help without breaking the bank: Legal Aid and Sliding Scale Legal Services.
Considering a DIY divorce? Before you file on your own, learn the key factors you need to weigh, from legal risks to emotional impact. A do-it-yourself divorce can save money, but it’s not always the right fit. Discover what to consider to protect your future and make confident, informed decisions.
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.
Going through divorce or custody issues but can’t afford a lawyer? Law school legal clinics offer free family law support from supervised students. This blog post explains how to find a clinic near you, what services they provide, and how to apply. Learn how to access divorce help, court filings, and custody guidance—without the legal fees.
Need help covering the cost of your divorce? This blog post offers practical, respectful advice on how to ask friends or family for a short-term loan—without guilt or burning bridges. Learn how to create a repayment plan, approach the conversation with confidence, and fund your fresh start with support and clarity. Perfect for anyone starting over on a budget.
If you’re facing divorce, leaving an unsafe relationship, or navigating a major life change without support, nonprofit organizations and shelters can be a lifeline. This blog post shares how to find free, confidential help—like legal aid, housing, transportation, and more—through women’s shelters, local nonprofits, and national resources like 211 and The Hotline.
Divorce can be expensive, but legal help doesn’t have to be out of reach. This blog post walks you through how to find family law attorneys who offer payment plans, flat fees, or unbundled services. Learn how to ask about payment options during consultations and where to search for budget-friendly legal support so you can move forward without financial overwhelm.
If you’re facing divorce or a custody battle and can’t afford a lawyer, pro bono attorneys can help. This blog post explains how to find free legal support through state bar associations, legal aid clinics, and nonprofit organizations. Learn who qualifies, what to expect, and how to confidently ask for the help you deserve.
Filing for divorce—or any family court action—can be overwhelming enough without the added stress of high court filing fees. The good news? You might not have to pay them at all. If you’re struggling financially, your local courthouse may allow you to file "In Forma Pauperis"—a legal term that simply means "in the form of a pauper" or, more plainly, you can’t afford the costs and need them waived. Here’s everything you need to know, including exact scripts for calling your courthouse, and step-by-step instructions to get started.
In this guide, we’ll break down what a postnuptial agreement is, why it matters, and how it can impact your divorce process. If you’re considering divorce and wondering how to safeguard your future, this is everything you need to know.
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.
What exactly is mediation, and how does it work? In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about mediation during divorce: the benefits, the process, and how it can potentially lead to a smoother transition for both parties. Whether you're just beginning to consider divorce or actively seeking alternatives to traditional litigation, understanding mediation can be a crucial part of your journey.
Fresh and Easy Meals
Feeling broke, tired, and overwhelmed but still want your child’s birthday to feel special? Here’s how to create a meaningful, low-cost birthday dinner filled with love, connection, and comfort.
Learn how to stretch one rotisserie chicken into a week of easy, affordable meals for families. Simple, healthy recipes for busy single parents on a budget.
Struggling to feed your kids while you’re depressed, broke, or too tired to cook? This compassionate guide offers simple, affordable meal ideas and emotional support for single moms surviving hard days.
Feed your family all week for under $40 with these easy, freezer-friendly batch cooking recipes for single moms. Cheap, kid-friendly, and stress-free meals that save time and money.
Can’t get to the grocery store? Make simple, cheap, kid-friendly meals from pantry staples like rice, beans, and canned goods. Easy, healthy, and under $1 per serving.
Feed your family of four on $60–$70 a week with this compassionate, budget-friendly seven-day meal plan. Simple, healthy dinners and a full shopping list for single moms.
Feed your family on $10 a day with these healthy, affordable breakfast and lunch ideas for single moms. Simple, kid-friendly meals that make every dollar count.
Quick, affordable, no-cook meals for single moms. 10 lifesaver dinners ready in minutes—kid-friendly, low-cost, and stress-free when you’re too tired to cook.
Find free or nearly-free food for single moms. Real, compassionate resources—pantries, food banks, WIC, SNAP, and local programs—to help feed your family.
Discover cheap, comforting recipes just for moms after bedtime—quick $1 meals that feel like self-care and prove you deserve more than leftovers.
Feeding a family on a tight budget? Here are 15 kid-friendly, comforting dinners for about $2 per serving—cheap, healthy, and stress-free meals any parent can make tonight.
Discover why Kekoa Foods is a game-changer for families starting over. Created by two dads for their son, these organic, veggie-rich purées are perfect for babies and busy adults. Use them as dips, dressings, marinades, or smoothie boosters. Nutritious, delicious, and made with love—Kekoa Foods makes fresh starts easier and healthier.
From classic combinations to creative twists, we've curated a list of 200 incredibly easy sandwich ideas that are perfect for busy families on the go. Because when life gets hectic, sometimes all you need is a delicious meal to keep you fueled and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. So, let's toast to the power of simplicity and the joy of a well-made sandwich!
Check out these 200 incredibly easy salad ideas for when life gets overwhelming. Plus, a simple shopping list so you can stock your fridge and pantry - and a list of all of the items so you can mix and match to create your own simple salad ideas too!
Life can be a whirlwind sometimes. Between work, family, and just the everyday hustle and bustle, there are moments when cooking is a lot. Check out these 200 incredibly easy meal ideas for when life gets overwhelming. Plus, a simple shopping list so you can stock your fridge and pantry - and a list of all of the items so you can mix and match to create your own simple meal ideas too!
Sometimes in life, we quite simply cannot handle making food for ourselves. It’s too much energy output, it’s exhausting, it’s overwhelming to know what to make, the thought of doing anything is just too much. But, we have to eat, right? We rounded up 10 meals that are incredibly easy to throw together when you simply cannot handle cooking.
It’s been a long week, check out the 5 Tweets to help inspire you to live your best life this week.