Divorce Confidential

How does your divorce impact your kids?

Let's face it, divorcing when you share children makes everything more complicated. Not just because of the logistical wishes, expectations, and agreements, but the heart component. Divorce is emotional enough for adults to wrap their heads and hearts around, let alone that idea of having to share with your children that the relationship is ending and everything they know is about to change. Queue the questions.

How do I tell my kids we're getting a divorce?

When do we tell the kids we're getting a divorce?

How much should I tell my kids about the divorce?

Should we wait to divorce until the kids are out of the house?

The truth is that kids want parents to stay together, even if the relationship isn't good. But that's not often the best or healthiest decision for you and your partner. Modeling a healthy relationship for your children is really important! If they see their parents fighting all of the time, that's how they will think relationships are supposed to go. Or maybe you don't fight, but you don't have any real connection or interaction. Do you want that for your kids in their future relationships?

The truth is that honesty is best, both with yourself and your children. It takes two to have a relationship, and if both parties aren't happy, it just won't work. When you decide to end your relationship or marriage, be honest with your kids. (But spare any icky details that might impact their impressions of a parent if that's the case.)

Remind your kids the divorce is between you and your partner. Your dedication is still to provide a loving and healthy home for your kids. You are there to answer their questions and support them through the transition. But remember, you cannot be everything to them. You might have to enlist the help of a therapist as an outlet as they process this change and the new chapter ahead.

At the end of it all, listen to your gut. If you and your partner are committed to what is in your child's best interest and keep them at the forefront of your minds, chances are it'll be ok. Hiccups will arise--take them one at a time. Divorce doesn't have to be hard or traumatizing; it can also be a beautiful story and a new and healthier beginning for everyone involved!

Divorce + Money. Pulling back the curtain on divorce and splitting property.

We are thrilled to have had Michael Moss, CPA, CVA, CFE, CDFA on the pod this week to pull back the curtain and talk about divorce and money.

Most people have a lot of uncertainty regarding divorce and splitting property. Maybe you had a 401k before meeting your partner that you want to keep, perhaps you have stocks that you had before meeting your partner, the list goes on. Let's just put it this way; things get complicated regarding divorce and money. This is where people like Michael come in.

Evaluating community property often takes an expert's guidance and support. Considering income, reasonable expenses, assets, hidden money (if one party suspects anyone is hiding money) takes a unique skill set.

Listen to this podcast to learn more about the financial evaluation process that takes place during a divorce and how to best ensure you're getting every penny you're entitled to while protecting your individual property!

How do I know if I should leave my marriage?

If you've found yourself wondering if you should end your relationship, you are not alone! It often takes years before someone decides to file for divorce or pause their marriage. With family, friends, societal pressure, and expectations this decision gets harder and harder.

Join Melissa Rosenberg, LICSW, Michelle, and Amy as we discuss how to make that decision, and the road to deciding what the right path is for your relationship and self.

Self care matters. How are you avoiding burnout?

Self-care matters! Whether it's the holidays, single, mourning, or perfectly "normal", it's important to pay attention to your body and mind and what it needs.

Join Michelle and Amy to hear more about how to avoid burnout!

Let‘s Talk Blended Families

Being a step-parent or bonus parent is no easy feat. Hear from Lisa Antoon, a Senior Paralegal at Dellino Law Firm, about her experience in a blended family.

There are all kinds of dynamics with blended families. Michelle, Amy, and Lisa talk about how to have difficult conversations and conquer what otherwise be very awkward situations, and ease the tension for the children involved.

Insurance: Are you paying for things you shouldn‘t be?

Let's be honest, when the insurance statement shows up in the mail, most of us open it up, our eyes glaze over, and toss it in the shred pile. Here's the problem, many times we forget to update a change in vehicle, valuable possession, or something of the sort that we are paying for coverage on!

Especially when going through major life changes like divorce, it's important to reach out to your insurance agent to get the support you need and ensure you're getting the best rate possible!

Amy and Michelle chat with Kristen Blosser of Sprague Israel Giles Insurance to learn all about tips and some major 'ah-hah' moments in the insurance world!

The LGBTQIA+ Journey Through Surrogacy & Becoming a Parent

The journey for a same-sex couple to have a child is much different than a heterosexual couple in many ways. Dellino Law Group's Senior Associate Attorney Hugo Johnson gets candid about he and his husband's journey through surrogacy. 

Being informed and prepared ahead of time will help to not only ensure your rights are honored but allow you to have the loving and stress-free entrance into parenthood as any other couple would have. (You know, the stressors we can control because parenting = stress central!)

Don't miss this episode as Michelle and Amy talk with Hugo about the journey for a same-sex couple into parenthood. It's sure to put things in perspective no matter your walk in this life!

The Dos & Don‘ts of Divorce & Social Media

Let's Talk Prenups, Postnups and Cohabitation Agreements!

Why should you have a pre or postnup? Join Michelle and Amy as they talk about the real-world reasons you should invest in these agreements to protect yourself long-term!

School's Back in Session! Let's talk transition.

Transitioning from Summer to school time is hard enough, without the added complications of COVID-19, or multiple households and shared custody. Join us to learn tons of inside tips on how to manage the transition and create an easier transition for the entire family!