Divorce Happens

Making a housing decision after divorce can feel overwhelming, but having the right real estate expert by your side makes all the difference. In this episode, Olivia Howell sits down with Fresh Starts Expert Melissa Zimbelman, a seasoned real estate broker and property manager, to talk about navigating housing transitions during and after divorce. Melissa shares expert insights on everything from downsizing and short-term rentals to the importance of finding a realtor who truly understands your unique situation. Whether you're thinking about selling your marital home, looking for a rental, or preparing for a fresh start, this conversation is full of practical advice to help you move forward with confidence.

Melissa also discusses why finding the right realtor matters—especially in a high-emotion situation like divorce—and how to prepare yourself financially for a home transition. She breaks down options for those who need temporary housing, strategies for managing real estate decisions with an ex-spouse, and how to ensure you’re making smart choices for your future. If you’re contemplating divorce or in the early stages, this episode is a must-listen for understanding your next steps when it comes to home, stability, and peace of mind.

Learn more about Melissa: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/luxe-international-realty-property-management

Make sure to check out Fresh Starts Registry: the first and only divorce registry and resource platform, and the fastest growing network of divorce professionals: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/

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Navigating homeownership during a divorce can feel overwhelming, but having the right expert in your corner makes all the difference. In this episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia sits down with mortgage expert Brian Green to break down the refinancing process for those looking to stay in their marital home. Brian shares his insights on what it means to refinance, the key steps to take early in the divorce process, and how to prepare financially to ensure you can afford to keep your home. With nearly a decade of experience and over 800 loans closed, Brian brings valuable knowledge to help divorcing homeowners move forward with confidence.

If you're going through a divorce and wondering what happens to your home, this episode is a must-listen. Brian explains why having a mortgage expert on your team is just as important as having a lawyer or divorce coach. He shares actionable steps like setting up a separate bank account for mortgage payments, gathering essential paperwork, and exploring loan options tailored to your unique situation. Whether you're in the early stages of divorce or ready to refinance, this conversation offers clarity and reassurance that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Learn more about Brian: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/xpert-home-lending

Make sure to check out Fresh Starts Registry: the first and only divorce registry and resource platform, and the fastest growing network of divorce professionals: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshstartsregistry/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartsRegistry

Divorce Happens on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcehappenspod/

Divorce Guide Newsletter: https://divorceguide.substack.com/

In this episode of Divorce Happens, host Olivia Howell sits down with Fresh Starts Expert Whitney Cardosi, a health coach and cookbook author, to discuss how nutrition and simple meal strategies can support parents during divorce. Whitney shares her journey from corporate life to health coaching, emphasizing how food can be a grounding force during major life transitions. She provides practical tips for feeding your family when everything feels overwhelming, from stocking a well-prepared pantry to embracing quick and healthy meal solutions.

Whitney also dives into the emotional side of food, discussing how our childhood experiences shape our relationship with nutrition and how we can help our kids build healthy eating habits. Whether you're a newly single parent figuring out meal planning, a dad looking to bond with his kids in the kitchen, or just trying to get through the day without feeling drained, this conversation is packed with real-life strategies, encouragement, and a whole lot of grace. Plus, she shares insights from her cookbook, In the Kitchen: Healthy Meals You’ll Actually Enjoy, and why cooking together can be a meaningful way to rebuild connection with your children.

Learn more about Whitney: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/wellness-with-whit

Navigating custody agreements during divorce can be overwhelming, but understanding the basics can make the process less daunting. In this episode of Divorce Happens, host Olivia Howell sits down with Jolee Vacchi, Esq., the founder of Foundations Family & Mediation Center, to break down the legal complexities of custody. Jolee explains the two major types of custody—legal custody and physical custody—and provides clear, actionable insights on decision-making authority, parenting schedules, and what to expect when navigating custody disputes. She also shares the importance of mediation in finding flexible, personalized solutions for families, rather than relying on rigid court-imposed standards.

Jolee also discusses how custody arrangements evolve over time, the significance of school districts in physical custody decisions, and why parents should remain open to changes as their children grow. Whether you're in the early stages of divorce or considering modifications to an existing custody arrangement, this episode is packed with expert guidance to help you make informed, confident decisions. Jolee’s empowering message reminds listeners that they don’t have to have everything figured out at the start of the divorce process—the path will unfold as they move forward.

🔗 Learn more about Jolee Vacchi and her legal services: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/foundations-family-law-mediation-center

Navigating divorce is complex, but when you're a parent of a child with special needs, it becomes even more overwhelming and intricate. In this episode, Olivia sits down with Angela O’Brien, a professional organizer, Enneagram coach, and special needs advocate, to discuss the unique challenges of divorce for families with special needs children. Angela shares critical legal, financial, and emotional considerations that parents need to address, including guardianship, financial planning, special needs trusts, and government benefits. With the divorce rate among special needs families higher than the national average, this episode provides essential guidance and support for parents facing this life transition.

Angela also dives into how to build the right divorce team, why finding a lawyer and financial planner with special needs experience is crucial, and how to navigate custody, child support, and long-term care planning. She explains why parents must advocate for their child's future while also prioritizing their own well-being, ensuring they have the mental and emotional strength to navigate legal and financial systems. Whether you're just starting the divorce process or preparing for the next phase of your child's life, this conversation is packed with practical tools, expert insights, and words of encouragement to help you move forward with confidence.

Learn more about Angela: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/your-space-reclaimed

Becoming a new mom is a huge life transition—but what happens when it coincides with divorce? In this episode, Olivia sits down with Alexandria Phillips, a perinatal mental health expert and therapist, to talk about the unique challenges of navigating divorce during pregnancy and postpartum. They discuss the stigma surrounding new moms who choose to leave their marriages, the emotional complexities of balancing motherhood and self-care, and how to prioritize your mental health while making life-changing decisions. Whether you’re currently in this situation or supporting someone who is, this conversation is full of validation, guidance, and hope.

Alex also shares practical steps for new moms considering divorce, including when to seek therapy, how to manage overwhelm and uncertainty, and why taking care of yourself first is essential for both you and your baby. Plus, Olivia and Alex break down the common misconceptions about postpartum emotions, the importance of having a strong support system, and why divorce does not define your success as a mother. If you’re feeling lost or unsure about your next steps, this episode will remind you that you are not alone—and your choices are valid.

Learn more about Alexandria Phillips: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/yourhood-therapy

Going through a divorce can leave you feeling disconnected—not just from your old life, but from yourself. In this episode, Olivia sits down with Chelsea Kim Long, a Fresh Starts Expert who helps people reconnect with their spirituality, intuition, and inner peace during and after major life transitions. Chelsea shares why it’s especially important for women to tap back into their spiritual side post-divorce and how doing so can bring clarity, confidence, and healing. Whether you’ve lost touch with yourself or are looking for simple ways to rebuild your sense of purpose, this conversation is filled with gentle guidance and practical tools to help you find your way.

Chelsea also shares easy, accessible ways to start reconnecting with your intuition and spirituality—even if you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin. From meditation and mindfulness to daily rituals that ground you, she offers insights that make the process feel manageable and empowering. Plus, Olivia and Chelsea discuss the misconceptions around meditation, why it’s okay if your mind wanders, and how to approach spiritual practices in a way that actually works for you. If you’re feeling lost after divorce, this episode will remind you that you are not broken—you're just beginning again.

Connect with Chelsea: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/chelsea-kim-long

Going through a divorce is a major life transformation—so why not treat it like a personal rebrand? In this episode, Olivia sits down with Jenn Johnson, a multi-talented expert who blends yoga, hypnosis, neurolinguistic programming, trauma work, and marketing to help people step into the best version of themselves. Jenn shares how to approach life after divorce through a marketing and branding lens, using practical exercises to rediscover your strengths, passions, and personal style. Whether you’re redefining your identity, exploring new opportunities, or even stepping back into the dating world, Jenn’s insights will inspire you to embrace this next chapter with confidence and clarity.

Jenn walks us through the key steps to transformation, from making lists of what you love to picking your new “brand colors” and stepping into the person you truly want to be. Plus, she shares why we often get stuck in someone else’s version of who we "should" be—and how to break free and create a life that feels authentically yours. If you're looking for a fresh start and a fun, empowering way to approach this transition, this episode is for you!

Learn more about Jenn here: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/the-saltwater-effect

Selling a home during a divorce can feel overwhelming, but having the right real estate expert on your team can make all the difference. In this episode, Olivia sits down with Tina Tzortzis, a seasoned real estate professional specializing in helping individuals navigate the sale of their homes during a divorce. Tina shares the key steps to take before selling, how to work with both spouses fairly, and why it's crucial to have a neutral, supportive professional guiding the process. Whether you're in the early stages of separation or actively preparing to sell, this conversation is packed with practical advice and emotional support to help make the transition smoother.

Plus, Tina breaks down why timing matters, how to build a trusted team (including attorneys, lenders, and assessors), and the unexpected challenges that come up when selling a marital home. If you're going through a divorce and need expert guidance on handling one of the biggest financial and emotional aspects of the process—this episode is a must-listen!

Learn more about Tina Tzortzis: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/tzortzis-lane-real-estate-group

Divorce is an emotional and physical experience that can leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and disconnected from our own bodies. In this episode of Divorce Happens, Olivia Howell sits down with Alex Plante, a yoga teacher, librarian, witch, and self-proclaimed "good friend to all," to explore the profound connection between yoga and healing post-divorce. Alex shares how yoga, movement, breathwork, and somatic practices help release stored emotions, reduce stress, and create space for fresh starts. Whether you're a yoga newbie or a seasoned practitioner, this conversation is filled with wisdom on why yoga is an essential tool for navigating change.

Alex and Olivia discuss how trauma—especially from life transitions like divorce—gets physically stored in the body and how mindful movement can help us process and let go. They also break down misconceptions about yoga, share accessible ways to incorporate it into daily life (even if you can’t make it to a studio), and highlight free resources for those looking to start their practice. Plus, Alex provides encouraging words for anyone struggling through a divorce, reminding listeners that healing comes in many forms, and movement is a powerful place to start.

Learn more about Alex Plante: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/alexandra-plante-yoga