Let’s face it—back to school hits different when you’re divorced… and especially when you’re the one stuck writing 40 thank-you notes from a six-year-old who can barely write his name.

In this episode, Andrea and Morgan are tackling two of the most unhinged yet relatable parenting hurdles:

🎁 Kid birthday party etiquette (aka the gift spiral from hell)

📚 Back-to-school survival when you’re divorced or divorcing

From the emotional whiplash of a toddler’s party gift pile to awkwardly dodging your ex at curriculum night, these two don’t hold back. Expect brutal honesty, hysterical hypotheticals (yes, hiring someone to write thank-you notes is discussed), and practical survival tips to help you navigate the school year without screaming “NOT WELL, B*TCH!” at the PTA meeting.

• Why Lego gifts are basically a hate crime
• How to communicate with teachers without throwing your ex under the school bus
• What to do when your kids feel caught between two parents on the first day of school
• Why sitting with your ex at a band concert might not be best (even if Celine Dion is involved)
• The right (and wrong) way to set expectations with schools and teachers
• Tips for socializing as a newly single parent (yes, we see you hiding in your car after drop-off)

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

Andrea and Morgan talk with Laura Richards, host of That’s Where I’m At podcast, about navigating divorce when abuse is part of the marriage. Laura shares her story of leaving a relationship that looked perfect from the outside but was filled with covert control, manipulation, and emotional harm behind closed doors. Alongside Laura’s experience, Andrea and Morgan offer practical and legal guidance for protecting yourself during this challenging time.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to identify and safeguard important items, financial records, valuables, and sentimental possessions before they can be taken or hidden.
• The importance of creating a legally sound safety plan for yourself and your children, even if the abuse has never been physical.
• Why you should expect the early stages of divorce to be the most difficult, and how to prepare mentally and emotionally for that period.
• How control can shift during divorce and the subtle ways an ex may try to manipulate or intimidate you.
• Why having your own attorney matters, even if mediation feels amicable.
• The role of supportive communities, therapy, and trusted resources in rebuilding your confidence and moving forward.

Connect with Laura:

Website: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/

Podcast: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/episodes/

Instagram: @thatswhereimatpodcast

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

Abuse doesn’t always leave visible scars. If you’re in a marriage where your every move is controlled; whether it’s how you spend money, where you go, or who you see, you may be experiencing abuse without realizing it.

In this episode, we’re giving you the 3 critical steps to take before you leave an abusive marriage, straight from a divorce lawyer’s perspective. Then, you’ll hear a riveting, eye-opening conversation with Dr. Nadine Macaluso—therapist, trauma-bond expert, and former wife of Jordan Belfort, the infamous “Wolf of Wall Street.”

Dr. Nadine shares:

• How coercive control and trauma bonds keep people trapped
• The truth about love bombing, cognitive dissonance, and the cycle of abuse
• What really happened behind the Hollywood portrayal of her marriage
• How she rebuilt her life, earned her doctorate, and now helps others break free

Whether your situation mirrors hers or not, the insight and strategies in this episode could save you time, money, and possibly your safety.

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck20

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

In today's episode, Andrea sits down (sans Morgan! She's out of the country!) to drop some real talk about the hard truths of divorce that no one wants to hear...but everyone needs to. From AI misinformation to expensive attorney mistakes, high-conflict communication, and the emotional fallout of lost friendships, this episode delivers clarity and comfort for anyone navigating the messy middle of divorce.

As always...Absolutely NO fluff. No filter. Just the truth. And a whole lot of support.

• Why you should NEVER EVER use Chat GPT for divorce advice
• How to stop chasing “fair” and start playing smart
• What to ask your lawyer before litigation (and how to prep your mindset)
• Why calming your nervous system is the most powerful legal tool you have
• How to protect your wallet when communicating with your attorney
• What to do when your friendships shift during your divorce

Mentioned Episodes:

• How to Prepare for a Divorce Battle with Mia Poppe
• AI, ChatGPT, and Divorce: What You Need to Know with Steven Bradley

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck20

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

AI might be your late-night bestie, but should it be your divorce attorney? In this candid and insightful episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Morgan and Andrea welcome back crowd-favorite and former FBI agent Steven Bradley aka the Tech Cowboy to bust myths, deliver tough truths, and provide essential clarity around using AI like ChatGPT during divorce. From legal hallucinations to cringeworthy court moments, this episode will change how you think about AI’s role in your case (and possibly your life). Tune in to learn how to use these tools wisely without risking your custody case, or your dignity.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why ChatGPT is not designed for divorce or legal advice, and how it can backfire
• What “AI hallucinations” are and why they matter in court
• How Our Family Wizard’s ToneMeter AI actually protects you
• Simple rules for using AI safely (and legally) during divorce
• The difference between closed AI and open AI and why it matters for your case

Questions Answered in This Episode:

• Can ChatGPT really help you with your divorce?
• Why is it risky to input personal info into open AI tools?
• What’s the legal fallout of using AI-generated legal documents in court?
• How can co-parents use AI responsibly when emotions are high?
• Is there any safe way to get help from AI during divorce?

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

In this powerhouse episode, Andrea and Morgan welcome powerhouse attorney and metaphysical strategist Mia Poppe to help listeners emotionally and mentally prepare for the courtroom. Mia shares her toolkit for staying grounded during the most difficult moments of divorce—especially when “divorce psychosis” sets in. This raw, honest, and practical episode is packed with real-life strategies for surviving and thriving through litigation.

What You’ll Learn:

• What “divorce psychosis” is and why it’s a temporary but very real state
• How to protect your peace when litigation gets nasty
• Tactical steps to handle inflammatory messages from opposing counsel
• Why emotional intelligence matters more than money in court
• How meditation and mindset work can transform your case and your life

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck20

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Connect with Mia Poppe:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miapoppe.esq/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miapoppe/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nylawsa

Website: https://www.miapoppe.com/

Join the free community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1399345284195177

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

In this episode of How Not To Suck At Divorce, Heather McGinley, Emmy award-winning author and founder of The Happily Never After, shares her powerful story of growing up in a fundamentalist Christian family with 21 siblings and how her unconventional upbringing shaped her approach to relationships and divorce. She discusses the mistakes she made during her divorce process, including not interviewing multiple attorneys and failing to file for temporary support, while offering hope that life's most difficult endings can lead to beautiful new beginnings.

• Heather's shocking revelation about growing up as the eldest of many children in a "quiverfull" fundamentalist Christian household (hit play to find out HOW many siblings 👀)
• How religious trauma and purity culture affected her ability to form healthy relationships
• The moment her therapist helped her realize she had shut down emotionally as a survival mechanism
• Why she says she "should have gotten divorced before getting married"
• Her biggest mistakes during the divorce process, including financial decisions that cost her $20,000
• Her experience working as a producer on Oprah's show and the valuable lessons about intention
• The "bathroom floor" moments during divorce and how to get through them
• How divorce became the catalyst for her personal growth and ability to love authentically

Questions Answered in This Episode

• How does childhood trauma affect relationship choices in adulthood?
• What are the biggest mistakes people make when hiring a divorce attorney?
• When should you file for temporary spousal support during divorce proceedings?
• How do you know when it's time to get divorced?
• Why does divorce often get harder before it gets better?
• What should be on your divorce support team?
• How can you maintain hope during the darkest moments of divorce?
• What role does personal growth play in the divorce process?
• How do you move from surviving to thriving after divorce?

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

Fear. It’s the uninvited guest in every divorce and today, we’re dragging it into the light. Andrea and Morgan sit down with Crazy Ex-Wives Club host Erica Bennett, whose own divorce journey turned from heartbreak and confusion into a masterclass in emotional self-preservation. Erica shares how fear nearly derailed her decisions, how she clawed back her confidence, and why your fear is lying to you. From psychic readings to the art of “future tripping,” this episode is packed with hard truths, solid strategies, and a big reminder that you are not alone in the chaos.

What you’ll learn:

• Why fear is a terrible advisor during divorce

• How to identify fear-based thinking before it tanks your decisions

• The problem with “future tripping” and how to stop it

• Tips to reset your nervous system when you’re spiraling

• What really happens during trial separations (and why they often backfire)

• The emotional cost of being “too nice” during divorce

• How to keep your kids at the center and not the middle of co-parenting

• Tools for managing communication when your ex checks out

• Why shared custody must come with accountability

• How Erica rebuilt her life and happiness post-divorce

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

Andrea and Morgan are diving deep into the emotional rollercoaster of pre-divorce decisions, from trial separations and nesting, to financial agreements and moving out. With personal stories, expert legal insight, and a healthy dose of humor, this episode is a must-listen for anyone standing at the edge of a marital crossroads. Whether you’re considering divorce or simply feeling unsettled, this episode will help you think three steps ahead and avoid the most common (and very costly) mistakes.

What you’ll learn:

• Why trial separations may backfire (especially if kids are involved)
• The pros and serious cons of nesting during separation
• How moving out early can hurt your case without proper legal strategy
• Why unofficial financial deals are a huge red flag
• What to do instead: safe, strategic first moves to protect yourself

Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-course

Our Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck

Friends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.

Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorce

Follow Andrea: @theandrearappaport

Follow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago