In this episode, we dive into the complex decision of whether to pause your divorce process and explore the possibility of reconciliation. We discuss why some couples might reconsider divorce, the emotional and practical aspects to consider before making a decision, and the importance of having real, lasting change before hitting pause. We also touch on the legal steps involved in pausing or halting the divorce process, including options like the reconciliation calendar, and the financial and emotional risks that come with this decision. This isn't easy friend - but we've got you covered.

In this episode you'll learn:

• The reasons why some people file for divorce but later reconsider, and how to recognize if reconciliation is truly possible
• What steps to take if you're considering pausing your divorce, including discussing it with your attorney and understanding the legal implications
• How to distinguish between temporary emotional moments (like a spontaneous romantic night) and genuine, long-term changes that could save your marriage
• The importance of being aware of the risks, both emotional and financial, that could arise when halting the divorce process
• How working through these decisions with proper guidance, both legal and emotional, can help you make the best choice for your future

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 episode of How Not To Suck At Divorce, Andrea and Morgan talk about the tough question of whether to stay or go in your marriage. They walk you through the simple but powerful TALK acronym to help you gain clarity and confidence as you make this big decision in your life. They cover how therapy can help you unpack what's going on, the importance of understanding your emotional needs, how to assess the fun and love in your relationship, and why knowledge is key to moving forward. These steps are designed to guide you through this challenging time and help you make the best decision for yourself and your family. You deserve happiness, and we're here to help you get there.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• How therapy can help unpack the underlying issues in your marriage and provide clarity on whether to stay or go
• The importance of assessing your emotional needs and understanding if they're being met in your relationship
• How to evaluate the level of fun, love, and connection in your marriage, and what to do if those things are lacking
• Why gaining knowledge about the divorce process and talking to professionals can empower you to make informed decisions
• How following the simple TALK acronym can help guide you through the tough decision-making process and lead to a healthier, happier outcome for you and your family

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 episode of How Not To Suck at Divorce, we are talking about what so many divorced parents struggle with—kids who resist going to the other parent’s house. We talk about why this happens and offer actionable tips for managing these tough transitions. It’s completely normal for kids to feel conflicted, and in this episode, we break it down and share ways to make those transitions smoother.

We dig into the "EASE" acronym (you'll have to hit play to find out what this is if you don't know) to give you a simple framework for communicating with your child during these moments. We also talk about why setting boundaries is key and how to do it in a way that doesn’t make your child feel torn between parents.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to show empathy for your child's feelings
• The importance of setting boundaries and maintaining a calm demeanor during difficult transitions
• How to document issues related to child transitions, especially if they become an ongoing concern
• How to communicate clearly with your co-parent, and when it’s necessary to seek legal advice if the issues persist

No doubt, this sucks. But you got this, and we got you!

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 episode of How Not To Suck At Divorce, we dive into handling the tough emotions that can arise during the holiday season when you're going through a divorce. We know it’s not easy, and we’ve got your back!

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

1. Embrace the sadness – Don’t fight it. We talk about why feeling sad is totally normal and how pushing those feelings down will only make them linger longer.
2. Move your body – It doesn’t have to be anything intense, but a little walk can go a long way in helping clear your mind and improve your mood.
3. Shift your focus – Find a project, something to get your hands on, like a craft or home project, to take your mind off the stress and give you a sense of accomplishment.
4. Get out there – Even if it's just for a short time, saying yes to an invite and getting dressed can help break the isolation and give you a sense of normalcy.

So, if the holidays are feeling heavy or you’re just struggling to cope, listen in for some practical tips and support to make it through. We get it – divorce is a marathon, not a sprint, and we’ve got you every step of the way.

Links to the amazing products discussed in episodes:

• Jouer Under Eye Balm
• Women's Heated Vest
• Men's Heated Vest
• Flameless Candle lighter
• Vuori (how do you pronounce this?!)
• Spanx Air Essentials

Morgan’s Wreath Making YouTube Channel: (just kidding, but follow us on YouTube!)

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 today’s episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we dive deep into the collaborative divorce process with Lucia Levias, a family law attorney specializing in this approach. We discuss what collaborative divorce is, how it differs from traditional litigation, and whether it might be the right choice for your situation. Lucia shares the benefits of this process, including cost savings and a more peaceful resolution, while also addressing who is best suited for this approach and the potential pitfalls to watch out for.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The basics of collaborative divorce and how it works
• How collaborative divorce can potentially save you money compared to traditional litigation
• What professionals are involved in a collaborative divorce and how they support the process
• When a collaborative divorce may or may not be right for you
• How to approach your spouse about considering a collaborative divorce
• The importance of being aligned with your spouse for this process to succeed
• Real-life examples of how collaborative divorce can help resolve tough issues like spousal support and parenting plans

Lucia's website: https://duboislaw.net/

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 episode, we're joined by Sarah Armstrong, author of A Mom's Guide to a Good Divorce, to discuss the importance of compartmentalizing during the divorce process. Divorce is emotionally draining, and the ability to compartmentalize can help you navigate it more effectively—especially when emotions run SUPER high. Sarah shares her personal journey through divorce and how she learned to compartmentalize to keep her focus on what really mattered: her daughter, her career, and making the best decisions for the long term. And oh - she's the VP of global marketing operations, at Google...yep!

What you'll learn:

• The importance of compartmentalizing during divorce and how it can help you make better decisions
• How to manage emotional triggers and not let them dictate your actions
• Practical steps for compartmentalizing, such as taking a breath and giving yourself time to cool down before reacting
• The power of focusing on the long game and making decisions that are best for you and your kids
• How Sarah used her compartmentalization skills to balance her career at Google, motherhood, and her personal life post-divorce

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the emotional rollercoaster of divorce, this episode will give you the tools to regain control and make decisions that serve YOU and your kids in the long run. Whether it's deciding when to show emotion or learning to take a step back during tense moments, Sarah’s insights are invaluable for anyone navigating the difficult journey of divorce and we're here for it - and we're here for you, too!

Connect with Sarah:

Sarah's website: https://www.gooddivorce.guide

Sarah's book: A Mom's Guide to a Good 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

Yep, divorce confessions! We're talking real moments that often come up during divorce! We share anonymous confessions and are here to remind you that divorce can make you feel like you're losing your mind, but you're not alone.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why it’s totally normal to have wild, irrational thoughts during divorce (and you’re not crazy)
• How to protect yourself legally when things get out of control
• The importance of having a legal team you can trust, especially if criminal behavior is involved
• Why you should absolutely NOT write your kids a letter explaining your divorce
• Why giving into the urge to stalk or harass your ex can make everything worse
• What to do when you’re overwhelmed and just want to pack your shit and leave

No matter how crazy things feel right now, you’re not losing it. You'll feel that in this episode!

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

Today we welcome Hilary Rosenberg back to the show to dive into the topic of mental preparation for divorce. I know, I know - but hear is out. The emotional complexities that come with ending a marriage are so hard, terrible, overwhelming and more. Let us take a load off and share our insights and practical strategies to help you navigate your divorce with clarity and strength!

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The critical importance of allowing yourself to grieve the end of your marriage
• Actionable steps to support your mental well-being during the divorce process
• How to create a nurturing and positive environment for yourself as you transition to this new chapter

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 episode, we're diving into the difficult and emotional topic of creating a custody schedule. Whether you’re just beginning the divorce process or in the thick of it, figuring out the best arrangement for your children while managing your own emotions can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help you break it down, with guidance from family law attorney and mediator Rebecca Parra. Rebecca brings a wealth of experience in creating custody plans and offers practical tools to help you make the best decisions for your family.

In this episode, we answer questions like:

• What are the biggest challenges parents face when creating a custody plan?
• How can the new Custody Navigator tool help visualize and plan your custody schedule?
• What creative custody arrangements can be used for non-traditional work schedules?
• How do factors like child support affect custody agreements?
• What can you expect from mediation, and how can it help you come to a peaceful resolution?

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 episode, we explore the relationship between alcohol and divorce, diving into how exactly how drinking impacts your emotional state, decision-making, and overall well-being during one of life’s most challenging times. This episode IS NOT about giving up drinking completely; it’s about understanding when alcohol is helping or hurting as you navigate the divorce process.

In this episode, you'll learn:

-What actually happens in your brain when you drink to cope with stress?

-How do you know if you're drinking for the wrong reasons?

-What are the warning signs that you’re blowing past your emotional "stop signs"?

-What action steps can you take to keep your relationship with alcohol in check during a divorce?

Our guest, Colleen Kachmann, known as the "Hangover Whisperer," is a recovery-certified master coach and an expert in alcohol use awareness. She shares science-backed insights on the impact of alcohol on the body and mind during stressful periods and offers practical advice on mindful drinking.

Remember, this episode is here to guide you without judgment—only support. Whether you decide to drink less, stay mindful, or seek more support, we’re here to help you navigate this journey in the healthiest way possible.

Connect with Colleen:

Website: https://www.colleenkachmann.com/

Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer

Tiktok: @hangoverwhisperer

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