In this episode, we dive into how parental alcoholism (or substance misuse) can impact child custody and visitation arrangements. We’ll explore how courts evaluate the role of substance abuse in parenting decisions and the potential consequences for parents struggling with alcoholism or alcohol misuse. You'll also hear about legal strategies to protect children’s well-being and how alternative dispute resolution methods, like Restorative Divorce and mediation, can offer more cooperative solutions for families dealing with these challenges. Tune in for expert advice on safeguarding your family’s future in the face of addiction.

In this episode of the Restorative Divorce Podcast, we sit down with Brenda Bridges, founder of Bridging Divorce Solutions, to explore how her personal journey through an unexpected and challenging divorce inspired her to create a better, non-adversarial process for others. Brenda shares her story of transitioning from a yoga instructor to a financial advisor, the obstacles she faced, and the lessons she learned along the way.

Join us as Brenda discusses the importance of setting clear goals before engaging in the divorce process, choosing the right method and professionals, and how these steps empower individuals to control their divorce instead of being controlled by it. Brenda also offers valuable insights into the unique financial challenges women face during divorce and how her firm helps them navigate these complexities with confidence.

Whether you're considering divorce, in the midst of it, or supporting someone through the process, this episode provides essential guidance on making informed, goal-oriented decisions to ensure a better life beyond divorce. Tune in to discover how to transform fear into hope and questions into confidence with Brenda Bridges' expert advice.

Discover why Restorative Divorce outshines DIY and online services. Learn how our personalized, legally compliant, and emotionally supportive approach ensures long-term family well-being. Explore more at birtlaw.com.

In this enlightening episode of Restorative Divorce, we explore a topic close to every parent's heart: the power of apologizing to our children during divorce and coparenting. Join us as we delve into practical strategies and heartfelt insights to help young parents navigating dual incomes find clarity and connection in their coparenting journey.

Discover the profound impact of modeling accountability and responsibility for our children, and learn how sincere apologies can repair trust and strengthen family bonds. We'll also discuss the importance of fostering emotional resilience and growth in our kids, and share a touching example of a genuine apology that inspires positive change.

Whether you're in the midst of divorce proceedings or striving to strengthen your coparenting dynamics, this episode offers invaluable guidance and support. Tune in to redefine divorce as an opportunity for growth, healing, and deeper family connections.

Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram, and let's empower each other to create a brighter future for our families. Don't miss out on this transformative episode of Restorative Divorce – your journey to healing starts here.

#RestorativeDivorce #Coparenting #FamilyHealing #Empowerment #ParentingTips #DivorceJourney #PodcastEpisode 🎙️

In this episode, Erin Birt and Tyler Birt dive into the complexities of co-parenting in an era dominated by electronic devices. Drawing from a recent blog post, they explore a pressing question: Can a co-parent power off a child's cell phone during their parenting time? The discussion touches upon the blurred lines of trust, safety concerns, and the challenges faced during unsupervised visitation. Erin and Tyler dissect the nuances of electronic device agreements, emphasizing the importance of setting clear guidelines to navigate this aspect of co-parenting effectively. They also address common queries surrounding living arrangements during divorce proceedings, offering insights into safeguarding children's well-being amidst familial transitions. Tune in for experienced advice on fostering healthy co-parenting dynamics amidst the digital landscape.

Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Mediation discusses the common challenges individuals face during the mediation process. From feeling a loss of control to dealing with false accusations, mediation can be emotionally taxing. The transcript highlights the importance of recognizing these emotions, taking breaks when necessary, and practicing self-care to overcome emotional exhaustion. It emphasizes that while mediation can be beneficial in resolving conflicts, it's essential to address the emotional toll it can take on individuals to achieve a successful outcome.

In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of family law, exploring the nuanced benefits of in-person court appearances versus the convenience of short, quick Zoom sessions. Our expert guests shed light on why the traditional approach to court proceedings can offer a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in family matters.

We also emphasize the critical role of completing financial disclosures in family law cases. Unveiling your financial circumstances through detailed disclosures not only ensures transparency but also aids in making informed decisions. Our legal team breaks down the importance of this process and how it influences the outcomes of divorce, child custody, and spousal support cases.

As we pivot to family law mediation, we provide a crucial tip to our listeners: never neglect to fill out your financial affidavit or show support for your financial circumstances. Our seasoned mediator highlights the pitfalls that arise when crucial financial information is omitted during mediation sessions. Learn from our mediator, Erin Birt, to discover strategies to navigate mediation successfully.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of family law, whether you're seeking advice for court appearances, understanding the significance of financial disclosures, or aiming to avoid common pitfalls in mediation.

Our next episode will continue this discussion with more pitfalls to avoid or pay attention to in family law mediation!

🎙️ Dive into the complexities of co-parenting in the digital age with our latest podcast episode! Join us as we unravel the impact of electronic devices on child custody arrangements, exploring the highs and lows of navigating technology in divorced or never-married co-parenting scenarios, particularly in Illinois.

📱 In this episode, we address the ever-evolving landscape of parenting in a digital world, shedding light on the conflicts that arise and the emotional stakes involved. Discover the alternative path of mediation, a cost-effective solution to tackle co-parenting challenges without compromising your children's well-being.

💻 Learn about the power of electronics agreements – a valuable tool to reduce conflicts surrounding device usage. We break down how divorced parents can establish rules within their parenting plan, covering everything from screen time to social media policies. Find out how these agreements provide peace of mind and contribute to a more harmonious co-parenting relationship.

🔍 Tune in to explore essential questions for crafting your own electronics agreement, ensuring a smoother journey through the digital parenting landscape. From device restrictions to financial considerations, we've got you covered.

Subscribe now for expert insights, real-life stories, and practical solutions to thrive as a co-parent in the age of digital parenting. 🌐 #TechParenting #CoParentingPodcast #DigitalParenting #ElectronicsAgreements #ChildCustodyTech

In this insightful episode, we bring together the legal expertise of a seasoned Divorce Attorney, Erin Birt, and the emotional guidance of skilled therapists (thank you Michael Galbraith and Bill Doherty) to delve into the complex realm of Discernment Counseling. Whether you're at a crossroads in your marriage or contemplating the divorce process, this episode provides invaluable insights into finding clarity and assessing your readiness for this life-changing decision.

This episode is an excerpt of Erin's presentation at the Illinois Counseling Association's Annual Conference where she presented on the intricacies of Discernment Counseling—a powerful tool designed to help individuals and couples gain a clear understanding of their feelings and intentions regarding marriage and divorce. 

Whether you're contemplating divorce, seeking clarity about your marriage, or simply interested in understanding the intersection of law and emotional well-being, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore the delicate balance between legal realities and emotional readiness, empowering you to make informed decisions about your future.

Episode Highlights:

Don't miss this episode that promises to educate professionals and the public to help provide clarity and empower anyone facing divorce move toward a more informed future.

In this episode, we'll discuss the signs your marriage is on the verge of collapse. If you're feeling like your marriage is headed for trouble, then watch this video and see if you can identify any of the signs.

Marital Collapse can happen quickly, so it's important to be aware of the warning signs and take action before it's too late. Listen and see if you can figure out what might be causing your marriage to fall apart and what you can do about it. You'll have a better understanding of why relationships sometimes end and what you can do to avoid a breakup or make the best decision for you!