Your Divorce, Your Journey

Episode 03 — Mikayla's Story: The Emotional Truth Behind Divorce

Host: Paulette Watson, Family Solicitor
Guest: Mikayla
Duration: ~20:48

Summary

In this episode, Paulette Watson sits down with Mikayla, a survivor of domestic abuse who shares the emotional truth behind her divorce — the parts the court never heard. From a childhood friendship that became a 10-year relationship, to the honeymoon period that masked the first signs of abuse, Mikayla opens up about the cycle of violence, the daily reality of walking on eggshells, and the moment she knew she had to leave. She also shares her journey of rebuilding — completing a law degree, volunteering at Citizens Advice, and learning to navigate new relationships while carrying the weight of past trauma.

Topics & Timestamps

| Time | Topic |

| 0:00 | Introduction & Guest Welcome |
| 0:52 | Mikayla's Relationship Timeline |
| 2:52 | The Honeymoon Period & First Signs of Abuse |
| 4:33 | The Impact of Abuse on Family Life |
| 8:05 | Walking on Eggshells |
| 9:39 | The Cycle of Abuse |
| 10:00 | Finding Help: Courses & Support |
| 10:35 | The Divorce Process & No-Fault Divorce |
| 12:01 | The Breaking Point |
| 13:25 | Life After Divorce |
| 14:38 | Carrying Trauma Into New Relationships |
| 15:51 | Would She Marry Again? |
| 16:25 | Message to Listeners |
| 17:03 | Mikayla's Law Degree & Aspirations |
| 18:42 | Closing & Contact |

Key Takeaways

No-fault divorce in the UK: Since 2022, the only ground for divorce is that the marriage has broken down irretrievably — there is no more blame on paper. However, the emotional need to have your reasons acknowledged doesn't disappear with the legal change.
You don't need your spouse to sign divorce papers, they only need to acknowledge receipt of them.
The cycle of abuse: Love bombing followed by escalating behaviour is a recognisable pattern. Understanding it through courses like the Freedom Program can help survivors make sense of what they experienced.
Emotional abuse is insidious: Unlike physical abuse, it chips away slowly until the survivor no longer recognises themselves.
Rebuilding is possible: Mikayla completed a law degree during her divorce and is now pursuing aspirations to become a judge or coroner.

Resources Mentioned

• Eden Links 
• NCDV (National Centre for Domestic Violence)
• The Freedom Program 
• Citizens Advice Bureau

Memorable Quote

Contact
Host: Paulette Watson — [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Mr Myth v Mrs Truth 

10 Myths That Make Divorce Harder And The Truth That Makes It Easier 

In this solo episode, host Paulette Watson, divorce lawyer and founder of Your Divorce, Your Journey, breaks down 10 myths people carry into divorce, myths that create fear, confusion, and unrealistic expectations. 

Inspired by a recent client who believed she’d automatically keep the house because she’d paid the mortgage for fourteen years, Paulette explains why so many people are shocked when they learn how the law actually works. 

This episode clears the fog, calms the panic, and gives listeners the grounded truth they need to move forward with clarity. 

• What You’ll Learn in This Episode 
• Why courts don’t punish bad behaviour Why 50/50 isn’t a rule.
•  Why leaving the family home doesn’t mean losing your rights.
•  Why no‑fault divorce means nobody can block the process.
•  Why sorting finances “later” is risky.
•  Why courts don’t favour mothers.
•  Why lawyers don’t want you to fight.
•  Why earning more doesn’t mean giving more.
•  Why pensions matter more than people think.
•  Why private agreements still need a court order 

Key Takeaway 

Divorce is hard enough without carrying stories that were never true. These ten myths create fear, conflict, and false expectations, but once you understand the truth, everything becomes clearer, calmer, and more manageable.

 About Your Host

 Paulette Watson is a qualified, SRA‑regulated family lawyer specialising in financial matters after separation and divorce. She brings years of experience, warmth, and clarity to every episode of Your Divorce, Your Journey. 

Connect With Paulette Your Divorce, Your Journey Podcast [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Episode 1 -
Your Emotional Truth Matters

About the Host
Paulette Watson is regulated by the SRA and currently practices as a Family Solicitor, specialising in Divorce & Financial Remedy.

Episode Summary
This episode introduces a space for people to talk about the emotional side of divorce the fear, confusion, pain, and identity shifts the court never heard. Paulette Watson, an SRA-regulated family solicitor, explains why so many feel unseen in the legal process and why their lived experience deserves to be spoken aloud.

What You’ll Get
* A place for the parts of divorce that were ignored
* Real stories from real people
* Emotional truth, not legal paperwork
* Space to talk about what divorce felt like

To share your story email:  [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail