There are a few different divorce processes to consider if you are getting divorced. They include: sitting down with your ex and coming to an agreement on custody, financials, assets and more, going to a divorce mediator to mediate your divorce, getting attorneys and going through litigation, and finally, one of the best ways to get divorce: going through the collaborative divorce process. What is collaborative divorce and why is it so wonderful?   A collaborative divorce is a process in which spouses and their attorneys work together to come to divorce agreements. These agreements can in ..read more

This article stems from an email I received from a newly separated 40-something woman, who hasn’t dated in over 15 years. What you have to remember is that online dating is still relatively new. If you think about it, 15 years ago, we had Match.com and other online sites, but dating apps did not exist. So now, when people are getting divorced and they want to start dating, they are beginners when it comes to dating apps! That’s why I thought I’d offer my insight into online dating, as well as some online dating tips for beginners.   Before I get to the online dating tips for beginners, I ..read more

From a DGS reader: Feel ALL the guilt today. My body physically hurts. My temples feel bruised from tension. We made the divorce official and told friends and family. We’re still living together until the end of the school year. This divorce guilt is killing me. He’s broken to pieces about our split. I hate seeing him in so much pain. My advice for Divorce Guilt: The first thing I want to ask is, where is your guilt coming from? Do you feel like you did something wrong? Do you feel like you should be staying with your husband because that’s what HE wants? Do you secretly feel excited about the ..read more

We all know how difficult the divorce process is. In addition to feelings of loss and sadness, the legal process of divorce can be overwhelming and burdensome. But when your spouse is hiding money, or if you suspect it, it takes things to another level. It’s bad enough that you have to walk away from this marriage with only half of the assets, and potentially much lower monthly income than before. But then add to that a dishonest spouse hiding money and doing things to make sure you get even less of what you’re legally entitled to. If you suspect your spouse is hiding money, look for red flags ..read more

The idea of taking the major step of divorce can be scary, intimidating and stressful. It’s hard to know where to start. But let’s start with your spouse. The thought of telling your spouse you want a divorce is incredibly difficult — especially if you know your spouse doesn’t want a divorce. This article will provide compassionate guidance, and offer tips on what to do before telling your spouse you want a divorce.   Understand Your Own Goals and Wishes Before telling your spouse you want a divorce When you have a better understanding of yourself, it makes it easier to communicate your f ..read more

There are many heartbreaks that happen during a divorce. The first heartbreak occurs during that gut-wrenching moment you know you are getting divorced: either you both realize the best option for you as a couple is to split, or your ex blindsides you with a conversation that starts with, “Honey, we need to talk,” and then tells you he/she wants a divorce, or you’re the one who knows you need to leave. But there’s another major heartbreak that I hear so often from divorced people: “My ex moved on immediately; 3 seconds after getting separated, in fact.”     Women do it too, but I ca ..read more

The first time meeting with a divorce lawyer can feel stressful. In my 34 years of practicing law, I can say that when I meet a client for the first time, though each situation is unique, the client is almost always feeling common emotions. These can include: sadness, anger, fear, and of course, confusion. There are so many questions to ask a divorce lawyer, and sometimes, clients don’t even know what to ask!   It is important to ask a lot of questions and to ask the right questions, so that you hire an attorney you feel you can trust, who you feel comfortable with, and who you think will ..read more

I’ve only had one panic attack (lucky me!) and it was during my divorce.  As a therapist, I knew exactly what was happening to me as I have seen anxiety and panic attacks after a breakup or a divorce with many clients over the years. Still, it scared the crap out of me.  I couldn’t catch my breath; my heart was pounding, and I felt a sense of doom. My anxiety was never more pronounced than during that time period, as well.  Divorce is no joke when it comes to anxiety and panic attacks. Divorce is one of the top five life stressors, and according to the US Surgeon General 30-40 p ..read more

Wondering how to attract the love of your life? More than dating strategies, dating apps, new outfits, beauty treatments, therapy or more, there is one thing you need. This one thing is more important than your physical appearance, age, past relationship experiences, current circumstances, online profile, how you dress, your career or financial success, what you say or anything else! PERIOD!   Most women and men assume there is something they should do, or actions they must take, to find the love of their life. They’re partially right. There are many things you can do to help increase the ..read more

I’m a dog lover. I have two dogs named Simba and Sierra. They are very special to me, and I can’t imagine my life without them. That’s why it’s heartbreaking to me when divorcing clients ask me this question: Who gets the dog in a divorce?   The answer to the question is complicated because like anything else in divorce, it depends on the situation, and on many, many factors. Who gets the dog in a divorce depends on things that include: which partner wants the dog, work situations, children, parents’ travel schedules, financial responsibilities, when the dog joined your family, did anyone ..read more