Divorce is hard but it's so much harder because we are hard on ourselves. In this episode, Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. discusses the importance of giving yourself GRACE during your divorce.  For Kimberly, GRACE during your divorce means: G: Guilt Free. No matter what brought you to this process, recognizing that bearing guilt will not change the circumstances but rather keep you from moving forward. R: Respect for yourself, others, and the process. A: Accountability is key to getting through the divorce process. C: Community is the only way to get through a div ..read more

Spring is here! Now is the time for spring cleaning your divorce because it will make a huge difference in your process.  Join Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq., in this podcast episode to understand the importance of spring cleaning your divorce including: 1.  The financial information and documents to update, 2. Checking and following up on important deadlines or accountability markers, 3. Reviewing Court orders, judgments, and other agreements, 4. Not overlooking your springtime self-care, and 5. Why freshening up your home impacts more than just your physica ..read more

Pull up a chair because we have some "tea" to share!  In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, discusses the very topics that women who have been through a divorce don't talk about including: - Why you will question your decision to leave or stay; - Your weight will change; - You will do or say something that you may later regret (including that 3am text message); - Why your lawyer is not your friend - even if you love them; - What happens to your friends and social interactions due to divorce; - The post-divorce transition and adjustment is real;  - Why love is still possible ev ..read more

A divorce is a financial change and can significantly impact your future ability to purchase a home, open a credit card, or qualify for financial aid for your college student.  In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, explains the following six things to do to protect your credit during divorce: 1. Why pulling your credit report is the first step to protecting your credit during divorce; 2. How creating a financial spreadsheet can not only help further your divorce negotiations but can help increase your credit score; 3.  What credit alerts are used for and why you should set the ..read more

Only Janet Jackson can "control" everything even though we often try!  In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, shares the things you can control in your divorce including: (a) Who you hire; (b) Your actions and behavior; (c) Your relationship with your children; (d) How you show up for yourself in the divorce; and more.   In this episode, Kimberly also shares those things that you cannot control during the divorce process including: (a) Your Ex; (b) The Court and legal process; (c) Your Ex's relationship with your children; and more. Divorce is a process like no other and i ..read more

The harsh reality is divorce is a negotiation. It is about give and take. From holiday parenting time to therapist selection, every aspect of parenting matters are subject to negotiation in a divorce so it's important to know the best way to negotiate to increase your chances of getting what you want (and saving time and money along the way). In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, shares her experience as a seasoned trial attorney and mediator to help you negotiate parenting matters whether you are preparing for trial or mediation. In this episode, Kimberly shares: 1. The importance of l ..read more

We have all heard "to err is human, to forgive, is divine" and during a divorce this is especially true.  You will make mistakes during your divorce but it's important to forgive yourself, learn from them, and do better.  In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, discusses the six mistakes to avoid before filing for a divorce: 1. Threatening divorce; 2. Not researching your State and local laws; 3. Deciding to self-represent without first talking to a lawyer; 4. Agreeing to terms without fully understanding what you are agreeing to; 5. Relying on oral agreements; and 6. Not having ..read more

This is not a sponsored or affiliate podcast. Are you struggling to communicate with your co-parent? Or, are you constantly at odds about changes in the parenting schedule?  In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq., discusses the co-parenting apps and programs that she has referred to her mediation and litigation clients over the years and has witnessed the improvement in their co-parenting relationships.     Grown Girl Divorce podcast is a space of relatability for Black women considering and going through a divorce. These are girlfriend conversations to educate a ..read more

Co-parenting can be challenging at times even in amicable co-parent relationships.  Yet, is a different challenge and experience when navigating co-parenting with a narcissist. In this episode, our host, Kimberly A. Cook, Esq. explains: - The importance of setting and maintaining boundaries; - Knowing what you can (and cannot) control in co-parenting relationships; - Navigating the drama, manipulation, and other frustrating behaviors when co-parenting with a narcissist; - Recognizing when to get help; and more. Understanding how to Co-Parent with a narcissist can make your, and your child ..read more

Getting divorced is expensive and not everyone can afford to hire a lawyer. In this episode, Grown Girl Divorce podcast host, Kimberly A. Cook, explains things you can do if you can't afford, or at least think you can't afford, to work with a lawyer during your divorce including: 1.  The free and low cost legal resources you should access; 2. Understanding and navigating the self-representation process (i.e., proceeding as a Pro Se litigant); 3.  Ways to get legal advice on a budget; 4. Low cost options to resolve your divorce and parenting matters; 5. Discussing the truth about your ..read more