Title Image, back to school after divorce, elementary school age, overlayed upon apple and schoolbooks

Change is in the air, floating in on the late summer breeze. Another year of school is upon us. You’ve been gathering supplies and getting back to routines – and if you and your spouse have recently been through a divorce, there are additional preparations that you’ll want to ensure are completed before the start of the new school year. Both emotionally and logistically there are a number of areas to which it’s important to give attention if your family structure has recently undergone such a major change as divorce.

School can often provide an oasis for children who have seen significant changes at home. The comfort of friends and consistent routines, coupled with academic and extracurricular engagements during the school day offer solace. By being proactive and taking the following steps, you canRead more »

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

With summer around the corner and school about to let out, families everywhere are putting the finishing touches on summer travel plans. Whether headed for the beach, cross country to visit family or on a sightseeing trip, family travel is a time to build lasting memories and shared experiences. These trips are a time to write stories that families will fondly recall for years afterward.

Are you a newly single parent wondering how to get back into the travel game?

Travel plans can belong to single parents too, with just a little forethought and planning. I’ve jam packed this post with tips and tricks to make travelling solo as economical and frazzle free as possible!Read more »

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Gavel and legal statutes

Choosing a lawyer is amongst the most significant decisions you’ll be making throughout your divorce process. The lawyer you choose to retain will have a major impact on the sort of divorce settlement you create. A lawyer should be thorough, efficient, proficient in family law, and compassionate.

Being mindful of the following ideas will assist you in finding the lawyer that is best suited to represent your needs, and to ensuring that you are aware of your legal rights and obligations.Read more »

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,

Title superimposed over confused cartoon man

Decades ago, getting divorced meant navigating a life event that was the exception from the norm. The divorcing individual was seen as traversing a unique path and breaking new ground. In contrast, today we are fortunate that when someone is going through the process there are others who have come before who have turned their experiences into resources for those who would come next. There are now social services, government supported resources, advocacy groups and educational initiatives dedicated to families in transition.

That said, each experience of divorce is unique and for most, the experience can feel akin to one who is walking into the darkness without a road-map or a light. The road is vast and intimidating. As with the fresh diagnosis of an illness, someone who is experiencing divorce is looking for answers, resources and information in an arena where they have no experience until they’re thrown head-first into crisis control.

Once a marriage has reached its functional end, there are questions that arise:

  • How does one initiate a divorce?
  • In what length of time will the divorce be finalized?
  • How will property be divided?
  • What is going to happen with the children?

Before plunging into the process, there are a number of recommended steps to take. Jot down all the concerns and questions you have. Clarify your starting point so that you can move forward strategically in your divorce. What questions do you need answered? What are your priorities? Mapping out your concerns will show you what information you need to find and from which various professionals you will need to seek expert opinions and advice.Read more »

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,

I remember the first time I walked out of a training course in domestic abuse. Having lasted several days, the course left me sobered. It left me reeling. Do millions of individuals across Canada and the United States alone live out this nightmare daily as we go about our lives?

I went on to complete my training and began applying these teachings in my work with mediation clients. TheRead more »

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,

Supporting loved ones through divorce - overlaying table laid with purple flowers

I remember the look on my dear friend’s face as though it were yesterday. It was one of shock, of pain, of utter loss. She sat there still and speechless, unsure of quite what to say. A hug, more tears, a few whispered words and the promise that she was but a call away if I needed anything at all. She had been the first stop after separating from my now ex-husband, all those years ago. Though I didn’t know at the time how I would get through tomorrow, I knew that I would need to call upon those closest to me for support in traversing the road ahead.

Since that time I have found myself looking on from a different vantage point, fielding calls from friends seeking advice on how to support another going through the process. Some of us are natural fixers, jumping in to pick up the slack and get the job done. Others are empaths. Still others simply find themselves at a loss and in the overwhelm turn the other way, hoping someone else will step in to take their place. Divorce is difficult to bear. It affects not only the nuclear family unit but oh so many hearts with whom that unit has become knitted. As with every challenge that befalls a loved one, divorce brings with it the opportunity to come together and offer the simplicity of love and support.

The difficult part is often knowing how.Read more »

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,

A separation agreement is a vital document within the divorce process. The separation agreement details the terms a couple has agreed upon in relation to their divorce. While the document 

Read more »

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lighthouse over water and blue sky - How a divorce coach can help you find direction

Before getting married you had dreams of a future with your loved one standing by your side. Together, you excitedly set the date, picking out the hall, colours, flowers and band. Every last detail was picked over, considered and finally decided upon.

Then life happened. The wedding celebrations came and went. Day by day your future brought triumphs and struggles. Children came, bringing with them joy, laughter and sleepless nights. Careers evolved, accompanied by accomplishments and occasional pivots. Difficulties arose, grew, and then the came most difficult challenge of all – separation and divorce.

Sometimes separations are planned; a mutually felt and agreed upon next step as a relationship dissolves. At others a spouse is sideswiped, the recipient of unwanted information and unforeseen circumstances.

How do you plan for a divorce?

I can help.

Read more »

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Upon separating, one question men and women find themselves asking is “How do I find a lawyer??” The prospect of entering divorce proceedings is a daunting one. Throughout the process, your lawyer becomes your advocate, advisor, interpreter, and partner as you navigate the legal field. However the question remains – “How do I find the right lawyer for my case who is analytic, experienced, thorough and compassionate. And how do I keep costs down?!”

Read more »

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Beginning of a Journey

Divorce.

It can be an intimidating word. Paradoxically divorce often brings feelings of finality at the same time as endless questions are swimming before the mind’s eye. The future stands before you. You’ve put in months and years to creating a home you had hoped would last long into life’s horizons. You’ve built memories, raised children, invested time and energy and now it’s time to bid these years adieu.

You pack your emotional suitcase, discerning which valuables you’ll want to take on the road with you and which you’ll leave behind. It’s been awhile since you traveled solo, no other adult along for the ride. Read more »

Tagged with: , , , , , , , ,