Author: Elizabeth

Maybe you’re divorced and unattached, or perhaps you are newly separated? Maybe you’re still married, unhappy, and thinking about divorce. Or, maybe your spouse recently passed away. All of these are very painful situations, and all of these result in being or feeling alone at Christmas–a feeling that can be lonely, sad, scary, upsetting, painful, awkward and/or depressing.

My story is, I got separated in August, so when it was Christmastime, it had been about 4 months. The plan was for my kids to go to my ex’s for four days (which included Christmas Eve and Christmas!)  Let me tell you, I had so much anxiety about it, and spent hours, days actually, worrying about it. I was scared I would cry the whole time, that I couldn’t survive the loneliness.

But I did. I actually got through it so much better than I thought because I focused on the

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 chances of finding the love of your life.

There’s plenty of information out there on what to do to meet someone, how to date, what to say, how to figure out if someone is right for you and more. But when it comes to attracting your amazing partner, there is something

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 make payments for the dog and whether those payments came from marital or non-marital sources, and at which house the dog thrives.

Until about eight years ago, a dog (or any pet) was considered “property” in a divorce in Illinois. Just like furniture, or a boat, or

There are so many reasons people get divorced, and every situation is unique. You might be 100% sure that divorce is right for you, but then again, you might be wondering if there’s even the slightest possibility things can work out. You might be asking, “How do you save a marriage that is falling apart?”

I think I can help you.

Did you know that there are countless couples that end up getting divorced and they didn’t truly want it? The sad thing is, they got divorced because they just didn’t know what else to do.

If you’re contemplating divorce right now,  but deep down you still love your spouse, you are proud of the life you’ve built together and the family you’ve raised together, and you’re wondering how to save a marriage that is falling apart, I have great news for you.

You absolutely can save a marriage that

Are you looking for peace after divorce? Of course you are! Who wouldn’t be? So why do some people achieve peace after divorce and some people stay stuck in a place of frustration, anger, bitterness; in a state of war, with others and with themselves? In my opinion, the different lies in one word:

Self-awareness.

Ask someone why he orshe got divorced, and typically you’ll get one of these kinds of answers:

My husband left me.

My wife cheated.

My husband’s an asshole.

My wife’s a bitch.

We grew apart.

We were really unhappy.

We never loved each other.

How long do you have?

While I’m not judging anyone for what he or she wants to say or remember in their mind about why they got divorced, I think there are some divorced people who have an edge– they have something that helps them achieve peace after divorce

Holidays are supposed to be fun and action-packed, but they can feel challenging and overwhelming, especially for divorced parents. Nearly 88 percent of Americans find the holidays stressful—now add in co-parenting on top of all the hustle and bustle! But co-parenting during the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, co-parenting the right way can actually result in a happy, healthy holiday season.

Co-parenting during the holidays can be complicated, and coordinating schedules to meet everyone’s needs and wishes is important. There are a lot of things you need to balance!

It totally makes sense why you might feel like dividing the holidays fairly between you and your ex is a good idea. After all, you love your kids and the holidays are a special time when most of us gather as a family. Of course, you don’t want them to miss out.

However, while splitting the holidays right

The holiday season is such a fun time to go to your mailbox. Why? Because you probably get some beautiful holiday and Christmas cards from family and friends. You get to see everyone’s kids, how much they’ve grown, and smiling, happy faces. You also get to send your holiday cards, spreading good cheer and your kids happy faces. But what happens when you get divorced? Should you still send holiday cards? This article addresses holiday and Christmas card etiquette after divorce.

What should the return address label read?

What should the greeting say?

How should you sign the card?

Can you still use “The Smiths?” even if “The Smiths” aren’t living in the same house any longer?

Will people think it’s weird if your ex isn’t in the picture? (literally?)

Should you even send them?

These are all really tough questions, especially if this is your first holiday season

In many states, including Illinois, divorcing couples with children are required by law to attend divorce mediation in an attempt to come to custody, financial and other child-related agreements. Some couples are able to find success by mediating, and all that’s left to do is for their attorneys to draw up an official agreement and submit it to the courts. However, while the process works for some divorcing couples, it is not uncommon for no settlement at mediation, and at that point, they begin the litigation process.

Possible Reasons for No Settlement at Mediation

In my experience, there are a multitude of reasons why mediation may result in no settlement.  Here are 3:

1. Emotions and Egos of the Parents:

Nobody gets divorced because everything in their family life is going as they had planned, hoped or wanted.  That’s why divorce mediation is often highly emotional, and can be fueled

Anger during divorce is completely normal and understandable.  I think it is healthy to live those emotions–to feel them. Actually, I think it’s unhealthy if a person getting divorced doesn’t have anger. Most people who have been through a divorce have anger. They are furious at the ex, resentful, and bitter, at times. But, eventually those feelings fade and people move on. That said, a lot of people ask, “How do you stop being angry about divorce?”

The answer to this question is complicated because every divorce situation is unique, and everyone has his or her own timetable and range and variety of emotions to process and handle.

So, I will try to answer based on my own experience, and on the hundreds of divorce stories I’ve heard (and written about.) When I got divorced several years ago, I was angry. Really angry. I was angry with myself, angry with