Todd and I continue to take a deep dive into the divorce process to explain why divorce cases can take so long.  This is the second part of a three part series, and we continue to explore examples of how little things can cause a case to take longer than we feel like it should.   Our hope is that this information will give you the tools to make decisions that shorten the process rather than expand it.

One of the biggest complaints we hear from clients is that their divorce is taking too long.  Interestingly enough, we agree with those complaints.  The process can take too long, and the lawyers often become just as frustrated as the clients about the length of the divorce process.  In this episode, Todd and I begin to take a deeper dive into the divorce process, starting with the very beginning. This episode is the first part of a three part series where we explore those things that can draw out the divorce process and what can be done to help reduce the time a divorce will take.  

In a divorce context, communicating poorly can be as dangerous as pouring gasoline on a fire.  To help prevent that from happening, Leh and Todd break down some of the most common pitfalls in a divorce situation and how to avoid them.  They discuss the reasons why communication becomes harder in a divorce.  They also lay out the hierarchy of effective communication forms.  They explain why you should pay attention to when you are communicating.   And finally, they break down some practical communication tips you can use today. 

Dr. Gary Chapman’s book, The 5 Love Languages, has sold over 12 million copies and been translated into 50 different languages.  He has authored over 40 books and his life has been dedicated to building healthy, happy marriages.  In this rare opportunity, Leh and Todd interview Dr. Chapman.  During the interview, he shares his inspiration for the book, unpacks the 5 Love Languages, and discusses how to use them to take your marriage to the next level.

Choosing the right lawyer for you can be intimidating.  In this episode, Leh Meriwether and Todd Orston break down what you need to know when choosing the right lawyer for you.  They answer some common questions, such as:  Do legal 'awards' matter?  Does the law school they went to matter?  Can I rely on online reviews?  Are there advantages to hiring a lawyer that specializes in my situation?  What should I be looking out for and what messages should be a red flag?  

In this show, Leh and Todd discuss a common struggle they see in many divorce cases . . . difficulty prioritizing the divorce action.  It can lead to all kinds of problems, including a poor outcome, higher attorney's fees, and a whole lot of frustration (just to name a few).  Tune in to learn why prioritization is so important; how it to make it a priority even when life throws you a curve ball; and some practical organization tips to make it happen.

One of the most powerful things you can do to help you get through a divorce, increase your likelihood of an amicable resolution, and make sure you learn from the experience is to own your part in the marriage and the divorce.  This can be painful to think about and hard to hear.  We are the worst at looking ourselves in the mirror.  In this show, Leh and Todd break down the 7 benefits of Owning Your Part, along with tips on how to do just that.  

In this show, Leh and Todd interview Audrey Silcox, the creator of Divorce Tool Box.  Audrey is a counselor,  Certified Divorce and Family Mediator, and divorce educator who has worked with divorcing couples since 1996.  She put Divorce Tool Box together for people to help them make good decisions during a stressful and complicated process.  It is designed to compliment the advice that your lawyer gives you to make the best decision you can. Tune in to learn what it is all about and how it can help you.

Arguably the worst part of a divorce is its impact on children.  Most parents want to limit the emotional harm to their children, but they just don't know how.  In this episode, Todd and Leh interview Dr. Howard Drutman, the author of Divorce: The Art of Screwing Up Your Children.  They discuss the do's and don'ts of breaking the news to your children.  He shares some valuable insight into how children process the news of divorce based upon his decades of experience  dealing with child custody cases.

If divorce has become your only option, breaking the news to your spouse the right way can set the tone for an amicable divorce.  Of course, that is not an easy conversation.  Sometimes it is easier in the short term to just hire a lawyer and let them handle those conversations. But, that usually is not the best way to start the case.  In this episode, we interview licensed, professional counselor Tim Bouman from Atlanta Center for Marriages to get his insight on how to break the news to your spouse in a way that sets the right tone in your case.  We break down how to start off on the right foot that will leave the two of you as good co-parents (if you have kids) and not life-long, bitter enemies.