In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we dive into the world of prenuptial agreements (prenups) and why they might be something to consider for anyone entering a marriage, especially if you're coming into the union with significant assets or wealth. They cover everything from what goes into a prenup, who might need one, and how to navigate the conversation with your partner, to the importance of finding a good lawyer and ensuring fairness in the agreement. They also discuss some of the more unusual clauses that might appear in prenups and share tips on how to approach the topic with your partner in a way that is clear and non-confrontational.The burning questions you'll get answers to:Who typically needs a prenup?Are there any common clauses included in prenups, like those involving children or lifestyle?How much can you expect to pay for a prenup?Should both parties hire separate attorneys when creating a prenup?What should someone look out for if they are served a prenup?When is the best time to start discussing and signing a prenup before marriage?Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-courseOur Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuckFriends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorceFollow Andrea: @theandrearappaportFollow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we dive deep into the dreaded parenting plans (also called custody agreements, parenting schedules, or allocation judgments). They break down what really matters in these complex documents, from decision-making on medical care and extracurricular activities to holiday schedules and the right of first refusal.Andrea shares her personal struggles with her own parenting agreement and offers tips on how you can avoid the mistakes she made. Morgan provides expert legal insight on how to negotiate a fair agreement that works for both parents and their kids.What You’ll Learn:The key components of a parenting plan: decision-making, holidays, medical care, and more.Why you need to be proactive and think about how decisions today will impact your future.How to work with your lawyer to create a flexible and fair plan for you and your kids.The importance of compassionate communication and why it's key when negotiating with your ex.Pro tips on how to handle tricky situations like school choice, summer camps, and the right of first refusal.Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-courseOur Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuckFriends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorceFollow Andrea: @theandrearappaportFollow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we dive into the overwhelming fear that often accompanies divorce and its impact on decision-making because lets face it - when we're fearful or scared we are NOT in our right minds. We’re joined by transformational coach Annmarie Chereso, who shares her expertise on how fear affects the brain and behavior during such a challenging time. Annmarie provides practical tools to manage fear, including a four-step method that helps individuals move from a place of fear to empowerment.You will learn:How fear impacts decision-making during a divorce and how to recognize when it is taking controlPractical steps to shift out of fear and into empowerment, including breathing techniques, physical movement, and self-compassionWhy it's crucial not to make decisions when in a heightened emotional state and how to effectively manage fearHow embracing the right mindset can help individuals navigate the emotional challenges of divorce, leading to a more balanced and positive outcomeCLICK HERE to grab the Best Parenting Schedules Advice Workbook Connect with Annmarie:Website: www.annmariechereso.meFree Resource: Out of YOUR Mind and Into Your Body! 5 Day Challenge to reconnect with your intuition and trust yourself: https://annmariechereso.me/trust/Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-courseOur Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuckFriends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorceFollow Andrea: @theandrearappaportFollow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we're talking about the often intimidating process of being deposed during a divorce. We break down what a deposition is, how it works, and the importance of preparation to ensure you present yourself as a strong witness. Morgan, a seasoned divorce lawyer, walks listeners through key strategies for handling a deposition, including how to answer questions succinctly, when to ask for a break, and why staying calm is crucial. They also discuss the role of the lawyer in preparing for the deposition, including the importance of honesty, not over-explaining answers, and how to keep your emotions in check, especially if you're feeling overwhelmed or manipulated!In this episode you'll learn:The purpose of a deposition in a divorce case and why it's crucial to the litigation processHow to prepare for a deposition, including working with your lawyer and understanding what questions might come upThe importance of staying calm, professional, and concise during a deposition.Why honesty and control over your emotions can make a significant difference in how you’re perceivedHow to navigate potential emotional triggers, and how to avoid major mistakes like over-sharing or losing your temperOur Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-courseOur Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuckFriends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorceFollow Andrea: @theandrearappaportFollow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

In this episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea opens up about her personal journey and how getting divorced legitimately saved her life. She shares her experiences of being in an unhealthy marriage, the physical toll it took on her, and the turning point that led her to take control of her life. Andrea also discusses the mistakes she made during her divorce process, including choosing the wrong lawyer and rushing into decisions without proper counsel. Despite these challenges, Andrea highlights the importance of having the right support and taking action to improve your life after divorce.In this episode, you'll learn:The emotional and physical toll an unhealthy relationship can take, and the importance of recognizing when it's time to make a changeHow to avoid common mistakes in the divorce process, such as rushing into decisions or hiring the wrong attorneyThe power of taking small steps toward healing, understanding that it takes time but can ultimately lead to a healthier and happier lifeThe importance of quality time with your children post-divorce and focusing on what truly mattersWhy finding the right legal representation and support system can make all the difference in navigating divorceThis episode is a raw, honest look at Andrea's experience and serves as a reminder that, though divorce is challenging, it CAN lead to personal growth and happiness.Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-courseOur Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuckFriends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorceFollow Andrea: @theandrearappaportFollow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

In this episode, we dive into the complex decision of whether to pause your divorce process and explore the possibility of reconciliation. We discuss why some couples might reconsider divorce, the emotional and practical aspects to consider before making a decision, and the importance of having real, lasting change before hitting pause. We also touch on the legal steps involved in pausing or halting the divorce process, including options like the reconciliation calendar, and the financial and emotional risks that come with this decision. This isn't easy friend - but we've got you covered. In this episode you'll learn:The reasons why some people file for divorce but later reconsider, and how to recognize if reconciliation is truly possibleWhat steps to take if you're considering pausing your divorce, including discussing it with your attorney and understanding the legal implicationsHow to distinguish between temporary emotional moments (like a spontaneous romantic night) and genuine, long-term changes that could save your marriageThe importance of being aware of the risks, both emotional and financial, that could arise when halting the divorce processHow working through these decisions with proper guidance, both legal and emotional, can help you make the best choice for your futureOur Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-courseOur Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuckFriends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorceFollow Andrea: @theandrearappaportFollow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

In this episode of How Not To Suck At Divorce, Andrea and Morgan talk about the tough question of whether to stay or go in your marriage. They walk you through the simple but powerful TALK acronym to help you gain clarity and confidence as you make this big decision in your life. They cover how therapy can help you unpack what's going on, the importance of understanding your emotional needs, how to assess the fun and love in your relationship, and why knowledge is key to moving forward. These steps are designed to guide you through this challenging time and help you make the best decision for yourself and your family. You deserve happiness, and we're here to help you get there.What you'll learn in this episode: How therapy can help unpack the underlying issues in your marriage and provide clarity on whether to stay or goThe importance of assessing your emotional needs and understanding if they're being met in your relationshipHow to evaluate the level of fun, love, and connection in your marriage, and what to do if those things are lackingWhy gaining knowledge about the divorce process and talking to professionals can empower you to make informed decisionsHow following the simple TALK acronym can help guide you through the tough decision-making process and lead to a healthier, happier outcome for you and your familyOur Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-courseOur Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuckFriends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorceFollow Andrea: @theandrearappaportFollow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

In this episode of How Not To Suck at Divorce, we are talking about what so many divorced parents struggle with—kids who resist going to the other parent’s house. We talk about why this happens and offer actionable tips for managing these tough transitions. It’s completely normal for kids to feel conflicted, and in this episode, we break it down and share ways to make those transitions smoother.We dig into the "EASE" acronym (you'll have to hit play to find out what this is if you don't know) to give you a simple framework for communicating with your child during these moments. We also talk about why setting boundaries is key and how to do it in a way that doesn’t make your child feel torn between parents.In this episode, you'll learn: How to show empathy for your child's feelingsThe importance of setting boundaries and maintaining a calm demeanor during difficult transitionsHow to document issues related to child transitions, especially if they become an ongoing concernHow to communicate clearly with your co-parent, and when it’s necessary to seek legal advice if the issues persistNo doubt, this sucks. But you got this, and we got you!Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-courseOur Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuckFriends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorceFollow Andrea: @theandrearappaportFollow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

In this episode of How Not To Suck At Divorce, we dive into handling the tough emotions that can arise during the holiday season when you're going through a divorce. We know it’s not easy, and we’ve got your back! In this episode, you'll learn how to:Embrace the sadness – Don’t fight it. We talk about why feeling sad is totally normal and how pushing those feelings down will only make them linger longer.Move your body – It doesn’t have to be anything intense, but a little walk can go a long way in helping clear your mind and improve your mood.Shift your focus – Find a project, something to get your hands on, like a craft or home project, to take your mind off the stress and give you a sense of accomplishment.Get out there – Even if it's just for a short time, saying yes to an invite and getting dressed can help break the isolation and give you a sense of normalcy.So, if the holidays are feeling heavy or you’re just struggling to cope, listen in for some practical tips and support to make it through. We get it – divorce is a marathon, not a sprint, and we’ve got you every step of the way.Links to the amazing products discussed in episodes:Jouer Under Eye BalmWomen's Heated VestMen's Heated VestFlameless Candle lighterVuori (how do you pronounce this?!)Spanx Air EssentialsMorgan’s Wreath Making YouTube Channel: (just kidding, but follow us on YouTube!)Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-courseOur Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuckFriends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorceFollow Andrea: @theandrearappaportFollow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

In today’s episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, we dive deep into the collaborative divorce process with Lucia Levias, a family law attorney specializing in this approach. We discuss what collaborative divorce is, how it differs from traditional litigation, and whether it might be the right choice for your situation. Lucia shares the benefits of this process, including cost savings and a more peaceful resolution, while also addressing who is best suited for this approach and the potential pitfalls to watch out for.In this episode, you'll learn:The basics of collaborative divorce and how it worksHow collaborative divorce can potentially save you money compared to traditional litigationWhat professionals are involved in a collaborative divorce and how they support the processWhen a collaborative divorce may or may not be right for youHow to approach your spouse about considering a collaborative divorceThe importance of being aligned with your spouse for this process to succeedReal-life examples of how collaborative divorce can help resolve tough issues like spousal support and parenting plansLucia's website: https://duboislaw.net/Our Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-courseOur Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuckFriends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorceFollow Andrea: @theandrearappaportFollow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago