Divorce, Healthy!

The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP) has just received one of, if not the highest honor: a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. Advocates and professionals trained in this method of family law continuously and routinely speak about its benefits — the way it promotes respect of all parties, its ability to maintain civility in and out of the courtroom, and how it encourages empathy and understanding amongst all parties. On this episode of Divorce, Healthy!, we respect the National Adoption Month of November with bring in Ashley Michael, one of only 25 recognized adoption specialist attorneys in North Carolina and co-owner - managing attorney of adoption firm Michael & Russell, PLLC, joins her partner and co-owner host Ashley-Nicole Russell to discuss the need for respect and contempt, their success with collaborative law, the ways in which they see its positivity ripple throughout their clients' lives, and the need for more familial courtrooms to adapt its policies.“Areas are waiting for it. They're wanting it. They're needing it. They just need the attorneys who are going to provide it. And that's what we're working on now,” Ashley-Nicole says of the effort to spread the power of collaborative law. “I do think that it is an easy choice for clients once they truly understand [collaborative law]. What we have battled in the past is awareness — now we have it.” With the publicity the IACP is receiving from its Nobel Peace Prize nomination, both women are hoping this powerful form of conflict resolution will be more widely adopted in courtrooms across the country.Tune in to this episode of Divorce, Healthy! with Ashley-Nicole Russell, Collaborative Attorney serving Beaufort, Raleigh, Wilmington and Greenville, NC.

Cryptocurrency, Non-Fungible Tokens and Digital Assets are now common enough to frequent divorce cases as assets to be divided, but still new enough that most people are unfamiliar with what it represents. Attorneys need to understand how these digital assets are purchased, how they are stored, and how they are maintained. In this episode of Divorce, Healthy!, host Ashley-Nicole Russell speaks with attorney Ben McLawhorn of McLawhorn & Russell, PLLC about cryptocurrency and other non-fungible tokens in divorce court. Ben aims to educate both clients and fellow attorneys on digital assets and how to approach them in litigation and settlement discussions. The two discuss at length the equitable distribution of crypto, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Smart-Contracts, NFT's, Blockchain and the Metaverse and how those concepts play out in collaborative law proceedings versus in family law litigation. Ashley-Nicole discusses that Collaborative is an evolved model allowing the value of the assets to be obtained in a more transparent way across North Carolina and throughout the country.How do you know if you even have Crypto or what if your spouse understands it far better than you? Ben discusses the challenges that come with digital assets, such as ensuring clients disclose them to their attorneys, the difference between mining and trading cryptocurrency, and how to store and cash in digital assets. There are so many facets to cryptocurrency that need to be understood and considered when dealing with it divorce cases; from Bitcoin to NFTs and Ethereum to blockchains, Ben uses his knowledge to ensure his clients are being treated fairly. Tune in to this episode of Divorce, Healthy! with Ashley-Nicole Russell, Collaborative Attorney serving Beaufort, Raleigh, Wilmington and Greenville, NC.

Ashley-Nicole Russell, Esq  believes that mindfulness during divorce can make all the difference in how and what process is chosen and thus will affect the result. Her guest Eranda Jayawickreme applies his research in post-traumatic growth to illustrate divorce as a result and not a one-time action. As a psychologist and researcher, Eranda uses his work to show that divorce is not an isolated incident but an outcome of a long process.  On this episode of Divorce! Healthy, Ashley-Nicole and Eranda walk through the cycle of divorce, how it impacts everyone differently, and what we can learn about our divorce process from our childhoods. Eranda dives deeper into collaborative versus litigation approaches and whether one event can define who you are today or will be tomorrow.   “One reason why people struggle with divorce is that they may have had a childhood or they may have had prior life experiences that don't necessarily give them the tools to help navigate complex problems successfully,” Eranda says.  “The secondary control that you can put in place is of how you're dealing with the situation, finding a resource that won't amp up the animosity between you trying to protect your own mindset so you can protect your children”, Ashley-Nicole says. As the cycle of divorce continues, it can be easy to give into building tensions but by being mindful of the end goal, that each party involved receives what is fair. This tension and giving into animosity can lead to heightened anxiety, depression, and can take a harsh toll on your overall mental health. It's important that in situations where it's possible, to choose a collaborative approach during the divorce process. Collaborative between the divorcing parties can ease future decisions such as child custody and settlement negotiation. Awareness of yourself, of children, family, and others that are affected in the divorce process will help this difficult time pass more easily.  

For decades, the family court system has done a poor job of showing children how to handle conflict and strife. In North Carolina, three women have set out to be generational chain breakers, modeling positive and effective communication through conflict resolution.  On this episode of Divorce, Healthy!, host Ashley-Nicole Russell speaks with collaborative law attorneys Robin Mermans, owner of Road to Resolution, and Irene King, founder of King Collaborative Family Law. The trio delve into the significance of collaborative practices and the future of divorce law in general.  Each attorney discusses her own tumultuous path with divorce and court proceedings that led them to study, pursue, and practice collaborative law. They all agree that collaborative practices don't just help the separating couple remain civil, but also demonstrates to children and family circles how divorce can be handled with mutual understanding.   “A divorce can be a way that you're able to move forward in a positive nature and in a healthy way for your family,” said Ashley-Nicole. “It can still be handled with respect. And I think that the respect aspect is such a large piece of this.”  Tune in to this episode of Divorce, Healthy! with Ashley-Nicole Russell, Collaborative Attorney serving Beaufort, Raleigh, and Greenville, NC.

In this season of the Divorce, Healthy! podcast, we're diving deep into the collaborative process. From mediation, to co-parenting, to top-notch resources for demystifying collaborative practice, this season is going to cover all corners of collaboration to help navigate divorce.  Divorce can be a nightmare for all parties involved. That's why Lori Gephart, President of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), is on a mission to share the benefits of collaborative practice. There's a great deal of fear and emotions that come with divorce. There are legal, financial, and emotional burdens that weigh down the people involved. Not only that, but many children face psychological issues after the process, often developing an ingrained fear of divorce. So what can people do to mitigate fear, find better co-parenting options, and foster a healthier, smoother process?   This is where Collaborative comes into play. Collaborative practice is a healthier alternative to litigation. It promotes communication, builds on empathy, and works toward a shared goal. It also lowers conflict and addresses common fears that occur in the process. Lori says that “when fear walks into the room, we talk about what's important to you.” So, how can you get involved in Collaborative practice? Through webinars, resources, conferences, and a global network of professionals, the IACP is educating people on the impact of Collaborative practice and why it's so important.  If you're going through a divorce, the IACP can help you find mediation professionals in your area (like those at ANR Law) who can coach you through the process. If you're a professional in the Collaborative space, you can become a member of the IACP and gain access to a vast network that is always willing to learn, teach, and work together.  On this episode of Divorce, Healthy! host Ashley-Nicole sits down with Lori to talk about Collaborative practice and how it can foster a healthy divorce process.  Tune in to this episode of Divorce, Healthy! with Ashley-Nicole Russell, Collaborative Attorney serving Beaufort, Raleigh, and Greenville, NC.

This season of Divorce, Healthy! is going to look a little different than the last two seasons. Host Ashley-Nicole Russell is calling the theme, “Life Advice from a Divorce Attorney.” In this third season of the podcast, Ashley-Nicole will be flying solo to give out her top tips gained from her time as a child of divorce, a divorcee herself, and a divorce attorney.  In this episode, Ashley-Nicole gives a thorough overview of how the divorce process developed in the United States, as well as the different paths that divorce can take. Fortunately, collaborative family law and shared parenting allow for a much smoother process today than in the past. Aside from extreme situations, she believes those tools can be instrumental in a successful divorce.  “It is still possible for every situation to reach a resolution outside of court if both parties are committed to it,” Ashley-Nicole says.  She emphasizes that attorneys are public servants to advise and guide, but ultimately, the big decisions should be made by the client — that extends to what kind of attorney is hired. Fierce litigators should be hired for harder custody battles, while more collaborative attorneys are great for settlements outside of court.  “In your case, you are the decision-maker. You are still captaining the ship. You have hired an attorney so that they can advise you on the law and the process options that are available to you, but you are still the person making the decisions,” she says.  Tune in to this episode of Divorce, Healthy! with Ashley-Nicole Russell, Collaborative Attorney serving Beaufort, Raleigh, Greenville, and Wilmington, NC.

The expense of divorce can be quite a burden, especially with today's rising costs forcing us all to do more with less. Erin Levine, founder of Hello Divorce, is seeking to change that narrative. An experienced divorce attorney herself, Erin wanted to find a way to reduce the most expensive part of the divorce process — attorneys. She recognized that most divorces don't require litigation. Instead, clients need a basic set of resources and support from compassionate professionals who can help make the legal divorce process as painless as possible. “The goal of Hello Divorce is to make divorce easier, friendlier, and a lot more affordable,” Erin says. “It doesn't mean that there won't be conflict. There's almost always conflict. But it doesn't mean that we need to ramp up the divorce such that we're battling it out in court.” She developed Hello Divorce to be a checklist and one-stop-shop for attaining divorce resources — from compiling documents, to mediation, to working with an attorney to draft and submit the final paperwork to court. Hello Divorce is customizable and can be tailored to fit each person's particular needs. Its competitive pricing packages and à la carte services provide options that are typically out of reach for most people. Though the full suite of offerings is currently available in just a few select states, Erin plans to expand so she can serve more people. On this episode of Divorce, Healthy! host Ashley-Nicole sits down with Erin to discuss how Hello Divorce is driving change and creating space for more comfortable divorces.  Tune in to this episode of Divorce, Healthy! with Ashley-Nicole Russell, Collaborative Attorney serving Beaufort, Raleigh, and Greenville, NC.

Divorce, Healthy! was started to help people find a way to get through divorce in non-destructive ways. Ashley-Nicole Russell's passion has inspired her personal mission statement: to change how divorce is handled in America. Ashley-Nicole launched the Divorce, Healthy! podcast with a monologue. In today's episode, she shares a new reflection of her journey thus far in achieving her goals and changing divorce culture.  “That statement grew over time. It started with my mission to change divorce in my small town, to my state, to my entire country. And I really want to make sure that I save families from the destructive effects of what happens during divorce,” Ashley-Nicole says. On this episode of Divorce, Healthy! Ashley-Nicole shares her personal experience as an adult child of divorce and as a divorcee, why she wrote her book “https://www.amazon.com/Cure-Divorce-Culture-Ashley-Nicole-Russell/dp/1732553807 (The Cure for Divorce Culture),” and how she's a living example of what she writes. “As we say in the south, the proof is in the pudding, right? … In the book, you get a big view of what happened [in my divorce]. There are some things that are a bit unsaid. And then, of course, there's the finished product of me actually moving on, having my own family, and curing [divorce] in the ways that I can for the next generation,” Ashley-Nicole says. Ashley-Nicole reflects on child custody, support, the duty of HR and Alternative Dispute Resolution in divorce. Additionally, she touches on parental alienation, father's rights, mother's rights and self-awareness. Through her own personal journey, Ashley-Nicole has learned how to heal past traumas and find her own way to a happy and healthy life. Tune in to this episode of Divorce, Healthy! with Ashley-Nicole Russell, Collaborative Attorney serving Beaufort, Raleigh, and Greenville, NC.  

Casey Sowers followed 14 years of military service with a long career as a project manager in the private sector. During this time, he found himself fighting for equal shared custody of one of his daughters. Prior to this, it had never occurred to Casey to look into the custody industry, or to consider the custody rights of divorced fathers. But after the stress of his own custody battle seriously affected his mental health and job performance, he started to get more involved. Now, Casey is Executive Director of The Fathers' Rights Movement, a nonprofit made up of parents who advocate for 50/50 shared custody. At first, Casey thought the impact of his own custody battle was all psychological. However, when he stopped to think about how many times he'd had to take a call from a lawyer, or find evidence related to his case during work hours, he began to wonder whether custody battles are costing corporate America significant amounts of revenue. This motivated him to launch a pilot study to test this theory. So far, it includes 4,300 people. The groundbreaking study is being released to addresses the impact that inequality in the United States Family Court System has on corporations. This is the most comprehensive research project of its kind that observes the effects that shared parenting and the court system has on not only families, but also corporations and communities. Companies are growing increasingly concerned about the negative effects of divorce litigation on their employees and families, including emotional hardship and mental health issues that lead to decreased productivity and time away from work. Additionally, subpoenas are causing taxing issues for companies to produce massive amounts of documents and testimony under these duress cases. Casey hopes to prove that poor mental health — such as the kind he suffered during his custody battle — affects job performance. And since job performance is tied to corporate revenue loss, it's in corporate America's interest to advocate for a system in which fathers have a fair chance at gaining equal custody of their children. Tune in to this episode of Divorce, Healthy! with Ashley-Nicole Russell, Collaborative Attorney serving Beaufort, Raleigh, and Greenville, NC.

Dating can be daunting. Some people go for the same type of partners time and again, ignoring red flags and gravitating toward drama. It doesn't have to be that way. In fact, it shouldn't be that way.  On this episode of Divorce, Healthy!, dating coach Bela Gandhi discusses her successful career in matchmaking. Although it started as somewhat of a party trick, Bela's ability to successfully match those around her eventually led to her passion. In 2009, she started the Smart Dating Academy, a coaching and consulting company that teaches people how to find the happiest and best loves of their lives.  “[We] help people stop doing the same thing over and over again, which is picking partners that aren't good for them, and instead, start picking partners that are going to make them happy, and be a real partner in their life and make life easy and fun,” Bela says.  Bela also discusses the current marriage rate in the U.S., which is https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-marriage-rate-plunges-to-lowest-level-on-record-11588132860 (the lowest level on record). She attributes this https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/articles/2020-04-29/us-marriage-rate-drops-to-record-low (record low rate) to people waiting longer to get married.  “I think now, with women being in school in record numbers, even outpacing men in schools and in the professional world, we're more equivalent in so many ways. So people want to put that education to good use, climb that ladder a bit, and marriage is something that people are choosing to do later,” she explains.  Despite the low marriage rate, people are still choosing to “partner up.” After 12 years of business, Bela has not had a single divorce among her clients. Looking at childhood environments and individual desire, Bela has discovered a successful algorithm for matching people. Tune in to this episode of Divorce! Healthy with Ashley-Nicole Russell, Collaborative Attorney serving Beaufort, Raleigh, and Greenville, NC. 

Divorce lawyers traditionally advised their clients to fight for sole custody of children, especially when their client was the mother. It's time to put that tradition behind us. On this episode of Divorce, Healthy!, National Parents Organization (NPO) board members Matt Hale and Don Hubin, as well as family lawyer and children's book author Kelly Chang Rickert, talk about the benefits of shared parenting. The NPO is responsible for issuing a https://www.sharedparenting.org/2014-shared-parenting-report (state-by-state report card) for the nation's first comprehensive review of child custody statutes as they relate to shared parenting. When Matt Hale began the Kentucky chapter, the state had a low rating for child custody laws. But in 2017, Kentucky passed House Bill 492, the https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=48321 (Equal Parenting Presumption During Temporary Orders). The next year, in 2018, it passed the https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=48320 (Equal Parenting Presumption for Final Orders), which mandates that shared parenting is the gold standard for a child's best interest. Thanks to these efforts, the state now recognizes and celebrates https://andrewfhenderson.com/2019/05/30/kentucky-becomes-first-us-state-to-have-shared-parenting-day/ (Shared Parenting Day) each year. It was NPO President Don Hubin who advised Matt on his dealings with the Kentucky legislature. “NPO is child-focused and research-based. We're trying to improve the system. We're trying to reduce the contentiousness of divorce,” Don says. In fact, the organization has more than 40 years of research to support their argument for shared parenting. Kelly Chang Rickert also has years of research and experience in her wheelhouse as a family law expert. Her passion even inspired her to write a children's book, “https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/two-adventures-with-mom-and-dad-kelly-chang-rickert/1137907252 (Two Adventures with Mom and Dad),” which encourages shared parenting. Tune in to this episode of Divorce! Healthy with Ashley-Nicole Russell, Collaborative Attorney serving Beaufort, Raleigh, and Greenville, NC, to hear about the importance of shared parenting.  

Society tells women that motherhood should be their primary source of fulfillment. This same pressure, however, is not put on men. Society pressures moms to live out this kid-focused lifestyle, deeming them lousy or lazy if they do not. Meanwhile, dads are simply let off the hook. In the same vein, women are advised to fight for full legal custody in divorce court, abiding by society's expectations of what they should do. Emma Johnson, the blogger behind Wealthy Single Mommy, is here to fight that stigma and advocate for shared parenting. On this episode of Divorce, Healthy!, Emma discusses her research about https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/wp-content/uploads/single_mom_income_time_FINAL.pdf (how time-sharing between separated parents impacts single mothers' income). “Moms with 50/50 schedules are 300 times more likely to earn $100,000 a year — 300 times more likely to earn six figures than moms with 100% time with their kids,” Emma says. The results of her research upend previous notions of feminism, debunking the idea that moms having sole, full legal custody of children is the best outcome. Not only is it beneficial for women to have 50/50 custody, it is also in the best interests of children, making them feel more at ease, loved, and less anxious. As Emma says, “It signals to them that: my parents are equal, they both are equally committed, they equally love me, and they're here.” Tune in to this episode of Divorce! Healthy with Ashley-Nicole Russell, Collaborative Divorce Attorney serving Beaufort, Raleigh, and Greenville, NC.

Divorce can feel like an isolating and lonely experience. Few people who go through it realize that it doesn't have to be that way and that it can be an empowering process and a way to start a new more intentional life. Clinical psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Cohen and Attorney Susan Guthrie join the podcast to discuss the upcoming Doing Divorce Differently Summit, a virtual event to help people dealing with divorce view the experience as an opportunity. Like any traumatic experience, the right guidance and healing tools can help you make it possible — even probable — that you can come out the other side a better, stronger, and happier person. The event will provide attendees with life-changing advice and support for whether they are just starting their divorce journey or have already completed it. On this episode of Divorce, Healthy!, Dr. Cohen and Susan talk about how they help couples divorcing and how they aspire to end stigmas around divorce. Having endured the darkness of her own divorce, Dr. Cohen's upcoming book, “https://drelizabethcohen.com/order (Light on the Other Side of Divorce),” is a healing program for those considering divorce, going through divorce, or even those who are on the other side of divorce legal proceedings. Susan was also inspired to enter into this line of work after navigating her own divorce experience. With more than 30 years of professional experience and national recognition for her legal and mediation expertise, Susan discusses restructuring the approach to court, as well as the benefits of online mediation (she's been doing it virtually since before the pandemic). Tune in to this episode of Divorce! Healthy with Ashley-Nicole Russell, Collaborative Attorney serving Beaufort, Raleigh, and Greenville, NC to hear about the amazing work these women are doing to reshape the process and perception around divorce.  Register for the https://hopin.com/events/doing-divorce-differently-seminar (Doing Divorce Differently Seminar).                    

When Wendy Sterling's 16-year marriage was coming to an end, she struggled to wrap her mind around it. She had lost herself in her marriage. She had lost her voice, her independence, and her identity. Not only was the life she had planned falling apart, but so was the image of herself that she had carefully created. Yet in spite of her heartbreak and turmoil, Wendy realized her divorce was a chance at a fresh start. “My divorce enabled me to finally see that it was time for me to start taking charge of my own life, to start finding myself again. And it was an opportunity for me to really start over,” Wendy says. On this episode of Divorce, Healthy!, Wendy discusses her own healing process and The Divorce Rehab™ program, which offers clients both one-on-one coaching and group programs. “Like many others, I was the first of all of my friends [to get divorced]. I didn't have any support at the time. And so one of the big things that was a priority for me was really getting a community together of like-minded women who can rely on one another,” Wendy says. Though no one intends for it to happen, divorce is a reality. Wendy sees to it that healing is possible in spite of it all. Tune in to this episode of Divorce! Healthy with Ashley-Nicole Russell, Collaborative Attorney serving Beaufort, Raleigh, and Greenville, NC.  

Many people believe divorce will inevitably be messy and hostile before even starting the process. However, that doesn't have to be the case. According to Carl Roberts — the Founder and CEO of https://splitsmart.com/ (SplitSmart), a website that helps couples organize finances for divorce — transparency and organization are essential for preventing an emotionally distraught and lengthy divorce process. On this episode of Divorce, Healthy!, Carl talks about his web tool and how it has helped couples approach divorce in a more healthy and transparent way. The tool helps couples to DIY their financial decisions through easy-to-use online documentation before involving mediators or attorneys. This can help each party see the big picture and realize that they probably agree on more than they think. “What I found was that the key to having a healthy, low-cost divorce is organization — on the money side or on the kid side,” Carl says, having gone through a difficult divorce himself. “It's all about organization. Once you get organized, then you can build a plan, and you can be more informed with your decisions. You gotta do it one way or another — whether or not you do it for yourself or you pay a lawyer, you gotta do it.”

People are shocked when they find out Karen Millon still regularly spends time with her ex-husband — even with her new husband. It just doesn't quite fit the usual expectations of divorce, as we so often imagine animosity between former partners. Somehow, Karen managed to come out the other side with a healthy outlook on divorce and a good relationship with her ex. She even wrote a book about it, titled “My Amazing Divorce.” On this episode of Divorce, Healthy!, host Ashley-Nicole Russell talks to Karen about how she made it happen. According to Karen, she made sure to give not only herself but her partner and especially her kids time to process the change and reach a level of acceptance. What largely made this possible was not putting her needs first. Instead, Karen sought out therapy and resources to emotionally handle everything, and ensured her kids got what they needed from both mom and dad. Karen also adds, “What I think made it healthy was a focus on healing and honoring the grieving process.” This concept of healing is extremely important to Karen. In fact, it's the main focus of her podcast, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healin-with-karen-millon/id1507209764 (Healin), which aims to help inspire others start their own healing journey. “Being aware of your emotions and your triggers and having someone to cry with, you take a load off your kids because they're not your therapists, they're not your friends,” says Karen. “You have to build safety and security with them.”

The holidays are upon us accompanied by all the expectations of creating picture-perfect, festive memories for you and your family. For divorced parents, however, this can be a nightmare of navigating what your kids want, what relatives want and what you want. Forget all of that, says Dr. Elizabeth Cohen, a clinical psychologist who specializes in helping parents discover a positive approach to divorce. “Give yourself so much grace and opportunity to learn. If this holiday season, something doesn't work, then you learn for next time what you want to do,” she says. “The holidays come every year.” On this episode of Divorce, Healthy!, Elizabeth discusses the upcoming holiday dread for divorcees with host Ashley-Nicole Russell. The important thing, Dr. Cohen says, is that parents focus on creating safe and connected time with their kids, no matter what that might look like. There's no need to live up to unrealistic expectations. If you feel better about your life after divorce, you will be happier and calmer around the holidays as well, and your kids will feel happier and calmer. “There are invisible gifts that you are giving your child by ending a relationship that's not working for you,” she says.

What we've been waiting for is finally here! We welcome you to Season 2 of Divorce, Healthy! Given the spirit of the holidays, and Christmas right around the corner, our host, Ashley-Nicole sincerely appreciates everyone that has come on this journey with her and the amazing connections made over the first season of the podcast. On this episode of Divorce, Healthy! Ashley-Nicole welcomes you to embrace positivity with her and reveals how it is not only possible to move on after divorce, but to live a life of joy and purpose too. There is a new world when it comes to divorce, a world where people can solve their conflicts, feel peace, and feel comfort. The next phase of your life can be truly amazing if you let it be. Ashley-Nicole shares a few insights on how children handle things versus how parents handle them. Remember, you are modeling behavior for your children, so be mindful of how you're approaching conflict resolution. Even if you don't have Christmas day this year, make the holidays wonderful for your children! (3:18) They will remember this experience and it will embed positive and joyful memories in them. Extreme negativity works the same way, so be mindful not to embed those negative memories. (4:43) A few tips to make the holiday season into a positive and joyful experience for your family:1.    Set a goal for how you want the holiday season to go. Are you drinking hot a chocolate in front of the fireplace? Are you ice skating? Do you go and get your Christmas tree together with your child? Keep that goal in mind and build a positive experience around it. (7:12) 2.    Maintain positivity. Make sure that whenever you're in the environment of your kids that you're remaining positive. You can bet that getting angry about the price of the Christmas tree can sour that experience for your children. Stay positive and reframe your thoughts this holiday season. (7:48) 3.    Be a model for your children. In every action, you are modeling behavior for your children, so be mindful of how you're approaching conflict resolution.  (8:24) 4.    Be introspective. Think about yourself, think about the scars you have from your holidays or the wonderful memories that you have from your holidays. And either recreate those wonderful memories or think about how you can rewrite it into a better way. (9:35) If this was your first episode of Divorce, Healthy, we encourage you to circle back to where it all started in https://player.captivate.fm/episode/51680d06-5600-4fd8-abe3-8ce66769f6b9/ (Season One)! For more information on Ashley-Nicole Russell, and her book The Cure for Divorce Culture, head on over to https://anrlaw.com/book/ (anrlaw.com) To inquire about speaking engagements, purchase your copy of Ashley-Nicole's book “The Cure for Divorce Culture,” or to schedule your private orientation meeting, head to http://www.anrlaw.com (www.anrlaw.com). You can also find us on social media @ANRLaw. Find a better way forward, right here, on Divorce, Healthy!

If you're a child of divorce or if you're a parent facing separation and divorce, then you're intimately familiar with just how broken, expensive, exhausting, and toxic for our children the current culture of divorce in the United States is. Fortunately, alternatives exist, and experts are ready and willing to help you navigate divorce and find your best path forward. On this episode of Divorce, Healthy!, attorney and author Ashley-Nicole Russell, of https://anrlaw.com/ (ANR Law), welcomes Wendy Hernandez, a family law attorney and host of https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3v2tvsfJxXJSVs7GZedIeg (Command the Courtroom) on YouTube. They offer timely insight and guidance on moving forward with your life after divorce. Wendy explores her transition into family law after beginning her career as a criminal defense attorney. Wendy found that a number of her criminal defense clients were also facing stressful domestic and family law issues. Her daughter was also a motivating factor in choosing to pivot to a career helping children and families.  Wendy understands how devastating it can be to a child for their parent to lose sight of their interests in the whirlwind of divorce, focusing only on the parent's conflict with the spouse. Quoting a friend, Wendy says, “[i] t's not divorce that messes kids up, it's the conflict between the parents.” (2:35) Wendy also has practical advice on how to begin the divorce process with the right attitude, “I think that generally speaking people should get really clear on what it is that they want first of all in their life and then funnel it down to what do I want out of this divorce situation? Get clear on what your intentions are.” (13:48) Highlights from the episode:  The broken system (02:35) What happens to the kids and how it affects their lives (04:00) Definition of “healthy divorce” (08:01) Modeling Healthy conflict (09:45) Opportunities for a new beginning (11:18) Collaborative divorce (11:51) Watch Wendy Hernandez' YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3v2tvsfJxXJSVs7GZedIeg (Command the Courtroom), with live streams every Monday at 6:30 p.m. You can also visit her at https://www.commandthecourtroom.com/ (CommandTheCourtroom.com). Did you like this interview with Wendy Hernandez? Check out https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d8abc126-a326-4606-9fc9-fb2ff23fc2be (Conscious Coparenting and the Positive Life After Divorce With Jennifer Butler Coaching). To inquire about speaking engagements, purchase your copy of Ashley-Nicole's book “The Cure for Divorce Culture,” or to schedule your private orientation meeting, head to http://www.anrlaw.com (www.anrlaw.com). You can also find us on social media @ANRLaw. Find a better way forward, right here, on Divorce, Healthy!

Moving on after divorce is easier said than done. Loneliness, isolation, shame, and guilt are all commonplace after separation and divorce. Often, people going through separation feel like they won't ever be able to get back on their feet and may even worry that they will never find love again. If these feelings sound familiar, this is the episode for you. On this episode of Divorce, Healthy!, attorney and author Ashley-Nicole Russell welcomes Michelle Dempsey-Multack, Certified Divorce Specialists and host of the https://momsmovingon.com/ (Moms Moving On Podcast), to discuss her system for overcoming the emotional complexities that accompany divorce and how women can come out stronger on the other side. Michelle reveals how she uses what she learned during her own divorce to help other women overcome their suffering and thrive. Ashley-Nicole and Michelle open up about their respective divorces and how the process was ultimately a teaching experience. “I truly feel I had to be married to him for all of these unresolved demons and issues and traumas from my past to surface once and for all so that I could confront them. Because I had been ignoring them and living in denial for a really long time.” (8:15) Michelle also reveals how she discovered that she suffered from an anxious attachment style because of her parents' divorce and how this affected her relationships and divorce. Today, both Ashley-Nicole and Michelle are in loving and healthy relationships with partners that understand the struggle they've experienced. Michelle advises acknowledging to yourself that the situation will be challenging, “you know it's going to be hard. It's an unfortunate situation that's happened, but it is also an opportunity to move forward in a way that works best for you, to put your best foot forward, to honor what you did wrong, and vow to not do it again. So if you're willing to do the hard work, you're going to get to a good place. Nothing good comes easy. Don't expect it to be easy. And if you feel like it's easier than you expect it, then good for you, then you're in a good place.” (17:56)  For more information on Michelle Dempsey-Multack's podcast, visit https://momsmovingon.com/ (MomsMovingOn.com). You can also follow her on http://instagram.com/themichelledempsey (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/themichelledempsey/ (Facebook) @themichelledempsey. Like this interview with Michelle Dempsey? Check out https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1cdcb828-8738-4e98-bcf1-d58b5806d828 (The Myth is Busted, Divorce Doesn't Have to be Horrible. With co-parents and co-authors of Our Happy Divorce, Ben Heldfond and Nikki DeBartolo). To inquire about speaking engagements, purchase your copy of Ashley-Nicole's book “The Cure for Divorce Culture,” or to schedule your private orientation meeting, head to http://www.anrlaw.com (www.anrlaw.com). You can also find us on social media @ANRLaw. Find a better way forward, right here, on Divorce, Healthy!

Divorce has long had a bad reputation. It is often incredibly stressful for the couple and leaves broken families in its path. Have you ever wondered, “does it really have to be this way?” Are there people out there who have successfully dissolved their marriages in a peaceful and healthy way? Are there children who don't feel like their lives have been torn apart by their parents' divorce? The answer is yes. Enter Benjamin Heldfond and Nikki DeBartolo, authors of https://ourhappydivorce.com/ (Our Happy Divorce), and today's guests on this episode of Divorce, Healthy! When Ben and Nikki got divorced 13 years ago, there were far fewer resources available for collaborative processes and co-parenting. Luckily, they were both able to successfully navigate the divorce process and make decisions that have resonated positively in their lives and the lives of their children. Benjamin stresses the importance of keeping your child's best interest at heart. With painful memories of his own parents' divorce, Ben knew he didn't want to put his child through the same hardship. Conversely, Nikki's parents remain married after 52 years, and she claims this was the driving force for making things work throughout the divorce process. (5:26) At first, Ben did what most people do and hired an attorney. He soon realized his attorney may be more interested in a fight than in doing what was best for Ben and his family. Instead of pursuing a fight, Ben decided to step away from everything for a while. After taking time to weigh his options, he ultimately decided to team up with Nikki to tackle the problem together. “She was on my team and I was on her team. So, if you want to talk about collaborative, that's the ideal behind it. But we truly were on each other's team… as team captains.” (19:22) Ben and Nikki admit that there is no easy way out of a divorce; there will always be fights, arguments, anger, etc. However, there are ample resources for people going through separation and divorce to consider. One resource the couple endorse is the https://www.fayr.com/app (App Fayr), developed by Micheal Daniels, who joins the conversation at 30:12. “Fayr is really just my sincere effort in trying to…communicate on the core issues, the things that need to be communicated on and try to clear up some of the misunderstandings and disagreement that oftentimes escalate into a costly court motion. And it has an emotional cost too.” (30:54) As Ashley-Nicole mentions in prior episodes, the divorce industry is a broken one, and only some people benefit from it. Echoing her thoughts, Michael says “[Divorce] is such a broken system… everybody talks about the broken system. The truth is the system is working just fine for those who are financially benefiting from it.”(38:37) This is why “we're all here to try to scream and say, you do not have to follow the norm just because it's the norm,” says Ashley-Nicole. (45:52) For more information on Benjamin and Nikki's book Our Happy Divorce, visit https://ourhappydivorce.com/ (ourhappydivorce.com). To download the Fayr App visit https://www.fayr.com/app (fayr.com/app) Like this interview with Benjamin Heldfond and Nikki DeBartolo? Check out https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1ca7f163-696c-4181-b551-b4ca3ecb57ce (How to Move Forward After Divorce, With Divorce Attorney & “Better Apart” Author, Gabrielle Hartley). To inquire about speaking engagements, purchase your copy of Ashley-Nicole's book “The Cure for Divorce Culture,” or to schedule your private orientation meeting, head to http://www.anrlaw.com (www.anrlaw.com). You can also find us on social media @ANRLaw. Find a better way forward, right here, on Divorce, Healthy!

If you're going through a divorce or have recently been through one, you've probably experienced stressful emotions and have felt lonely in the process. Maybe you've seen your kids affected or are afraid they will be negatively impacted in the future. Divorce has a bad reputation in the United States, as we're inundated on a daily basis with the spectacle of divorces gone wrong. Here, on Divorce, Healthy!, Ashley-Nicole Russell wants to turn that reputation on its head. Welcome back to Divorce, Healthy! In this episode, our host is accompanied by Divorce Attorney and “Better Apart” author, Gabrielle Hartley. Gabrielle is a divorce mediator and lawyer who practices in New York and Massachusetts. In her book, Hartley provides readers with the five keys on how to move forward after divorce. 7:28 Both Gabrielle and Ashley-Nicole have had experiences with either being divorced or having divorced parents. They know first-hand the tremendous consequences divorce can have on you, your children, and your family. They stress the importance of being true to your own path during your divorce. It's not necessary to follow in the footsteps of others, even best friends or family members. “If you're getting divorced and your best friend had to hire private investigator, it doesn't mean you need a private investigator (by the way, nobody needs a private investigator, but I mean for divorces!)” 14:08 They also address how negatively divorce can impact your children. It's vital to allow your children, “especially the younger children…to have their childhoods.” 17:04 Gabrielle shares with us how her mother said to her, “Dad and I have grown up problems, and you're a child and you need to worry about being a kid and we need to worry about our problems.” She points to that conversation as helping her navigate the emotional turmoil of her parents divorce. 17:21 Another key point they discuss is the internal struggle you may encounter during divorce. You need to overcome divorce; look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself who you are, where you are headed, how much are you planning on fighting unnecessarily? “You may get the windfall, but what is the win? Who are you?... Even if you win, sometimes you really lost… if you got that down and dirty, is that the you you want to look back on?” 29:13 For more information on Gabrielle Hartley and her Better Apart™ program, visit https://gabriellehartley.com/ (gabriellehartley.com). Purchase Gabrielle's book https://www.amazon.com/Better-Apart-Radically-Positive-Separate-ebook/dp/B0728MY47W (Better Apart). Like this interview with Gabrielle Hartley? We think you'll appreciate https://player.captivate.fm/episode/fac4b290-8f80-49b4-83a1-041801d4c4b6 (A Millennial's Perspective On Marriage & Divorce with TV Personality Aaron Deane). To inquire about speaking engagements, purchase your copy of Ashley-Nicole's book “The Cure for Divorce Culture,” or to schedule your private orientation meeting, head to http://www.anrlaw.com (www.anrlaw.com). You can also find us on social media @ANRLaw. Find a better way forward, right here, on Divorce, Healthy!

Life after divorce can be challenging. After grueling court proceedings and litigation, ex-partners—particularly women—may feel like it's the end of life as they know it. There's a lot to process and work through, with many left feeling hopeless and victimized years later. While this time is indeed one when you're probably the most vulnerable, raw, and emotional, it can still be the biggest opportunity to finally discover who you truly are. And, all it takes it to change your perspective and make a choice. In this episode of Divorce, Healthy! attorney and author Ashley-Nicole Russell, of https://anrlaw.com/ (ANR Law), is joined by love and transformation coach https://www.jennjoycoaching.com/ (Jennifer Butler) to discuss conscious uncoupling and how women can get back on their feet after divorce. Jennifer reveals what conscious uncoupling is and what the process entails, not just for women going through a divorce, but for those who are still stuck in their post-divorce environment. It's all about taking yourself out of a victimhood mentality and looking at things from the self as the source. Although difficult, the process also allows you to lean into grief and all the other emotions you're feeling. Jennifer stresses, the way out of anything is to walk straight into it, and allow yourself to come out the other side free and at peace. They also encourage using this time to move forward and level up – even taking baby steps is better than nothing. Ask yourself, what are you turning this grief into? Don't allow time to have its way with you, letting negativity to calcify inside your body. Jennifer also emphasizes the importance of protecting your space, being mindful of the energy you're allowing to enter. Consider finding or forming a supportive group as you go through the process and be open and available for the things in life that will serve you. For Jennifer and Ashley-Nicole, how you do one thing is how you do everything – and this also applies to divorce. The way you're handling this stage of your life can influence your kids in a major way. So, take a look at the choices you're making and determine whether you're growing, evolving, and expanding because of these. Show your children that you can still be the best version of yourself, even if you're going through something as awful as divorce.   Links mentioned in the episodehttps://www.jennjoycoaching.com/ (Jennifer Butler's Official Website) https://www.instagram.com/jennjoycoaching/ (Jennifer Butler's Instagram) https://www.jennjoycoaching.com/roadmap (Roadmap to Love Checklist) https://www.facebook.com/groups/1664727873806144 (Breakup to Breakthrough Facebook group)   To inquire about speaking engagements, purchase your copy of Ashley-Nicole's book “The Cure for Divorce Culture,” or to schedule your private orientation meeting, head to http://www.anrlaw.com (www.anrlaw.com). You can also find us on social media @ANRLaw. Find a better way forward, right here, on Divorce, Healthy!

There are harrowing statistics that reflect the current culture of divorce in America and its negative effects on the population. For perspective, 87% of children involved in school shootings come from child custody battles. In a marriage where both spouses are products of divorce, their chances of the marriage ending in divorce are 200% greater than the general population. Divorce culture is toxic and chaotic and has profound consequences on the children involved—consequences that are likely to impact them for the rest of their lives. In this episode of Divorce, Healthy! https://www.wnct.com/author/aaron-deane/ (WNCT news anchor and TV personality Aaron Deane) joins attorney and author Ashley-Nicole Russell, of https://anrlaw.com/ (ANR Law) to discuss his experiences as a child of divorce, offering a millennial's perspective. Aaron highlights the effect of a custody ruling that afforded one parent primary custody of the children. Such court designations drive secondary parents to internalize a diminished sense of family responsibility– leading to increased rates of absentee parents. Aaron also shares how people of his generation view relationships and marriage, and how the divorce culture has heavily influenced these perspectives. Many choose to avoid marriage altogether, with weddings and children viewed not only as risky, but as massive financial and emotional investments. An unspoken pressure also exists to make marriages work because turning to the court system for dissolution and resolution is traumatic and expensive. After getting a front row seat to the catastrophic divorce culture of the last generation, who can blame them? For Aaron and Ashley-Nicole, it's important to have a complete understanding of yourself so you can make the right decision – even if that means ending your marriage. And, although the situation isn't ideal, you can employ strategies to reduce stress and avoid conflict, leading to a better resolution for you and your family. Remember, ever if you're a child of divorce, you have the power to break the cycle and avoid becoming a discouraging statistic.   Links mentioned in the episodehttps://twitter.com/tv_deane (Aaron Deane's Twitter account) https://instagram.com/tv_deane (Aaron Deane's Instagram account)   To inquire about speaking engagements, purchase your copy of Ashley-Nicole's book “The Cure for Divorce Culture,” or to schedule your private orientation meeting, head to http://www.anrlaw.com (www.anrlaw.com). You can also find us on social media @ANRLaw. Find a better way forward, right here, on Divorce, Healthy!

The current culture of divorce in the United States paints litigation as the one and only avenue available to divorcing couples. While divorce litigation has a toxic and negative reputation, many lawyers continue to encourage the process. Instead of working together, the participants take adversarial roles from day one, similar to a boxing match, with each party seeking to dominate the other. Fortunately, there are alternatives. If you're considering entering the divorce process, this is an episode you don't want to miss. In this episode of Divorce, Healthy! attorney and author Ashley-Nicole Russell, of https://anrlaw.com/ (ANR Law), leads a discussion with Ben McLawhorn of https://mclawfirmnc.com/ (McLawhorn and Russell). Using examples of typical cases, Ashley-Nicole and Ben examine the divorce process through the lenses of the collaborative and litigation approaches. In doing so, they highlight the disadvantages and unique complications presented by litigation, including negativity and toxicity. This negative and adversarial relationship creates a toxic environment that is likely to affect the children involved. Additionally, litigation is often drawn out and expensive, potentially plunging couples into debt and financial plight that may linger long after the ink of the divorce is dry. This doesn't even account for the mental health impacts on the couple of an adversarial approach. With these concerns in mind, you must be thinking “there has to be a better way.” There is. Ashley-Nicole and Ben encourage a collaborative approach involving alternative dispute resolution (ADR) or mediation. While the prevailing culture can make litigation feel like your only recourse, it's possible to engage in an amicable process that respects the needs and concerns of each party. Working together to solve the problem is faster, easier, less expensive, and infinitely better for your mental health than brining your grievances before the court. Ben also stresses the importance of finding the right attorney, one that has your best interests at heart and can be a strong advocate for you and with you. Your attorney should take the time to explain the process and ensure you have a thorough understanding before asking you to make decisions that will affect the rest of your life. While sometime a court battle is necessary, be wary of an attorney that's looking for a fight. Links mentioned in the episodehttps://mclawfirmnc.com/%3e (McLawhorn and Russell) https://www.divorcecorp.com/ (Divorce Corp documentary) To inquire about speaking engagements, purchase your copy of Ashley-Nicole's book “The Cure for Divorce Culture,” or to schedule your private orientation meeting, head to http://www.anrlaw.com (www.anrlaw.com). You can also find us on social media @ANRLaw. Find a better way forward, right here, on Divorce, Healthy!

For generations, the gender roles of fathers as breadwinners and mothers as caregivers shaped how society viewed family dynamics when a couple divorces. Outcomes of divorce from a sexist court system have forced women in particular into these patriarchal ‘ideals' – the martyr mother or the stay-at-home mom. Not only has this caused women to press pause on their lives and careers, but it has forced them into financial dependency on the ex-spouse for child support and alimony. And, just like any discussion related to money, it can get messy, stressful, and chaotic. However, as times have changed, the research and science have evolved to counter these outdated beliefs. In this episode of Divorce, Healthy! attorney and author Ashley-Nicole Russell, of https://anrlaw.com/ (ANR Law), talks to Emma Johnson, writer of http://Users/robertingalls/Lawpods%20Dropbox/Lawpods%20Team/!%20Clients/Production/Divorce,%20Healthy!/Episodes/7%20Emma%20Johnson/wealthysinglemommy.com (Wealthy Single Mommy). During this in-depth discussion, Emma and Ashley-Nicole explore how to adopt and internalize a new narrative as you go navigate separation and divorce. Emma addresses equally shared parenting and gender equality, leading a revolution that empowers women to move forward in their lives in a better, more positive way. She wants women to understand that they have power to influence how the outcome of their divorce looks, including what time spent with the other parent looks like and the power to choose whether or not to receive child support and alimony. Emma also encourages single mothers to reframe the role of money in their lives, moving away from the idea of institutionalized dependency. You can be financially independent and not have your financial worth attached to your ex-spouse. This also becomes a great opportunity to teach your children resilience and grit. Instead of spending precious time bickering over child support, put that energy into something that can improve your life. You can be a mother and co-parent to your children and still live your best life, achieving any goals that you may have otherwise considered putting on hold. For Emma, the idea of moving past conflict and being better afterward isn't just a possibility – it's a reality that many women are choosing. For more information, you can reach out to Emma Johnson on her website, Wealthy Single Mommy. And, for those Mommies that could use a boost, check out Emma's https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/single-mom-grant/ (Single Mom Stimulus Grant), where she gives away $500 a week to help struggling single moms. Links mentioned in the episodeWealthy Single Mommy by Emma Johnson https://www.amazon.com/Kickass-Single-Mom-Financially-Independent/dp/014313115X (The Kickass Single Mom) https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/single-mom-grant/ (Single Mom Stimulus Grant) https://www.amazon.com/Cure-Divorce-Culture-Ashley-Nicole-Russell/dp/1732553807 (The Cure for Divorce Culture) To inquire about speaking engagements, purchase your copy of Ashley-Nicole's book “The Cure for Divorce Culture,” or to schedule your private orientation meeting, head to http://www.anrlaw.com (www.anrlaw.com). You can also find us on social media @ANRLaw. Find a better way forward, right here, on Divorce, Healthy!

Because of the negativity surrounding divorce, the term ‘Divorce Hotel' seems to be an oxymoron. How can a process that involves a painful and life-changing event be associated with something that reflects the opposite? Can divorce be something that's not riddled with chaos and conflict, and instead be one filled with collaboration and partnership? In this episode of Divorce, Healthy! attorney and author Ashley-Nicole Russell, of https://anrlaw.com/ (ANR Law), speaks with Dorcy Pruter from the Conscious Co-Parenting Institute about conscious uncoupling and how it's possible to move your family forward in a better way post-divorce. For Dorcy, it's important to ask the questions of: where do you want to go and how are you going to get there? You have a choice, and you can actively choose not to be part of a broken system. During divorce, turning inward and shifting your mindset and perspective about the situation has the power to significantly impact your outcome. Be conscious and learn how to imagine your emotions quickly, so that you can pull yourself out of the “spin zone.” Dorcy has spent years teaching these and other important skills to craft a stronger relationship with your children and co-parent. Dorcy also explores the concept of the Divorce Hotel and how it's becoming a popular choice for those wishing to avoid litigation. The proceedings are collaborative and can be accomplished on weekends, which may sound too good to be true, but it isn't! The Divorce Hotel operates by removing the family from outside influence to a neutral location where the divorce mediation can be conducted peacefully. During the process the parties will examine the problems at hand and craft unique, personalized solutions. At the end of the day, if you're going through a divorce, know that the pain is will end. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it is possible to navigate the process with a positive outcome for everyone involved. For more information about conscious uncoupling and collaborative divorce mediation, you can email Dorcy at consciouscoparentinginstitute.com and clientcare@coparentinginstitute.com, or call (888) 379-7279. Links mentioned in the episodeConscious Co-Parenting Institute https://www.divorcehotel.com/ (DivorceHotel) To inquire about speaking engagements, purchase your copy of Ashley-Nicole's book “The Cure for Divorce Culture,” or to schedule your private orientation meeting, head to http://www.anrlaw.com (www.anrlaw.com). You can also find us on social media @ANRLaw. Find a better way forward, right here, on Divorce, Healthy!

One of the unfortunate and not uncommon outcomes of divorce involving children is parental alienation. Alienation is even more likely to occur in cases that involve litigation. Because parental alienation can appear to be the norm, divorcing couples may expect that whoever ‘loses' in the child custody proceedings will become an absentee parent. In fact, about 22 million parents in the U.S. alone don't remain in the lives of their children post-divorce. And it's not just dads that are affected; mothers suffer from alienation as well, resulting in severed family ties and relationships. In this episode of Divorce, Healthy! attorney and author Ashley-Nicole Russell, of https://anrlaw.com/ (ANR Law), talks with http://www.gingergentile.com/ (Ginger Gentile), director of the documentary film http://erasingfamily.org/ (Erasing Family), about the trauma that children suffer when they don't see a parent after a divorce. Ginger reveals what most parents aren't aware of: that children are conflict-averse, and being forced through family court proceedings can be devastating for them. Even if you are forced into litigation, you are in control of how you choose to act and react, so you can still be an effective parent and role model to your child despite the circumstances. Kids are always watching, so it's crucial that you model healthy and effective conflict resolution strategies.  Ginger also discusses the importance of choosing your actions and framing divorce as a positive movement. Even if you end up feeling like the rejected parent, always show your children that you love them and put that relationship first. Children are often unwillingly thrust into these situations, so it's essential to put in the effort to avoid conflict. Remember, you are not a victim in this situation, and you always have a say in what you want to do and the outcome you want to achieve. Ginger recommends looking for a support group, a safe space to vent your emotions outside of the prying eyes of the public and your children. There are numerous resources and allies available to help you reach your goal– a healthy, loving relationship with your children despite your divorce. Links mentioned in the episodeErasing Family Website https://www.vimeo.com/ondemand/erasingfamily (Erasing Family on Vimeo) https://www.facebook.com/ErasingFamily/ (Erasing Family Facebook page) https://anrlaw.com/book/ (The Cure for Divorce Culture by Ashley-Nicole Russell) To inquire about speaking engagements, purchase your copy of Ashley-Nicole's book “The Cure for Divorce Culture,” or to schedule your private orientation meeting, head to http://www.anrlaw.com (www.anrlaw.com). You can also find us on social media @ANRLaw. Find a better way forward, right here, on Divorce, Healthy!”

There has been no shortage of discussions, books, webinars, and seminars that cover ego and its role in our lives. For many, ego is the driving force behind the choices and decisions they make. And, when ego is in charge during crucial matters like divorce proceedings, not only does it add an additional layer of stress, but it can negatively impact your case. In this episode of Divorce, Healthy! attorney and author Ashley-Nicole Russell, of https://anrlaw.com/ (ANR Law), speaks to international keynote speaker and business consultant https://www.realitybasedleadership.com/ (Cy Wakeman). Cy dives deep into the concept of ego – what it is and how it works against us. The ego is the primitive part of our intelligence, which can create and fuel problems with low self-esteem. Ego is often responsible for s holding fictional beliefs about ourselves and the world. When you co-create and feed the narrative that the ego wants you to believe. These effects lead to conflict and stress not only in divorce, but in everyday life. Cy offers valuable tips on how to stop letting ego take charge. She believes we should question our thinking, or as she says, “don't believe everything you think.” Take a step back and consciously observe the thoughts your ego is driving you to believe and compare it to the reality of your situation.  When you know how your mind works, it's more difficult for ego to fool you. And when you see how the world works, you won't waste time an in an alternate reality of your ego's design. This allows you to make better, more informed choices that can be beneficial not only to you, but to your entire family. Cy also discusses the importance of setting boundaries, especially in the face of divorce. Without boundaries, work, new childcare arrangements, and the myriad commitments of life can quickly overwhelm a divorcing parent. One practical piece of advice is to be direct and honest, but not overshare what's going on in your personal life.  One key takeaway that Cy stresses is that the ego narrative is not the reality, and believing and internalizing this is a choice you have to make every single day. You are not a victim of your divorce and you always have a choice in how when it comes to your own thoughts and behavior.  You can connect with Cy Wakeman on https://www.facebook.com/CyWakeman (Facebook), https://www.linkedin.com/in/cywakeman/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/cywakeman (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/cywakeman/ (Instagram), https://www.youtube.com/cywakeman (YouTube), and her website http://www.realitybasedleadership.com. (www.realitybasedleadership.com). Links mentioned in the episodehttp://apple.co/2w5kPly (No Ego Podcast) https://www.realitybasedleadership.com/no-ego-book/ (No Ego Book) To inquire about speaking engagements, purchase your copy of Ashley-Nicole's book “The Cure for Divorce Culture,” or to schedule your private orientation meeting, head to http://www.anrlaw.com (www.anrlaw.com). You can also find us on social media @ANRLaw. Find a better way forward, right here, on Divorce, Healthy!”

We are going through an extraordinary time in history, a crisis that has great impacts all over the world. The Coronavirus pandemic is affecting not only people, but communities, businesses and society as a whole. It's a stressful an overwhelming time for everyone, but probably more so on families that are going through divorce, which is already a heavy situation to deal with. In this episode of Divorce, Healthy! attorney and author Ashley-Nicole Russell, of https://anrlaw.com/ (ANR Law), speaks to Dr. Jeff Gardere, America's Psychologist and co-producer of the https://erasingfamily.org/ (Erasing Families) documentary about the best way to co-parent during times of crisis. He stresses the need to pay attention to your children's needs even more as things are uncertain and unstable. For co-parents who are still harboring ill feelings as a result of the litigation system, now is the best time to set them aside and choose to show a united front to the kids. They look to you for stability, so it's necessary that you model that to them at this time. Go above your pride and humble yourself for the sake of the kids. Now is not the time to shrink into your own head. He also advises co-parents to start communicating and discussing family plans, what they need to do in order to keep the children's emotional, physical and mental well-being safe and protected. If you feel like you haven't been doing a good job at co-parenting, then you can make the change right now. Additionally, keep in mind that your kids are watching, so don't invite animosity and keep the negative talk about your ex-spouse away. Dr. Gardere also shares a silver lining amid what's going on, and that it shows how society operates and that there is a collective effort to have empathy and take care of others. Many have been taking strides towards helping the community and being proactive. And what better way to influence your kids to do the same in the future than to start doing it with your co-parent today. Learn more about Dr.Gardere at his website, https://www.drjeffgardere.com/ (www.drjeffgardere.com). You can also connect with him on https://www.facebook.com/doctorjeffgardere (Facebook), https://twitter.com/DrJeffGardere (Twitter), and https://www.instagram.com/drjeffgardere/ (Instagram). To inquire about speaking engagements, purchase your copy of Ashley-Nicole's book “The Cure for Divorce Culture,” or to schedule your private orientation meeting, head to www.anrlaw.com. You can also find us on social media @ANRLaw. Find a better way forward, right here, on Divorce, Healthy!

**For confidentiality purposes the names of the clients have been removed to protect the process. Going through divorce is one of the toughest and most emotional processes anyone can go through in life. It can get messy and traumatic for everybody involved, no matter if it was a mutually-exclusive decision or one of the spouses asked for it. However, despite this being a difficult period, you can still end up with a healthy, happy and positive outcome after divorce. No, it's not a fairy tale. It is a possibility and has become a reality to some couples. And it all boils down to making the biggest decision prior to beginning the proceedings: what process will you choose? In this episode of Divorce, Healthy! attorney and author Ashley-Nicole Russell, of https://anrlaw.com/ (ANR Law), talks to two of her Courageous Clients – one of whom chose the collaborative process for her divorce, and the other, seeing the effects of this process in their shared life today. They discuss the advantages of choosing this type of process instead of hiring a litigation attorney or firm to handle the divorce. While the latter seemed to be rooted in an element of revenge, collaboration makes you feel protected and supported, helping ease the heaviness and pain of divorce. Her Courageous Clients also talk about how important it is to set aside your differences and pride and put your children first throughout the whole period. Choose the process above yourself and focus on the kids and how the divorce can impact the rest of their lives. If remarriage is on the horizon for either of the parties, it will be easier to sort out any child custody arrangements or step-parenting plans moving forward. It shouldn't be an option to show your kids that their parents are tearing each other apart. And that while they may not love each other as husband and wife, there is still the possibility of a loving, functioning relationship between the ex-partners. This is especially true in light of the current global situation we are facing in light of the COVID-19 epidemic and the Coronavirus disease. Imagine how much stress can be lifted off of divorced parents' shoulders when they both can coordinate on what's best for their kids in an emergency such as this. Make the choice to be the best version of yourself despite being in conflict, so that you don't pass the burden on to your kids. Think about any decisions you'll be making and the repercussions it may have, and whether or not these will contribute to the outcome that you want. While divorce is exhausting and emotional, it can still have an outcome that will be healthy and favorable to all who are involved – including any new people that may come in the picture afterwards. To inquire about speaking engagements, purchase your copy of Ashley-Nicole's book “The Cure for Divorce Culture,” or to schedule your private orientation meeting, head to www.anrlaw.com. You can also find us on social media @ANRLaw. Find a better way forward, right here, on Divorce, Healthy!

Divorce in the United States is something that is often viewed as negative. While a large majority of people associate it with ill feelings, chaos, and never-ending conflict, that doesn't have to be the reality of divorce across America. It doesn't have to be your reality, especially if you're about to dive into this process. In the inaugural episode of Divorce, Healthy!, attorney and author Ashley-Nicole Russell, of https://anrlaw.com/ (ANR Law), shares her research on how divorce is interpreted nationwide and the culture of conflict that is associated with it. As a child of divorce, divorcee, and divorce attorney, she is on a mission to change the culture of divorce. Through sharing her story, she hopes more people will realize that it's possible to go through the divorce process and become a better, happier, and healthier person. She believes that you have absolute control in the way that you handle your divorce. If you make wiser decisions with understanding and mindfulness, you lessen the likeliness of putting  yourself in a chaotic and stressful situation. You may not have wanted the divorce in the first place, but you can choose how you react to this situation moving forward. You are the captain of the ship, and you can steer it in the path that you want it to be on. Attorney Russell talks about the direct impact divorce has on aspects of life. She explains that how you choose to cope can affect everyone around you including your family, friends, and coworkers. Her goal is to guide you through your divorce journey, coaching you to be more mindful and aware. While divorce is painful and difficult, it can still be a positive choice and process for everyone involved. The first step is to know what you want out of the proceedings in order to work through healthy and informed decision-making.  Links mentioned in the episode:·      https://www.amazon.com/Cure-Divorce-Culture-Ashley-Nicole-Russell/dp/1732553807 (The Cure for Divorce Culture)

Divorce doesn't just affect the parents and children involved. From Co-workers and employees to friends, neighbors, and spouses, the toxic fallout of divorce and years of mismanaged conflict can touch us all, all over North Carolina and America, changing the way we approach the world. Veteran Divorce, Child Custody, & Family Law Attorney Ashley-Nicole Russell believes in a better way forward. Drawing on her personal and professional experience, Ashley-Nicole is changing the conversation around divorce and conflict resolution as a whole. Providing thoughtful insight into this culture of conflict and the statistical effect on children and adults while offering collaborative strategies at home and in the workplace. Divorce, Healthy is your guide to mastering conflict resolution at home and in the workplace. Find a better way forward, right here, on Divorce, Healthy. To inquire about speaking engagements, purchase your copy of Ashley-Nicole's book “The Cure for Divorce Culture,” or to schedule your private orientation meeting, head to https://www.anrlaw.com (www.anrlaw.com). You can also find us on https://www.facebook.com/ANRlaw (Facebook), https://www.instagram.com/anrlaw (Instagram), http://www.twitter.com/ANRlaw (Twitter), https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-nicole-russell-186ba844/ (LinkedIn) and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIZ3HuZcpk31cpt-1Yqjkkg (YouTube). Subscribe to Divorce, Healthy! on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/divorce-healthy/id1499736936 (Apple Podcasts), https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/divorce-healthy (Stitcher), https://tunein.com/radio/Divorce-Healthy-p1296802/?topicId=138894242 (TuneIn), https://open.spotify.com/show/1U7y4pXgi17RyGVRQQPW9B (Spotify), or https://subscribeonandroid.com/feeds.captivate.fm/divorcehealthy/ (your favorite Android podcast player). The insights and views presented in “Divorce, Healthy!” are for general information purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information presented is not a substitute for consulting with an attorney, nor does tuning in to this podcast constitute an attorney-client relationship of any kind.