Happily Ever After Divorce

Many people stay in painful marriages believing that loyalty, endurance, and sacrifice will eventually be recognized—or even rewarded—when it's all over. But in the courtroom, that's just not how it works. The legal system doesn't compensate you for years of suffering in a bad marriage—and the longer you stay, the more it costs you emotionally, mentally, and financially.In this episode of The Happily Ever After Divorce Podcast, Atlanta Divorce Law Group's Sara Khaki and Shawna Woods unpack one of the hardest truths about long-term, dysfunctional marriages: endurance isn't evidence, and pain doesn't translate to reward. Together, they explore why so many of us confuse self-sacrifice with strength, how faith and family values can blur the line between devotion and denial, and what it really means to make a conscious choice to stay—or to finally go.

Should you tell your spouse before filing for divorce—or keep that decision private until the papers are served? In this episode of the Happily Ever After Divorce™ podcast, Sara and Shawna dive into the legal strategies and emotional realities behind one of the most common (and complicated) questions in divorce. They explore how safety concerns, financial risks, and your spouse's temperament all factor into timing, while also highlighting the role of personal values, conscience, and the kind of person you want to be on the other side of conflict. This candid conversation reminds listeners that the “right” choice isn't just about legal advantage—it's also about how you'll feel about yourself when the dust settles.

In this episode of the Happily Ever After Divorce™ Podcast, Sara Khaki and Shawna Woods take a playful, thought-provoking look at the question: could you have narcissistic traits? With humor and insight, they explore 10 everyday behaviors—like entitlement, lack of empathy, or craving attention—that may hint at narcissism in our own lives. Drawing from their conversations and their book Detach From the Narcissist, the hosts highlight the power of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and reflection in strengthening relationships and personal growth. This lighthearted conversation invites listeners to approach the topic with curiosity rather than judgment, using self-reflection as a tool for healthier connections.

In this episode of the Happily Ever After Divorce™ Podcast, Sara Khaki and Shawna Woods explore the delicate balance between taking healthy space in relationships and avoiding necessary conflict. They discuss how space can be a tool for personal reflection and emotional clarity, but also when it risks becoming avoidance that fuels resentment. The conversation touches on the role of communication, emotional needs, and boundaries in determining whether space is constructive or harmful, as well as the legal and personal considerations when space evolves into separation. The hosts provide guidance on recognizing patterns, setting expectations, and making intentional choices to protect both personal well-being and relationship health.

Every marriage and long-term relationship has a “dark side”—the flaws, fears, and hidden traits that inevitably come to light over time. In this episode of The Happily Ever After Divorce Podcast™, Sara Khaki and Shawna Woods explore the concept of the 'dark side' in relationships, discussing how partners can recognize and accept each other's flaws. They delve into the importance of understanding what each partner is capable of, the impact of willful ignorance, and the necessity of open communication to bring hidden issues to light. The discussion emphasizes that acknowledging and addressing these darker aspects can lead to personal growth and stronger relationships.

In this episode of The Happily Ever After Divorce Podcast™, Sara Khaki and Shawna Woods unpack the “work wife/work husband” dynamic and its impact on marriage. Using the recent Astronomer CEO scandal as a backdrop, they discuss how workplace relationships can cross emotional and physical lines, create disconnect at home, and even lead to infidelity—and why shared purpose, open communication, and conscious effort are key to keeping relationships strong.

Gray divorce is on the rise among aging couples, especially those in long-term marriages over 60. In this episode of the Happily Ever After Divorce Podcast, attorneys Sara Khaki and Shawna Woods discuss the unique challenges of gray divorce—including financial planning, spousal support, healthcare, and dividing retirement assets. They also explore the emotional side: heartbreak, communication breakdowns, and how resentment and shifting relationship dynamics can lead to divorce later in life.

In this episode of the Happily Ever After Divorce Podcast hosts, Sara Khaki and Shawna Woods, dive deep into the complexities of modern feminism, femininity, and the cultural forces that shape how we understand them. From performative feminism and the balance between equality and equity, to the ways upbringing and societal expectations influence our perspectives on the feminist movement, this conversation challenges assumptions and invites introspection. 

In this episode of the Happily Ever After Divorce Podcast, Sara Khaki and Shawna Woods explore the theme of kindness being misinterpreted as weakness, particularly in the context of divorce and conflict. They discuss the crucial distinction between being kind and being nice, emphasizing that true kindness comes from a place of authenticity and self-awareness. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by individuals dealing with narcissistic personalities and the importance of setting boundaries while maintaining one's values. The hosts provide insights on navigating these complex emotional landscapes and the strategies that can be employed to handle difficult relationships with grace and strength.

In this episode of the Happily Ever After Divorce podcast, hosts Sara Khaki and Shawna Woods delve into the concept of toxic positivity, exploring its definition, implications in personal and professional settings, and the cultural shifts surrounding emotional expression. They discuss the balance between positivity and authenticity, the overuse of the term 'toxic,' and the importance of personal responsibility in navigating emotions.