The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast

The question I hear more than almost any other, from clients, from women inside Phoenix Rising, and from my community is: "Why didn't I leave sooner?" Perhaps it's an inner voice that nudges. It sounds like you, but it's partially your friends, your family, maybe your attorney or it's cultural. That voice asks, "If it was so bad, why did she stay?" or "You should have known better." But here's what I want you to hear: waiting to leave is not a failure and leaving is not defined by a single moment. It's a process. You didn't fail to leave sooner, you were in the process of leaving. You were in the process of becoming the woman who could. In this episode I talk about what that process actually looks like and why the timeline you're judging yourself for may be exactly what made exiting your marriage possible. I get into how hope keeps women in relationships longer than almost anything else, and why that's not a weakness. I also explore why doing this self-work inside a community of women who get it, is exponentially more powerful than going through it alone. The goal isn't just to get out, it is to build something different on the other side. That's exactly what you're doing. What you'll hear about in this episode: How leaving starts as a whisper and why staying at that point actually feels like the more responsible choice Those practical realities like "where will I live?" or "what happens to the kids?", aren't about being stuck. They're about assessing risk. Leaving requires a version of you that doesn't exist yet, and becoming that person takes time How to reframe the question from "why didn't I leave sooner" to "what was I learning?" Why leaving before you're ready can actually prolong the cycle and how the timing, even when it feels late, is often exactly what you needed ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here Resources & Links:Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Seven Step Mindset Reset for Divorce =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-362-why-didnt-i-leave-sooner-because-you-were-becoming-the-person-who-could/

TEDx speaker, author, neurodiversity and mental health advocate, and host of the Sensitivity Doctor podcast. Her work centers on relationship trauma and gaslighting recovery, and she brings over 20 years of clinical experience to everything she does. We have done some incredible episodes together, and this is no exception. Amelia recently brought to my attention a study exploring the impact of Kentucky's 50/50 shared custody ruling, which has been credited with dropping divorce rates by 25% or more. Articles are celebrating the decrease in divorce. And that is exactly what alarmed us. Here's why: Divorce rates are not dropping because people are happier in their marriages. What this ruling is actually doing is forcing victims to stay in unsafe marriages because they are terrified of their children being alone with their abuser 50% of the time. Now other states are looking at Kentucky as a model of success worth replicating. So we are digging into what this actually means from a trauma-informed perspective. What happens in the nervous system when the legal system puts the burden of proof on the victim. Why a child witnessing abuse meets the clinical definition of PTSD, and why courts are not looking at it that way. And what it does to a survivor, psychologically and physiologically, when they are told they must hand their child to their abuser half of the time. This is a legal conversation, but we are not here as attorneys. We are here as trauma-informed professionals who see what this is doing to survivors every single day. What you'll hear about in this episode: Why dropping divorce rates are not always a good thing and what is actually keeping people from leaving (2:40) The burden of proof is on the victim, and what that does to them psychologically (10:46) What happens in the nervous system when you are told you must share your child 50% of the time with your abuser (12:00) Why your attorney is not your therapist or divorce coach and why an interdisciplinary team matters (15:08) Aimee Says AI, the tool built for survivors that helps document, organize, and categorize abuse evidence (18:16) Why a child witnessing abuse is, by definition, a traumatized child and why courts don't see it that way (21:26) How to find a therapist who will testify, and why you need to ask upfront before you need them (23:42) Learn more about Dr. Amelia Kelley: Dr. Amelia Kelley is a trauma-informed therapist, professor, TED speaker, author, and neurodiversity and mental health advocate, as well as the host of The Sensitivity Doctor podcast. Her work centers on relationship trauma and gaslighting recovery, supporting those impacted by emotional and psychological harm in rebuilding self-trust, clarity, and nervous-system stability. With over 20 years of clinical experience, she takes an integrative, science-grounded approach informed by IFS, EMDR, somatic and polyvagal theory, and ADHD research. She is currently writing her forthcoming book on ADHD treatment in women with Norton Publishing. Resources & Links: Get Your Curated Podcast PlaylistFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Seven Step Mindset Reset for Divorce Dr. Amelia Kelley's website Dr. Kelley on Facebook Dr. Kelley on Instagram Dr. Kelley on LinkedIn Episode 353: Aimee Says Updates: How Women Are Documenting Abuse in Real Time with Anne Wintemute Episode 335: Making Your Trauma Responses Work For You with Dr. Amelia Kelley Article: Kentucky's Equal Custody Law Shows Why America Needs Shared Parenting Presumptions =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-361-why-dropping-divorce-rates-are-not-always-good-news-with-dr-amelia-kelley/

One of the things I see so often with women going through divorce, especially high conflict divorce, is this instinct to explain yourself, to clarify, to defend yourself, to make sure the other person understands what actually happened. But here's the problem: in a high conflict divorce, explaining yourself is often the very thing that keeps you stuck in the conflict. In this episode, I walk you through why the communication playbook that works in healthy relationships completely backfires when you're dealing with a high conflict personality, and what to do instead. Here's the thing: high conflict dynamics operate like a fire. Explanations are oxygen. Every time you write a long response or try to defend yourself, you're actually blowing air into the flames. Every explanation keeps you in the engagement. Every defense keeps you in the arena. You don't have to keep exhausting yourself trying to explain the truth to someone who has already decided not to hear it. You get to step out of that cycle and you get to move forward with a playbook that actually works in high conflict divorce. What you'll hear about in this episode: Why explanations don't resolve conflict in high conflict dynamics, they extend it How your words become fuel: long texts, clarifying emails, and attempts to correct the narrative all give the other person material to twist, screenshot, and weaponize The difference between the explanation mindset and the documentation mindset The BIFF method (Brief, Informative, Friendly, Firm) and how to use it Why silence isn't capitulating and why not every accusation requires a response Resources & Links: Get Your Curated Podcast PlaylistFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Seven Step Mindset Reset for Divorce =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-360-stop-explaining-yourself-why-it-makes-high-conflict-divorce-worse/

Sarah McDugal is back on the podcast, and this time we're talking about what it actually takes to protect your children inside a family court system that often reframes abuse as "mutual high conflict" and makes the protective parent look like the problem. Sarah is a clarity coach and founder of Freedom Navigator and Wilderness to Wild, where she works exclusively with protective parents navigating high-conflict divorce and custody battles. In this conversation, we talk about why the ways most of us instinctively respond—explaining, defending, and trying to get people to understand the truth—can actually work against us in court. We also dive into Sarah's High Conflict Court Risk Index, an assessment designed to help parents understand early how likely their case is to become a long, drawn-out legal battle. The earlier you can see the terrain you're walking into, the more strategically you can move through it. And we talk about the kids. One of the most powerful reframes Sarah offers is that protecting our children doesn't always mean shielding them from harm. Sometimes the greatest protection we can give them is helping them learn how to navigate difficult realities with clarity, resilience, and support. If you're deep in a high-conflict case and feel like everything you do somehow gets used against you, you're not imagining it. The family court system is not what most of us think it is—and fighting it the way we naturally want to can sometimes make things worse. This conversation offers a different playbook. What you'll hear about in this episode: Why what family court labels "high conflict" is very often an abuser-victim dynamic, not a mutual conflict situation (5:28) How you can shift the dynamics in court by changing yourself, not by trying to change the other person or the system (11:10) The High Conflict Court Risk Index, what it assesses, who it is for, and why taking it early means you can start the right conversations sooner (12:28) Why an interdisciplinary divorce team saves you time, money, and unnecessary damage (24:28) What to do when your high conflict court risk comes back moderate to high, and where to go for support (23:30) Why protecting your kids from all harm is not the goal and how to start teaching them to navigate tricky people and tricky situations instead (31:30) ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. Learn more about Sarah McDugal:Sarah McDugal is a clarity coach and founder of FREEDOM Navigator and Wilderness to WILD. She works exclusively with protective parents in high-conflict divorce and custody battles. In addition to a master's degree, Sarah holds certifications and training in: Master Certified Professional Coach (MCPC), Certified High Conflict Legal Dispute Resolver, High Conflict Institute, Certified Assessor: Danger and Lethality Assessment, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Deceptive Sexuality and Trauma Treatment (DSTT) Training, Dr. Omar Minwalla, and APSATS Model for Multi-Dimensional Partner Trauma (MPTM) Training. After surviving nearly a decade of custody litigation herself, Sarah equips her clients with trauma-informed tools, court-ready case prep resources, and strategic battle plans to fight smarter for the long haul — without losing their sanity, their kids, or their voice. Known for her blend of ethical precision and empathetic strength, Sarah empowers protective parents to transform survival into strategy — guiding weary warriors to rise with endurance, resilience, and courage. Resources & Links: Get Your Curated Podcast PlaylistFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Seven Step Mindset Reset for Divorce High Conflict Court Risk Index Freedom Navigator WebsiteSarah on LinkedIn Sarah on Instagram Sarah on YouTube Episode 109: DSG Abuse Mini-Series: Escaping Toxic Relationships and Abuse in Faith-Based Communities with Sarah McDugal =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM

Let's talk about something that sits at the center of so many of the conversations I have with women: men's rage is not a communication issue. It's a responsibility issue. So many of us are taught to treat anger like something that can be solved with better tools, better timing, or more understanding. Something you can help fix. But when anger creates fear, when it's targeted, when it's tied to entitlement or control, we are no longer talking about miscommunication. We are talking about power. That realization can be destabilizing, even terrifying, because if it were just communication, you could work on it together. But when you find yourself managing someone else's moods, shrinking to avoid escalation, or feeling unsafe expressing yourself, the issue is no longer communication. In this solo episode, you'll learn what it looks like to step back, observe behavior over time, and trust the information your body is giving you. Because until responsibility is taken consistently and independently, nothing changes. What you'll hear about in this episode: How fear signals a power dynamic, not a communication breakdown What it means when someone controls their anger everywhere except with you Why couples therapy requires safety and equality and what happens when those aren't present The difference between panic when access is removed and true accountability How to recognize real change through sustained behavior, not short term effort Why sex during separation can undermine clarity How underlying beliefs about entitlement, control, and dominance fuel chronic anger The role financial entanglement plays in keeping people psychologically stuck How separation becomes a period of observation where behavior, not words, is the data Why a calmer nervous system is meaningful information you should not ignore ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. Resources & Links: Get Your Curated Podcast PlaylistFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Seven Step Mindset Reset for Divorce Episode 356: How to Assess Real Change When a Partner Promises Everything =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-358-anger-is-not-a-communication-issue/

I'm welcoming back one of your favorite guests and one of mine, divorce mortgage specialist Tami Wollensak, because we need to talk about the house. Specifically… what actually happens to it in divorce and what your real options are. Mortgage rules have shifted, interest rates have changed, and the questions I hear from clients all the time still come back to the same thing: Can I keep the house? Should I keep the house? Is it even possible? Tami and I walk through the realities behind keeping the marital home, including what people misunderstand about ownership, how mortgage assumption actually works, and why the emotional pull to keep it has to be balanced with long-term financial stability. We also talk about what happens when plans fall through, how to build backup strategies into your agreements, and why sometimes the smartest move is stepping back instead of fighting to stay. This conversation walks through the real financial and legal realities of what happens to the house in divorce. Because wanting the house and being able to keep the house are not always the same thing. What you'll hear about in this episode: The biggest misconception about "wanting to keep the house" (2:18) What mortgage assumption means and why you must ask the right questions (8:32) Why home ownership isn't always the healthiest financial decision after divorce (23:14) What happens when a mortgage assumption falls through and how to recover (41:32) Resources & Links: Assessing Change WorksheetGet Your Curated Podcast PlaylistFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Seven Step Mindset Reset for Divorce Tami's Website Episode 204: Take or Leave the House? With Tami Wollensak =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-357-the-truth-about-mortgage-assumptions-with-tami-wollensak/

When you tell your partner you want a divorce and suddenly they promise everything, how do you know if it's real desire to change or just panic talking? You may be hearing apologies that sound deeper than anything you've heard before, promises of therapy, and urgent requests for time, all while you're stuck questioning yourself. Is this real? Is it different this time? Or is this fear talking? That confusion, the second-guessing, and the pull to pause your own healing just to see what happens are incredibly common. In this solo episode, I walk you through how to assess change clearly and safely. You'll learn what real change actually looks like beyond words and emotional displays, why pressure and urgency are red flags, and why your safety and autonomy never become negotiable just because someone promises to change. Remember, you can keep moving forward with your own healing and planning without putting your life on hold while a partner claims they are working on themselves. ✨This episode includes a free downloadable worksheet to help you assess whether real change is actually happening. Grab it at kateanthony.com/assessingchange. What you'll hear about in this episode: How to tell the difference between genuine commitment and a crisis reaction What real change actually looks like in behavior, accountability, and time Why your nervous system is data and how to use it to assess safety How to observe patterns without gaslighting yourself or putting your life on hold Why your safety and autonomy never become negotiable ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. Resources & Links: Assessing Change WorksheetGet Your Curated Podcast PlaylistFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Seven Step Mindset Reset for Divorce =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-356-how-to-assess-real-change-when-a-partner-promises-everything/

Divorce can become significantly more complicated when culture, immigration status, or international law are part of the equation. I'm joined by family law attorney Diana Romanov for a conversation about what happens when divorce crosses cultural and international lines. Diana brings a rare perspective to this work, shaped by her own immigration journey, her legal training, and practice across multiple countries. Together, we unpack how jurisdiction is determined when spouses live in different countries, how cultural norms shape power and decision-making in divorce, and why custody battles often look very different when one parent has been the primary caregiver for most of the marriage. We also dig into the realities of international relocation with children and how courts decide who can move, who can't, and why. At its core, this is about understanding how power, protection, and parenting are negotiated when the rules are shaped by more than one system. What you'll hear about in this episode: How Diana's international background and lived experience as an immigrant informs the way she practices family law and advocates for clients across cultural lines (2:06) What "jurisdiction" really means in international and cross-border divorce (5:00) How cultural norms around gender roles, finances, and marriage can deeply impact the divorce process (11:05) Strategic realities behind custody negotiations, including when equal timeshare is about optics or money rather than actual parenting (13:08) How international and long-distance custody and relocation cases are evaluated, including the factors courts use to decide whether a parent can move with children (24:46) What parents need to understand about documentation, communication, and evidence in high-conflict and cross-border cases (34:40) ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. Learn more about Diana Romanov: Diana Romanov is a San Francisco family law attorney, licensed in California and Germany, and a certified Family Law Specialist. Fluent in English, Russian, and German, she provides counsel, representation, and mediation services across cultural lines. Previously a prosecutor at the Regional Superior Court of Berlin, Diana practiced with Beiten Burghard & Wegner and Linklaters Oppenhoff & Raedler. She earned the Justice and Diversity Center's Outstanding Pro Bono Award (2012–13) and was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star for her client care and legal expertise. Diana holds a J.D. in family law from Freie University School of Law (Berlin) and an LL.M. in US Legal Studies from Golden Gate University. Born in Kiev and raised in Germany, Diana's multicultural background enriches her empathetic approach. Drawing on her own divorce experience, she founded a boutique firm to deliver personalized, efficient solutions in custody, support, mediation, alimony, and asset division. Resources & Links: Get Your Curated Podcast PlaylistFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Seven Step Mindset Reset for Divorce Diana's website Diana on LinkedIn Diana on Facebook Diana on YouTube =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-355-divorce-across-borders-with-diana-romanov/

Many women are grieving two things at once right now, a relationship that didn't protect them and a country that won't either. There is a lot happening in the world right now, and none of it is abstract. Not for women. Not for our marriages, our divorces, our bodies, our safety, or our credibility. What we are witnessing is the lived, relational impact of rising authoritarianism. In this solo episode, I wanted to take a moment to slow this conversation down and connect the dots between what women experience privately and what is unfolding publicly. This is not about ideology or opinion. It is about power. It is about who is believed, who is doubted, and who is controlled. And it is about why so many women are feeling alarmed, not because they are confused, but because they recognize the familiar dynamics of control. They recognize the patterns. For a long time, we were taught that politics lived "out there" in elections, legislation, and institutions we were never meant to shape, while relationships were framed as personal, private choices. That separation was not accidental. It was strategic. Authoritarian systems depend on that divide, because when women's lives are framed as personal, our suffering can be dismissed as individual failure and our silence mistaken for consent. This episode is a call to stay awake without collapsing, to stay aligned with what you already know, and to remember that awareness does not require constant activation. We do this together. We tap out and tap in for one another. The personal has always been the political. What you'll hear about in this episode: Why separating "the personal" from "the political" was an intentional strategy designed to keep women's suffering isolated and depoliticized How women's exhaustion, self doubt, and depletion inside marriage are not personal failures, but political conditions Why you cannot meditate, communicate, or self optimize your way out of systems built on unequal power How naming harm becomes threatening to systems that rely on fragmentation and silence How authoritarianism mirrors abusive relationship dynamics through control, denial, punishment, and gaslighting Why women, especially Black women, recognize creeping control early and sound alarms before institutions do Why backlash against women's clarity is evidence of lost control, not women being wrong Why rest, regulation, and nervous system care are essential parts of resistance, not distractions from it ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. Resources & Links: Get Your Curated Podcast PlaylistFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Seven Step Mindset Reset for Divorce Episode 95: Toxic Abuser-in-Chief: What Politics Has to Do With Your Marriage =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-354-the-personal-has-always-been-political/

When you're living inside an abusive relationship, one of the hardest things to do is see the pattern clearly while you're still in it. Everything feels confusing and destabilizing, especially when blame shifting, gaslighting, and constantly moving goalposts are part of the dynamic. That's why I'm so grateful to welcome back Anne Wintemute, CEO and Co-Founder of Aimee Says, an AI-powered support and documentation platform that helps women understand what's happening in abusive dynamics. Anne and I talk about how women are using Aimee Says in real life to bring clarity to chaos, especially during post separation, custody battles, and ongoing co-parenting conflict. We explore how identifying patterns as they are happening can be revolutionary, and how Aimee Says reflects women's lived experiences back to them in a way that validates reality. We also talk about how having all of your information in one place helps women create clear plans of action when preparing for mediation, working with attorneys, or deciding next steps. Moreover, we talk about the changes and updates to the platform, some of which are a total game-changer for victims and survivors. This episode is about seeing what's really happening, trusting yourself again, and having tools that help you stay grounded in truth. What you'll hear about in this episode: How Aimee Says helps clarify patterns in abusive relationships (5:26) How women are using Aimee Says in real life to document abuse (10:56) Why blame shifting is the most common tactic women experience and how it keeps people stuck (12:04) The connection between authoritarian leadership, power and control, and abusive dynamics (31:18) ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. Learn more about Anne Wintemute: Anne Wintemute is the Co-Founder and CEO of Aimee Says, an AI companion for victims and survivors of controlling partners. When she's not working to hold perpetrators accountable, Anne can be found tending her urban farm or playing with her kids in Denver Colorado. Resources & Links: Get Your Curated Podcast PlaylistFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Seven Step Mindset Reset for Divorce Aimee Says - DSG Listeners, Use Code: SurvivalGuide at Checkout to Get 2 Free Months =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-353-aimee-says-updates-how-women-are-documenting-abuse-in-real-time-with-anne-wintemute/

It's January, and you've made the decision to get divorced. The question now isn't whether you're moving forward. It's how. This is the phase that requires strategy, not emotion. Not because your emotions don't matter. They do. But right now, clear thinking matters more than anything else. In this solo episode, I share three things to help you formulate your strategy so you can move forward without creating unnecessary chaos, expense, or regret. January is not a sprint. It's an orientation phase. This is the moment to shift your emotions into the passenger seat and let your strategic mind drive as you get clear on the reality you're in, gather the right information, and begin building the right team in the right order. Waiting until after the holidays to move forward with divorce wasn't a delay. It was a boundary. Moving forward with intention now can protect you and your children long after the paperwork is signed. What you'll hear about in this episode: Why January is an orientation phase, not a race to file What patterns in conflict, money, and boundaries matter most before divorce begins What financial information to quietly gather now How to think about custody awareness without rushing or overcorrecting Why strategy should come before calling an attorney and how that saves time, money, and emotional fallout Resources & Links: Get Your Curated Podcast PlaylistFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Seven Step Mindset Reset for Divorce =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-352-an-intentional-divorce-strategy-for-january/

If you're going through divorce and feeling overwhelmed by the financial decisions in front of you, you are not imagining it. There is far more to divorce financial planning than most people are ever told. Divorce creates financial challenges that most traditional financial advisors simply are not trained to handle, which is why I invited Jamie Lima, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and the founder of Allegiant Divorce Solutions, to the show to help demystify the financial realities of divorce. Jamie explains why dividing assets during divorce is rarely as straightforward as it seems, especially once taxes, retirement accounts, and long-term consequences are factored in. We talk about some of the most common and costly blind spots women face, including critical documents like QDROs, along with who actually carries the tax burden when assets are divided. Throughout the conversation, we come back to one essential truth. You should not be navigating this alone. Divorce requires a team, and having the right financial expertise can protect your future long after the paperwork is signed. What you'll hear about in this episode: What a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst does and why divorce financial planning is different from traditional financial planning (2:02) What a QDRO is, how it works, and why it is essential when retirement accounts and pensions are involved (7:38) How after tax value changes the true worth of assets in a divorce settlement (17:43) The most common financial mistakes people make during divorce and what Jamie wishes everyone knew before signing an agreement (31:28) Learn more about Jamie Lima, CDFA®: After watching her parents go through a divorce at a young age, and experiencing a tremendously expensive and emotionally draining divorce herself in 2017, she launched Allegiant Divorce Solutions as a sister company to her traditional financial planning firm. She recognizes the challenges people face as they decide how to handle their finances during divorce. Her parents struggled, and it was challenging for her as well. Looking back, there were mistakes she made during her own divorce that could have been avoided had she had the support of a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst ®. At present, armed with this ever growing knowledge and almost 20 years of financial planning experience, she is dedicated to helping her clients navigate the complex aspects of divorce and gain a fair settlement, with much less stress. Resources & Links: Get Your Curated Podcast PlaylistFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Jamie's websiteJamie on LinkedIn Jamie on Instagram Jamie on TikTok Jamie on Facebook =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-351-protecting-your-financial-future-during-divorce-with-jamie-lima-cdfa/

New Year's Day comes with a lot of pressure to reinvent yourself, get clear, and have a plan. In this solo episode, I'm talking about why you don't need any of that today. January 1st doesn't have to be a test, a turning point, or proof that you're doing life "right," especially if you're coming out of divorce, separation, or a year that asked more of you than you thought you could give. This episode is about orienting instead of reinventing and recognizing that growth doesn't always look like action. It creates space to slow down, notice where you are, and consider what might be ready for choice, not necessarily today, but soon. As this new year begins, this is a reminder that nothing is starting from scratch. Every boundary held, every truth acknowledged, and every quiet decision already counts as movement. Becoming doesn't require reinvention, and choosing doesn't require certainty. This is about listening, honoring what's already known, and allowing the next step to unfold in its own time. What you'll hear about in this episode: Why you don't need a plan, a word of the year, or complete clarity on January 1st Why beginnings often feel awkward, uneven, and tender The difference between achieving and becoming Why self-trust matters more than certainty as a new year begins ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. Resources & Links: Get Your Curated Podcast PlaylistFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-350-you-dont-have-to-become-someone-new-to-begin-again/

Christmas comes with a lot of expectations about how it's supposed to look and feel, and in this solo episode, I'm talking about what happens when your life doesn't match that script. You'll hear why there is no correct way to feel today and how to let this day be exactly what it is without judging yourself or trying to fix it. I also talk about why Christmas can feel so heavy during divorce, separation, and major life transitions, and why the pressure to make this day meaningful often makes it harder. This episode offers permission to let the day pass without forcing a lesson, a silver lining, or a redemption arc. Wherever you are and whatever this day looks like for you, I want you to know you are not alone today and not in this. Whether this Christmas feels quiet, heavy, or somewhere in between, you don't have to make it meaningful to be worthy of love, you already are. What you'll hear about in this episode: The difference between emptiness and loneliness, and what emptiness is telling you Why Christmas Day doesn't have to teach you anything A simple grounding pause to notice support and release tension in your body ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. Resources & Links: Get Your Curated Podcast PlaylistFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-349-youre-allowed-to-let-today-be-exactly-what-it-is/

Mediation can feel confusing, intimidating, and wildly misunderstood, especially when you're being told you "don't need a lawyer" because you're mediating." That's exactly why I invited my good friend and colleague Susan Guthrie back to the show. Susan is going to help break down what mediation actually is, how it works, and how to protect yourself in the process. Susan is a former family law attorney, longtime mediator, and the host of the podcast Divorce & Beyond. She's also my go-to expert when my clients have questions about mediation. In this conversation, Susan and I walk through what mediation really looks like from the very beginning, why mediators are not judges, and why having a consulting attorney is still essential even if you are fully committed to mediating. When you are mediating, the only people who make decisions are the people getting divorced. Nothing is decided unless both of you agree, and that's what gives the process its power. When mediation is done well, it creates space for clarity, informed choices, and agreements you can actually live with, not decisions handed down by someone who doesn't know your life. What you'll hear about in this episode: Misconceptions about mediation and why many misunderstand the process (3:36) Why you must have a consulting attorney, even if you are mediating (15:40) Different forms of mediation, including the benefits of shuttle mediation (27:08) What the mediation process actually looks like from the start (46:40) Bringing other professionals into mediation can save time, money, and conflict (51:54) How to know when mediation is not working and who gets to make that decision (55:24) ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. Learn more about Susan Guthrie: Susan Guthrie, Esq. is one of the nation's leading voices in family law and mediation. With more than 30 years of experience as a top divorce attorney, mediator, and trainer, Susan has helped thousands of individuals and families navigate separation with dignity, clarity, and compassion. As the creator and host of the award-winning Divorce & Beyond Podcast, Susan has built one of the most trusted platforms for real conversations about divorce, healing, and new beginnings. Her expertise and approachable style have made her a sought-after media expert, featured on The Oprah Podcast, NewsNation, NBC's Chicago Today, and numerous other national and regional outlets. Beyond her media appearances, Susan is a respected educator and speaker, regularly training professionals in mediation, communication, and practice development across the country. She is also a best-selling author, sharing practical insights that help individuals and professionals alike navigate change with confidence. Susan's work bridges legal knowledge, emotional intelligence, and innovative thinking — helping people not only end their marriages more peacefully but also begin their next chapters with purpose. Resources & Links: Get Your Curated Podcast PlaylistFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Susan's websiteThe Divorce and Beyond Podcast =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-348-divorce-mediation-explained-what-it-is-and-how-it-works-with-susan-guthrie-esq/

The holidays have a magical way of triggering every wound you've ever had. In this solo episode, I'm sharing how you can take care of yourself so you don't lose your mind, your center, or your sanity in the process. Whether this is your first holiday season post separation, you're holding it together until January to file, or you're already divorced and juggling co-parenting, conflict, grief, or the pressure to make everything look "fine," nothing you're feeling means you're a bad mom or a bad person. It means you're human, and you deserve far more gentleness than you've ever been taught to give yourself. You'll hear me walk you through the predictable triggers and patterns that show up this time of year and why the holidays feel so damn hard. And together, we'll shift into a new way of moving through the season that protects your peace and honors your truth. What you'll hear about in this episode: The predictable patterns and triggers that show up every holiday season What your holiday reactions are actually rooted in and why they feel so overwhelming A new way of approaching the season that protects your peace and honors your truth Seven practical ways to care for yourself so you stay connected instead of collapsing under the pressure ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. Resources & Links: Get Your Curated Podcast PlaylistFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-347-when-the-holidays-trigger-every-old-wound-how-to-get-through-without-losing-yourself/

This episode is about the loneliness women feel inside of relationships and how that loneliness can cut deeper than anything else, even when someone is sitting right next to you. If you've been moving through your days feeling invisible, misunderstood, or emotionally starved inside your own home, please hear me when I say this: you are not alone. Loneliness in marriage has become one of the most common and most deeply painful experiences women quietly carry. Throughout this episode, you'll hear me talk about the female loneliness epidemic inside relationships and why the loneliness you feel is not a personal failure. It is your body, your intuition, and your unmet needs trying to get your attention in the most honest way they know how. I also share seven grounding steps that can help you gently validate your own experience, reconnect with what you truly need, and begin rebuilding emotional safety from the inside out. As I always say, you, my love, deserve to be happy. What you'll hear about in this episode: How emotional labor conditions women into feeling disconnected and unseen The somatic signs of emotional deprivation and what your body is quietly trying to tell you Seven gentle grounding steps to help you validate your reality and rebuild emotional safety How to recognize the difference between a temporary rut and the deeper experience of chronic loneliness Why the loneliness you feel may be a sign that you are waking up to your truth, not breaking down Resources & Links: Get Your Curated Podcast PlaylistFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-346-the-female-loneliness-epidemic/

Enjoy this encore episode as I walk you through a big one: navigating the holidays during divorce. The holidays can feel like walking an emotional tightrope while trying to hold onto some joy. Whether it's your first holiday season after divorce, your last one as a family before separating, or you've been navigating holidays in divorce for a while, it's a time that stirs up all the emotions. Wherever you are in this process, I want you to know that you're not alone. Also, were the holidays stress-free before divorce? Probably not. This episode isn't just about surviving the holidays, it's about reclaiming them in a way that works for you and your kids. Get emotionally prepared, collaborate where it counts, and make choices that put your kids at the heart of it all. In this episode, I also explore: Self-care survival to ensure you're showing up for yourself and your kids Creating new traditions that align with who you are now Navigating the tricky question of whether to celebrate together "for the kids" Practical co-parenting strategies for gift-giving, scheduling, and prioritizing your children Resources & Links: Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

If you've gone through divorce, are contemplating it, or you're smack in the messy middle, you already know: one of the hardest parts isn't the paperwork. It's learning how the hell to communicate with your ex. This is someone you likely have a lot of emotional heat with: toxic, irritating, disappointing, or all of the above and communication might even be one of the reasons you're not together anymore. And if you share kids? The communication doesn't end just because the relationship does. You still have to find a way to talk calmly, clearly, and with as much emotional self-protection as possible. That's why I brought on today's guests:Tessa Noel and Heather Ruiz from Talking Parents, a platform designed to reduce the chaos, conflict, and emotional landmines that come with co-parenting. Tessa is a certified divorce transition coach and a co-parent who's lived through a brutally high-conflict divorce. Heather brings 20+ years of communications and leadership experience, and her own co-parenting journey, to the work she does shaping Talking Parents' mission. At the end of the day, healthy communication isn't about fixing your ex, it's about reclaiming your power and creating the calm your kids need. ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. What you'll hear about in this episode: The biggest mistakes people make when they first start co-parenting with a difficult or high-conflict ex (11:45) Real-life communication patterns that support healthier outcomes for kids (16:00) How boundaries changed everything for Tessa and why Heather says they're essential to set early, even when things feel amicable (23:45) Tessa's children's book Stella's Two Homes and how it helps kids navigate two-household families (28:45) Learn more about Tessa Noel and Heather Ruiz: Tessa Noel is a certified divorce transition and recovery coach with extensive knowledge in multiple life coaching frameworks. She holds a degree from California State University of San Marcos and has firsthand experience in the family courts of California. Tessa is also a co-parent with two children. In her free time, she loves to take them on adventures around their home state of California. With over 20 years in marketing and communication, Heather Ruiz is at the forefront of software services as TalkingParents Marketing Director, shaping the narrative around a pivotal time when digital platforms are redefining how co-parents coordinate, collaborate, and care for their children. Resources & Links: Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Talking Parents Talking Parents on Facebook Talking Parents on Instagram Talking Parents on LinkedIn Talking Parents on TikTok Talking Parents on YouTube Tessa on Instagram Stella's Two Homes =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-345-how-to-communicate-with-your-ex-without-losing-your-mind-with-the-pros-at-talking-parents/

This episode is all about parenting plans, spousal support, and the biggest legal truths people miss when they're divorcing with kids. I'm joined by award-winning divorce attorney and My Next Chapter's legal expert, Renee Bauer, who brings over two decades of family law experience to this conversation. We get into how courts are shifting toward shared parenting, why some parenting plans need two pages and others need fifty, and the real story behind modern alimony. We also talk about the legal roadmap inside My Next Chapter and why having good information early can save you time, money, and heartache. ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. What you'll hear about in this episode: How custody language has shifted from "visitation" to shared parenting and why that shift matters (3:23) What happens when someone demands 50/50 but can't follow through (8:18) Why parenting plans range from simple to extremely detailed and how to know what level your family needs (25:23) How My Next Chapter pulls legal, financial, and emotional guidance together so you're not navigating alone (30:23) The big things Renee wishes people understood before hiring a divorce attorney (35:08) How alimony has changed in recent years and why lifetime support is rarely on the table anymore (43:08) Learn more about Renee Bauer: Renee Bauer is an award-winning divorce attorney, published author, and the legal expert at My Next Chapter. As the founder of Happy Even After Family Law in Connecticut, she's spent over two decades helping people navigate divorce with dignity and confidence. Renee is also a sought-after speaker and advocate for reshaping how we think about divorce — not as failure, but as a chance to rewrite your next chapter with intention. Resources & Links: Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! My Next Chapter - Use code DSG to receive $30 off your first month Episode 342: From Uncertainty to Clarity with Tamara Frankfort Odinec and Shari Joseph of My Next Chapter Renee's websiteRenee on Instagram =================== DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-344-parenting-plans-support-and-legal-truths-with-renee-bauer/