Cheryl Conard: What Happens to The House?

After a four and a half year contentious divorce, Sheila Brennan decided she had enough of the bitterness and crazy divorce tactics that cost her well over $100,000, her relationships, and her sanity.  Listen to how she went from chaos to clarity as she shares many hard lessons to plan for your own divorce.  Sheila is a divorce coach who helps men and women define a strategic and sensible plan for divorce. Sheila is the mother of two young adult children and is happily divorced.

Sheila Brennan: Why You Should Plan Your Divorce Like You Planned Your Wedding

Based on her personal experience with divorce and as a psychologist and coach, Dr. Joyce Fine lays out what to expect through the whole divorce journey - from how to cut the ties amicably, to setting up a new household, to making hard choices when moving in with a new partner.  She also shares details from her latest book: Move Out, Move On, Move In.

Dr. Joyce Fine: How to Create the Life You Want After Divorce

At 15 years old, Henry Yampolsky immigrated from Ukraine to the working class town of Scranton, PA. The struggle to learn English and belong led him on a magical motorcyle road trip across the Himalayas, and to the knowing that resolving all conflict starts from within. Listen as Henry translates this wisdom to help couples in conflict communicate and find calm through the storm of divorce. Henry is a collaborative lawyer and mediator, Safta yoga master, and founder of Living Peace Institute.

Henry Yampolsky: Dis-solving Conflict From Within

Nearly 20 years ago, Raphael Cushnir's marriage fell apart due to addiction and infidelity. Yet despite profound grief, his heart opened as he discovered that resistance to feeling emotion is the one thing holding us back from healing and joy. Listen as Raphael teaches us to surf the wave of emotion through divorce and practical ways to stay in the present moment to make clear decisions.

Raphael Cushnir: The One Thing Holding You Back

Shannon McGorry had no idea she gave away her power as a wife and mother until her divorce awakened her soul.  Listen to her breakthrough story of how Shannon redefined herself after divorce, and that all it took was the belief, that, at her core...She. Was. Enough.

How to Reclaim Your Power

After the excruciating decision to leave a 28-year loveless marriage with 2 grown children, Roz ended up leaving her second marriage after just 12 weeks - and fearing for her life. How did this happen?  Determined to not let this be the end of her story,  Roz immersed herself into using positive psychology to heal.   Now in her 60s, Roz shares those lessons with us - and how that led her to the true love of her life.

Never Too Late to Start Over

Welcome to The Healthy Divorce Podcast. In our first episode, we'll give you a flavor of what to expect. Created for those who want to divorce amicably, without lawyers, do as much as you can on your own, without going broke or relationships in ruins. Feel supported and learn from Cris and Sharon Pastore, their guest hosts and guests.

The Healthy Divorce Podcast- Trailer

Want to end up with a fair divorce settlement? This podcast will teach you about the many aspects of a fair divorce settlement including who and what determines "fair" in a divorce settlement, what the biggest obstacles to getting a fair settlement are, what "fair" looks like in mediation, attorney-led negotiations, and the courtroom. This podcast will ultimately help you to get informed and focused on the future and explain how to put the right advocates in your corner.  Key Points:&nbsp; - Why fair doesn't always mean 50/50 - and other key rights and entitlements in the eyes of the law. - Understand how anger and resentment get in the way, and why what's best for your kids may not seem fair to you. - Hear examples of how fairness was achieved using 3 different processes to reach the same goal. - steps to take now, so you end up satisfied.  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more info: visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com   Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com   Guests: Cris Pastore, Co-Founder, Attorney-Mediator, Main Line Family Law Center, Diana Schimmel, Esq, Petrelli, Previtera, Schimmel.  About Cris: Cris Pastore is an expert attorney-mediator and has been a praCris_Pastore_2014-1cticing attorney for over 20 years. He became a private divorce mediator in 2007, when he grew increasingly frustrated by destructive nature of the traditional court-contested divorce process. After having mediated hundreds of divorce cases, Cris co-founded Main Line Family Law Center, just outside of Philadelphia, with the help of his wife and business partner, Sharon.Through working with clients and community education, Cris has made it his personal mission to revolutionize this area of practice so that families can emerge healthy and whole once again. Follow Cris at @healthy_divorce  About Diana Schimmel Diana C. Schimmel, Esq. is the owner and founder of Petrelli, Previtera and Schimmel; a law firm dedicated exclusively to all areas of family law serving Philadelphia, surrounding counties and southern New Jersey. Before founding her firm, Diana was a Child Advocate Attorney with the Defender Association of Philadelphia. Rising as a Super Lawyer for 2 years in a row, she is active with the Women’s Resource Center of Wayne, The Field Center for Children’s Policy Practice and Research and the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. Contact her at 267-207-3573.

Episode 1:  Achieving a Fair Settlement

Planning to divorce an addicted spouse? 
This episode will address addiction itself including what it is and its tell-tale signs. Listening will give you the opportunity to learn from two brave women who got the courage to do it and understand what feelings you should expect now that you are splitting for good. You will also learn some of the steps you can take to feel supported and protected to keep you moving in a positive direction.

KEY POINTS: 
- Break out of denial and accept what is.
- Is divorce is the right decision? Ways to work past the guilt of abandoning your spouse, and how to handle anger and resentment from your spouse.
Hear why it was so darned hard to leave. Listen to how they let go and began a life no longer having to "change" him or her.
- Why joining groups like Al-Anon and surrounding yourself with those who understand are necessary to keep you moving in a positive direction.

ABOUT DR. JEREMY FRANK
Jeremy Frank, PhD CADC is a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in private practice serving greater Philadelphia and the Main Line with a concentration in drug and alcohol abuse, behavioral addictions, depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders. Specializing in issues related to alcohol, stimulants, opiates/opioids, prescription medications, marijuana, gambling, gaming, shopping, and sex and love addictions, for the past 20 years, Dr Frank has provided treatment, psychotherapy and counseling for individuals, and families affected by addiction. He focuses on individually tailoring treatment to match the person and the family so that there are no one-size-fits-all approaches to addiction treatment. As a recovering addict himself, he has extensive experience in helping others to understand the role that addictions play in their lives. You can learn more about his practice in Bala Cynwyd Pennsylvania at: jeremyfrankphd.com

Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials)
Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com

Produced and sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center, Visit us at https://myhealthydivorce.com

ABOUT MAIN LINE FAMILY LAW CENTER
Founded in 2011 by husband and wife team, Cris and Sharon Pastore, Main Line Family Law Center has assisted several hundreds of couples and their families to achieve a healthy, fair divorce without having to retain lawyers or appear in court. Their mission is to enable any spouse to mediate their divorce, if they choose.

The Healthy Divorce Podcast

Episode 3: Divorcing an Addicted Spouse

Preparing for Divorce: What to Expect Emotionally&nbsp; This episode will help you to navigate your path with focus, dignity, and confidence. Preparing for divorce can be isolating and completely chaotic at the same time. There will be times when you wish someone could just rescue you from the insanity. Because divorce can feel lonely and crazy, this episode will help you learn how to get through it all and stay sane in the process.&nbsp;  Key Points:&nbsp; - Why divorce can feel so very lonely. - How to build a support system to help you survive and even thrive. - The value of support groups to combat the loneliness and confusion. - How to guide your friends and family to provide the kind of support you really need. - How one man emerged from an unhealthy marriage and started his own divorce support group for men.&nbsp;  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guests: Bill Halpin, Katey Moody, BSC, MBACP  About Bill: Through his own experience of divorce, Bill Halpin has made it his personal mission to help men support one another through this life transition. From owning a construction business to now in his 3rd year student at the Pennsylvania Gestalt Center for Psychotherapy and Training, Bill understands the challenges men face and how they can grow through divorce and beyond to better manage relationships, fatherhood and their own well-being. Most recently, Bill started the Men's Divorce Recovery Support Group, in Wayne, PA, with Katey Moody. Bill holds a B.S. from Drexel University. He has one teenage son and lives along the Main Line area just outside of Philadelphia. Contact Bill at billhalpin87@gmail.com.  About Katey: As a counselor/psychotherapist for over 25 years, Katey Moody has expertise in transition issues, particularly divorce and empty nesting, anxiety, anger and stress management, depression, self-esteem, teenage and parenting difficulties. For the past two years, Katey has run Coming Out of Marriage, a support group for women through Women's Resource Center. She also co-facilitates the men's divorce support group with Bill Halpin. Accredited by the British Association of Counseling and Psychotherapy, she is certified in Gestalt. Katey has a private practice in Devon, PA. Contact Katey at Katey@kateymoody.com.

S1:5: Finding Support Through a Tough Time

Preparing for a Healthy Divorce Listen here and learn why you might not have to hire a lawyer for your divorce after all. This episode will discuss how you can have the healthiest divorce possible, some pitfalls to avoid as you prepare, how divorce mediation works and who it benefits, and six questions to ask in order to know if divorce mediation is right for you.&nbsp;  Key Points:&nbsp; - See that by using a more holistic approach, you can save tens of thousands in legal fees, maintain control over decision-making, and keep children out of the process. - Haven't told your spouse yet? Know the five things you should and should not do as you prepare. - Myths around mediation revealed! Learn how mediation offers the same legal protection as hiring lawyers and why fairness isn't always 50/50 when it comes to custody or property division. - No matter how complicated your situation is, people are working it out without going to court and hiring lawyers.  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guests: Cris Pastore, Co-Founder, Attorney-Mediator, Main Line Family Law Center, Lenore Myers  About Cris: Cris Pastore is an expert attorney-mediator and has been a practicing attorney for over 20 years. He became a private divorce mediator in 2007, when he grew increasingly frustrated by destructive nature of the traditional court-contested divorce process. After having mediated hundreds of divorce cases, Cris co-founded Main Line Family Law Center, just outside of Philadelphia, with the help of his wife and business partner, Sharon.Through working with clients and community education, Cris has made it his personal mission to revolutionize this area of practice so that families can emerge healthy and whole once again. Follow Cris at @healthy_divorce  About Lenore: Lenore M. J. Myers has been practicing law with a concentration in Family Law in southeastern Pennsylvania for the past 28 years. Lenore is passionate about working with families and individuals transitioning through life-changing events whether it be new marriages, separations, divorce, birth or custody issues. Her goal is to to help them obtain resolutions that will benefit the whole family and minimize conflict.

S1:4: Preparing for a Healthy Divorce

You just found out that your spouse had an affair and you are beyond angry and hurt. Should you divorce right away? What options do you really have? This episode will help you to address if it's really cheating and if your marriage is really over to help you decide what is right for you to do if your partner has been unfaithful.  Key Points:&nbsp; - What infidelity is and why it affects so many marriages - What having an affair really means for the future of your relationship or future relationships - How to regain your sense of well-being and peace after discovering infidelity in your marriage  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guest: Judy Rader, MA, LMFT  About Judy: Judy Rader is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years experience working with families. She specializes in helping individuals and couples work through issues like infidelity through communication, conflict resolution, and relationship enhancement. She also has expertise in parenting issues from young children through adolescence. Judy received her Masters Degree from The George Washington University and her post-graduate clinical certification from Council for Relationships. In addition to speaking and writing, she maintains a private practice in Bala Cynwyd, PA. Contact Judy at therapy@judyrader.com

S1:6: Healing the Hurt of Infidelity

Keeping Your Heart Open When preparing for divorce, Valentine's Day can feel like a cruel reminder of love lost - like rubbing salt in the wound. This episode will surely help you to cope. It will also explain the real definition of a loving relationship, how not to lose your faith in love, how you can always have love in your life, and ten way to find love on Valentine's Day, even if you are getting a divorce.&nbsp;  Key Points:&nbsp; - Redefining what love means to you as you approach divorce.&nbsp; - Want to cringe at the sight of flowers, candy or Hallmark cards? Learn what really makes love last, and why sometimes it doesn't. - Even if your spouse has a new love that isn't you, how to dig into your own heart to find everlasting love. - You mean I can still have roses? Why being kind to yourself as you prepare for divorce should top your to-do list for starting over.  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guest: Dr. B Hibbs  About Dr. B Hibbs: B. Janet Hibbs, LMFT, Ph.D., is a family psychologist, educator, speaker and co-founder of Contextual Therapy Associates in Philadelphia. She is author of Try to See It My Way: Being Fair in Love and Marriage, Penguin, 2009. Paperback release, 2010 and on e-book, available at trytoseeitmyway.com

S1:7: Keeping Your Heart Open

Treat yourself to Jessica Bram, bestselling author of Happily Ever After Divorce, as she shares her famously triumphant and often humorous story of "Going It Alone". This episode will reveal how your divorce is really the gift that keeps on giving, what are the best gifts to give your children without going broke or feeling guilty, and the joy of life on the other side of divorce.&nbsp;  Key Points:&nbsp; - Learn about "the delightful aspects of spending time alone, single parenting and unexpected friendships." - Simple, personal gifts your kids will treasure and tender moments you will always remember fondly.  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guest: Jessica Bram  About Jessica: Jessica Bram is author of the award-winning Happily Ever After Divorce: Notes of a Joyful Journey published by Health Communications, Inc. about which Publisher's Weekly said, “For anyone facing divorce, Bram’s frank and optimistic tale shows that one can not only survive divorce but thrive in the new possibilities life will offer.” An essayist, radio commentator, and former freelance journalist, Jessica’s personal essays have been published and syndicated in national and regional publications and websites, including The New York Times, NY Times HERS column, Child Magazine, Country Accents, Brain, Child and the Gannett Newspapers. Her radio commentaries, which have twice earned her first prize in the radio commentary category of the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists’ “Excellence in Journalism” competition, have been heard on National Public Radio stations during NPR’s “All Things Considered” and “Morning Edition.” In 2004 Jessica founded the Westport Writers’ Workshop an independent creative writing center the where she currently teaches a master class in memoir and personal essay writing. More information is available at www.jessicabram.com, and she can be reached at jessica@jbram.com.

S1:8: Best Gifts Divorcing Parents Can Give

Are you financially ready for divorce? Not sure where to begin? On this episode a team of experts will provide support and information to help you get in the best financial shape possible before divorce so you can be self-sufficient, avoid common money mistakes so you can survive financially, understand who can help you make the best financial decisions, and manage your emotions when it comes to money.&nbsp;  Key Points:&nbsp; - Learn how to gather your financial records, get a credit report, and establish a budget. - Understand the challenges of managing your finances before, during, and after a divorce and how best to manage them. - Lawyers, mediators and financial advisors all have different roles when it comes to assets and debts. Understand who you need and when you need them.&nbsp; - Learn about ways of thinking that get in the way of a solid financial strategy. Manage your anxiety about money.  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guests: Stephanie McCullough, Christine Hennigan, CHFC, CDFA  About Stephanie: Stephanie McCullough is passionate about helping women make wise financial decisions. As a financial advisor for 16 years, she saw a real need to increase women’s confidence. She brings experience and knowledge of financial strategies and tools, but the most important part is YOU – what you’re trying to achieve in your life, your values, then she can help you line up the money stuff to support that, so you can control your future. Stephanie is the founder of Sofia Financial, a new business that empowers women to make wise financial decisions, address their areas of money stress, and free up their time and mental energy to spend on the things that are truly important. After all, money is just a tool. It’s what money can do for us that is crucial. Stephanie and Sofia Financial are dedicated to sharing vital Money Survival Skills with as many people as possible.  About Christine: Christine Hennigan is a Chartered Financial Consultant and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. For 23 years, Christine has been dedicated to helping individuals and businesses achieve their goals through&nbsp; sound financial planning. Additionally, Christine specializes in working with clients who are divorced, widowed or otherwise left to prepare for an independent future. Christine frequently works with attorneys and mediators, as well as their clients to navigate the complex financial aspects of the divorce process, including help in determining the short and long-term financial impact of proposed divorce settlements. Christine is a trained divorce mediator, as well as her expertise in adversarial cases. She offers specifically tailored services for her clients that are designed to assist them in meeting their personal financial goals, while also providing for a secure future.

S1:9: Getting Your Finances in Order

You don't have to feel lost when it comes to child custody decisions. In divorce, custody is one of the most critical decisions to be made on behalf of your children. Listen as a team of experts provide support and information to help you understand how the local court system works when addressing custody issues, how the courts are trending in terms of custody arrangements, what your legal options are for reaching a custody agreement, and what children need most from their parents when negotiating custody.  Key Points: - Hear directly from the Montgomery County, PA child custody conciliator and private attorney-mediator, Lenore Myers, on the decision-making process. - We will share outcomes for common scenarios to give you a sense of what to expect. - You may not need to go to court at all. We'll explain why you can likely mediate custody decisions, even if you think you can't. - Learn communication strategies that give your kids stability and confidence during this difficult time.  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, please visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guests: Lenore M.J. Myers  About Lenore: Lenore M. J. Myers has been practicing law with a concentration in Family Law in southeastern Pennsylvania for the past 28 years. She is a custody conciliator for Montgomery County, PA family court. Lenore is passionate about working with families and individuals transitioning through life changing events whether it be new marriages, separations, divorce, birth or custody issues. Her goal is to to help them obtain resolutions that will benefit the whole family and minimize conflict.

S1:10: Demystifying Child Custody

Many people struggle for months and even years trying to decide if they should stay in their marriage or pursue divorce. This episode will provide a thoughtful and thought provoking exploration of this question and practical tips for anyone going through it.  Key Points: - Conducting a reality check - What divorce would really mean for you - Understanding the stories you are telling yourself about marriage and divorce - Discerning between a marriage beyond repair and a marriage in stress -How to move beyond analysis paralysis  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, please visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guest: Dr. Amy Botwinick, Life, Relationship, and Divorce Coach  About Dr. Botwinick: Dr. Amy Botwinick is a certified life, relationship and divorce coach who helps her clients get realistic, educated, and organized to deal with the business of love, marriage and divorce. She is a sought after expert and has appeared on the Tyra Banks Show, CBS News for Women’s Entertainment Television, Toronto’s most popular morning show, Breakfast TV, and Jewish Life TV. A frequent guest on popular radio shows around the country, her expert advice can also be found on msn.com,match.com, aol.com, Sun Sentinel’s Queen B in South Florida and divorce360.com.  After years of coaching and connecting with thousands through her writing, Amy wanted to give the gift of laughter. She is the co-author and producer of the hilarious and raucous show Divorce Party The Musical – The Hilarious Journey to Hell …and Back!  Today Amy is happily remarried in a blended family that includes six children. She learned to manage her divorce transition with grit, grace and humor. She tossed aside the idea of the fairy tale and is now living “Happily Ever After” in her own “Reality Tale.” She is on a mission to help others move on in their life to create relationships that last and a life that matters.In addition she helps clients build a team of experts to manage their journey and get them ready for a new life.

S1:11: Should I Stay Or Should I Go

Worried about how your children will cope with the divorce? Being attuned to your child is critical to them bouncing back from divorce. Listen as experts provide support and information to help you to understand how your divorce experience differs from your child's, help you talk to your children about the divorce, help you think about how your children will view the divorce as adults, and help you work out child support and custody issues productively.  Key Points:&nbsp; - While you can see the long-term benefit of divorce, your child may be unable to visualize their future. - Learn to use appropriate language to instill confidence and alleviate fears. - What will your children remember ten years from now? How can you ensure they see the best parts of you and your ex-spouse through this? Find out. - Learn how to put your children's needs first - clearly and unequivocally - and resolve many heated issues.  Split Film Documentary: http://www.splitfilm.org/  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, please visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guests: Christina McGhee, MSW  About Christina: Christina McGhee, MSW is an internationally recognized divorce coach, speaker and author of the highly acclaimed book, Parenting Apart: How Separated and Divorced Parents can Raise Happy and Secure Kids. Christina, dubbed the “divorce coach” by the UK press, gained worldwide attention for her work with three British families in the Channel 4 documentary “How to Divorce Without Screwing Up Your Kids.” She has been featured on television, radio and in print around the US and abroad, including the BBC, HLN with Kyra Phillips, Fox Family, LA Talk Radio, the Dr. Laura Berman Radio Show, Parents Magazine and The Times.&nbsp;  Today she spends much of her time doing outreach, promoting and speaking around the documentary SPLIT. Released in 2014, this compelling film about how divorce affects kids inspired McGhee to become involved as subject matter expert and creative team member. Married for twenty years, Christina is both a stepmom and a mom of four.

S2:1: What Your Child Really Needs

While marriage is now less complicated for many same sex couples, divorce can be highly complex. In this episode, Same Sex Family Law Expert, Rebecca Levin, Esq. will discuss how same sex divorce differs from traditional divorce, what same sex and transgender parents need to know about custody, what to do if you have an estranged spouse, and where to access legal, psychological and financial resources.  Key Points:&nbsp; - Learn about unique tax and property implications and how to protect your rights - Find out how same sex couples can successfully manage unique custody challenges and parenting differences - Learn about your options and what you can do right now to begin the divorce process - Hear about resources specific to gay and transgender family issues in your local area  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, please visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guest: Rebecca Levin Rebecca Levin is a founding member of the LGBT Family Law Institute, an annual conference that allows LGBT family law practitioners to discuss cutting-edge legal strategies for representing members of the LGBT community. She also served on the board of the National LGBT Bar Association from 2006 to 2010, chairing the organization’s Policy Committee. She continues to serve on the LBGT Bar Association's Policy Committee.&nbsp;  Prior to joining Jerner &amp; Palmer, P.C., Rebecca worked as an associate at Lyons &amp; Associates, P.C. From 2008 to 2009, she served as law clerk to the Honorable Thomas H. Dilts, former Presiding Judge of the Family Part in the Superior Court of Somerset County, New Jersey. She has served as a law clerk for numerous LGBT Rights Organizations including, The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Equality Advocates Pennsylvania and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) LGBT Rights Project. Rebecca was a Dean's Fellow at American University, Washington College of Law for Professor Nancy Polikoff. As a Fellow, Ms. Levin performed research for Professor Polikoff's book, Beyond (Straight and Gay) Marriage: Valuing All Families under the Law, which examines the value, or lack thereof, of limiting family recognition to families based on marriage.

S2:2: Understanding Same Sex Divorce

Concerned about how a divorce will affect your children? Divorce with children can feel scary. Listen in as a team of experts provide support and information to help you tell your children about the separation or divorce, maintain healthy relationships with both parents, how to parent separately with your spouse, and manage your own emotions when it comes to your kids.  Key Points: - Learn the critical messages that need to be part of the conversation. - Understand how children commonly respond, and how you can provide loving support at each stage. - Prepare to negotiate your parenting agreement and establish a strong parenting relationship through divorce and beyond. - Learn how to manage the sadness, guilt and/or anxiety of seeing your child in distress. Strike a balance between your child's needs and your own.  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, please visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guest: Sandi Sherr, M.Ed and Stephanie Newberg  About Sandi: Sandi Sherr, M.Ed, is a parenting mediator for Main Line Family Law Center. For over 25 years, Sandi has been dedicated to building strong, healthy families.  Sandi sees the positive first; she recognizes strengths and uses them to bolster confidence and achieve outcome objectives. Always focused on the best interests of children, Sandi brings her energy for parenting—with all its emotional, educational, and social challenges—to benefit yours.  Her M.Ed. in special education and psycholinguistics has taken her to practically every kind of setting devoted to working with children and their families or caregivers. Her range of psycho-educational experience includes adult behavior therapy; adoption counseling; parenting education; foster care; child development; adolescent special needs; early childhood intervention; and parenting her own three children. To the latter end, she is a veteran volunteer and office holder in her community school district.  For more information or advice on creating a healthy parenting plan, contact Sandi at ssherr@mlfamilylawcenter.com.  About Stephanie: Stephanie Newberg is a licensed psychotherapist and works with individuals, couples and families. She has been in practice for 15 years specializing in family and couples counseling, co-parenting counseling, implications of divorce on families and grief and loss issues. Stephanie has led numerous workshops and presentations and has published articles on relationship and communication skills, co-parenting counseling, coping with family stressors and children's mental health issues. She lives and practices in Bryn Mawr, PA.  To request an appointment, contact Stephanie at stephanie@stephanienewberg.com or visit her at stephanienewberg.com.

S2:3: Putting the Kids First

Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center
For more information, please visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com

Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials)
Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com

Guests: Cris Pastore, Co-Founder, Attorney-Mediator, Main Line Family Law Center

About Cris: Cris Pastore is an expert attorney-mediator and has been a practicing attorney for over 20 years. He became a private divorce mediator in 2007, when he grew increasingly frustrated by destructive nature of the traditional court-contested divorce process. After having mediated hundreds of divorce cases, Cris co-founded Main Line Family Law Center, just outside of Philadelphia, with the help of his wife and business partner, Sharon.Through working with clients and community education, Cris has made it his personal mission to revolutionize this area of practice so that families can emerge healthy and whole once again. Follow Cris at @healthy_divorce

The Healthy Divorce Podcast, S

S2:5: Get Prepared for a Healthy Divorce

Divorce and holiday stress don't have to get the best of you. The holidays are stressful, even for the best intentioned parents. Listen to how both a divorced mom and dad bounced back and make it work.  Key Points: - Change your negative thoughts about divorce. - Hear about ways to consciously choose thoughts that keep you calm and clear. - Use your breath for instant relief from divorce stress.&nbsp; - Find out how to quickly calm your nervous system, regardless of what is happening around you. - Try simple yoga-based hand gestures to tolerate difficult feelings about divorce. Called mudras, these basic self-care practices can restore calm, giving you the ability to make decisions from a centered mind.  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, please visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guest: Dr. Christine E. Kiesinger  About Dr. Kiesinger: Dr. Christine E. Kiesinger, Wellness Educator, is a certified yoga teacher, Usui and Karuna Certified Reiki Master and Teacher, and clinical aroma therapist. Christine has lectured all over the country in the areas of stress management and shares practical and powerful strategies for stress reduction with her listeners. By training, Christine is a professor and academic scholar of Interpersonal Communication. Her work in the areas of family and intimate, relational communication greatly enhance her approach to stress management.  It is Christine’s belief that the presence of chronic stress not only affects the body and mind, but can be destructive to one’s closest bonds and can negatively impact one's professional life. Whether she is teaching on the yoga mat or in a corporate setting or in a university classroom, Christine aims to help her students achieve wellness in all areas of their lives -- their relationships, their professions and within themselves.

S2:4: Holiday Stress Relief

Negotiating financial terms is one of the most stressful parts of a divorce settlement. Understand your "money story" so you don't get angry - or get taken. This episode will help you learn why money is such a hot button in a divorce, define your money story and set yourself on course to reach agreement, work out a fair divorce settlement with a new mindset, and transform your relationship to money following divorce.  Key Points: - Understand the underlying concerns, needs, fears, and desires that drive our beliefs about money. - Avoid short-sighted or destructive decisions by becoming aware of your personal money beliefs and motivations. -Be prepared for potential pitfalls and conflicts with your newfound awareness.&nbsp; -Hear about how people like you have transcended money beliefs to achieve the life they want on their terms.  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, please visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guest: Maggie Baker, PhD  About Maggie: As a practicing psychologist for 30 years, Dr. Maggie Baker offers services for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, ADHD/ADD and money behavior issues. Her two specialties are the assessment and treatment of ADHD and the psychology of money and wealth. She has written a book about money beliefs and emotions, published in 2011. Crazy About Money tells the stories of people who try to act rationally about money but end up sabotaging their own efforts. Dr. Baker has an MA in General Psychology (Temple University) and a PhD in Child Development and Clinical Evaluation (Bryn Mawr College). She also serves as a consultant to the Center for the Study of Adult Development and an adjunct professor at Chestnut Hill College and Widener Graduate School of Clinical Psychology. Dr. Baker is a member of the Financial Therapy Association, Philadelphia Society of Clinical Psychology, Philadelphia Society of Psychoanalytic Psychology and Pennsylvania Psychological Association.

S2:6: Negotiating with Power

"Who will pay for college?" Financing your child's education is confusing on its own, and divorce adds another layer of complexity. Learn how divorce affects financial aid, costly mistakes to avoid, and what you need in your divorce settlement agreement to make college affordable. Listen to hear how colleges calculate what you are expected to pay, when 529 plans are helpful, what types of financial aid are available, and how to structure your divorce agreement to pay for less college.  Key Points:&nbsp; - Understand the college's "expected family contribution" (EFC) and how divorce affects this important calculation. - Hear about the best ways to use 529 plans - plus other savings options that divorcing parents may want to consider. - Learn about each type of financial aid and how your decisions during the divorce can affect their eligibility. - Find out how to negotiate a smart divorce settlement agreement that maximizes your child(ren)'s eligible financial aid, minimizes taxes and creates a fair split of college costs between you and your spouse.  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, please visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guest: Judy Sciaky, CCPS® , RICP®, AP&amp;G College Planning  About Judy: Judy Sciaky is a Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS) and Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) who is dedicated to helping others avoid the mistakes that she made. As the founder of AP&amp;G Financial and its subsidiary AP&amp;G College Planning, her mission is to help families send their children to the school of their dreams without using all their savings, sacrificing their lifestyle or retirement, or going plain broke.  Judy is a member and partner of NACPE, the National Association of College Planning Experts, the leading authority on getting students accepted to their best suited college and getting grants and scholarships regardless of income or assets. AP&amp;G and College Planning Experts have helped over 2500 families gain over twenty million dollars in financial aid. Judy has been featured on KYW. She is a member of the NICCP (National Association of Certified College Planners), the National Education Association, the Disciplined Advisor Network, the National Ethics Association, and the Better Business Bureau.

S2:7: Paying for College After Divorce

Separation is often the start of the divorce conversation. Who should go? Who should stay? Will I lose rights if I move out? Hear from a panel of experts so you can part ways in both of your best interests. This episode will share what you should know about legal rights before you move out, what temporary living arrangements work, how to decide whether to keep or sell the house, and some ways to sell your house quickly.&nbsp;  Key Points: - Learn about legal obligations, consequences, rights and entitlements around moving out, so you can decide the best time to go.&nbsp; - Creative ideas for short-term living arrangements that lessen disruption for your children, and minimize the arguing between you, so you can both get a clear head for divorce negotiations.&nbsp; - Understand the legal, tax and financial implications of selling or keeping your home after divorce.&nbsp; - Learn how to be a savvy home-seller and get the most for your home, even if you're in a rush due to divorce.  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, please visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guests: Cris Pastore, Leslie A. Margolies, Jeff Weaver  About Cris: Cris Pastore is an expert attorney-mediator and has been a practicing attorney for over 18 years. He became a private divorce mediator in 2007, when he grew increasingly frustrated by destructive nature of the traditional court-contested divorce process. After having mediated hundreds of divorce cases, Cris co-founded Main Line Family Law Center, with the help of his wife, Sharon. Through working with clients and community education, Cris has made it his personal mission to revolutionize this area of practice so that families can emerge healthy and whole once again. Follow Cris on Twitter at @healthy_divorce.  About Leslie: Leslie A. Margolies is a lawyer and realtor with Keller Williams Real Estate. Keller Williams is an international real estate franchise with more than 100,000 associates and approximately 700 offices worldwide. It is an Inc. 5000 company and has been recognized as a top real estate company by numerous publications including Entrepreneur Magazine and Forbes. Leslie works in the Keller Williams' Blue Bell office, a leader in Montgomery County for the number of closed sales. A graduate of Temple University, Leslie has practiced law and been a real estate professional for 25 years. She provides professional real estate services to attorneys and their clients who demand a Realtor with an understanding of contract law and of the legal, financial and emotional challenges involved with divorce.  About Jeff: With over a decade of experience in the mortgage industry, Jeff can help you explore the many options available so you can make the most informed decision about what is best for you and your family. As a Divorce Mortgage Specialist, Jeff helps clients understand and evaluate the options related to the disbursement of real estate assets prior to the divorce settlement. He helps evaluate the cash flow and home equity protection implications of various financial decisions before, during and after a divorce.There are a lot of decisions to make in divorcing your real estate and having a clear understanding of what you own, what you owe, what you're getting into, what you're getting out of and, most importantly, what you're being stuck with will help you make better decisions for yourself and your family in this process.

S2:8: Making Your Move

Concerned about how to handle the holidays as a divorcing parent?The holidays are stressful, even for the best intentioned parents. Listen to how both a divorced mom and dad bounced back and made it work. This episode will help you to manage powerful emotions that arise during the holidays. Even if your family has had time to process the divorce, the first holiday season is likely to be difficult as you grieve old traditions and memories. Use this episode to discover how to cope in a healthy way.  Key Points: - Get ideas for new, positive traditions and deal with gift giving. Find out how to set expectations, communicate changes and create a happy, celebratory atmosphere over the focus of presents. - Balance what you need and what's best for the kids. Learn the most important question to ask yourself as you make plans for the holidays. - Handle expectations of extended family. Hear tips for managing the advice, demands and requests of grandparents, aunts and uncles.  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, please visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guests: Pamela Elaine Nichols, MHS and Neal Wingenbach  Find Pamela at: https://www.pamelaelainenichols.com/  About Pamela: Pamela Elaine is the mother of four children who, like many mothers, put the wants and needs of others first and ignored her own. As a result, her marriage came to a screeching halt. Determined to bounce back strong from divorce, she created a 4-part “Resilient Beauty” practice for health and happiness, which she now shares with other mothers. In her new book, Muddy High Heels: 14 Lessons Learned from My Breakdown, Breakup &amp; Breakthrough, she writes about how to overcome barriers that hold mothers back from their physical, emotional, spiritual and financial beauty.  Pamela Elaine is President of her business, Destined for Greatness Enterprises, Inc. She has appeared on several radio and news spots to promote health and well-being for women, including The Dr. Oz Show where she shared her story of building her business as a healthy way to bounce back from divorce.  About Neal: Neal Wingenbach is an IT Sales Professional who resides in Houston. Divorced in 2010, he is a father of two. During his transition from married life into single dad life, he found comfort in hearing from others who were going through the same experience. To pay it forward, he hopes to be able to help others during this difficult time of year.

S2:11: Making the Holidays Happier

As a loving parent, you worry about your children's well-being during divorce. Learn how to create a parenting plan that will give them the consistency they need and minimize conflict with your ex-partner. Listen to learn what exactly a parenting plan is, how a plan can help you work with your ex-partner, and when co-parent counseling can help.  Key Points :&nbsp; - Learn how to create a legally-binding document that defines what is most important to you as a parent - everything from household rules to medical needs.&nbsp; - Hear how the process of developing a parenting plan can put you both on the same page from the start. Find out the best ways to communicate changes and decisions.&nbsp; - It takes time to adjust to co-parenting. Learn when professional help may be needed to implement, interpret, and stick to the parenting plan.&nbsp;  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, please visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guests: Sandi Sherr, M.Ed. and Stephanie Newberg, MED, MSW, LCSW  About Sandi: Sandi Sherr, M.Ed, is a parenting mediator for Main Line Family Law Center. For over 25 years, Sandi has been dedicated to building strong, healthy families. Sandi's M.Ed. in special education and psycholinguistics has taken her to practically every kind of setting devoted to working with children and their families or caregivers. Her range of psycho-educational experience includes adult behavior therapy; adoption counseling; parenting education; foster care; child development; adolescent special needs; early childhood intervention; and parenting her own three children. To the latter end, she is a veteran volunteer and office holder in her community school district. For more information or advice on creating a healthy parenting plan, contact Sandi at ssherr@mlfamilylawcenter.com.  About Stephanie: Stephanie Newberg is a licensed psychotherapist and works with individuals, couples and families. She has been in practice for 15 years specializing in family and couples counseling, co-parenting counseling, implications of divorce on families and grief and loss issues. Stephanie has led numerous workshops and presentations and has published articles on relationship and communication skills, co-parenting counseling, coping with family stressors and children's mental health issues. She lives and practices in Bryn Mawr, PA. To request an appointment, contact Stephanie at stephanie@stephanienewberg.com.

S2:9: Creating Parenting Plans that Work

Feel like you'll never bounce back from your divorce? Listen as Pamela Elaine Nichols, divorced mom, author &amp; speaker, shares how she turned her pain into purpose. Learn how you can apply her life lessons to cope, heal and thrive despite divorce. This episode will discuss how you can overcome the pain of divorce, what skills you need to regain hope and perspective after divorce, and how to create your own divorce resilience plan.  Key Points: - Resilient people are not naturally immune to stress and depression. They've learned tangible skills that help them successfully manage life's difficulties. Learn how you can too. - Hear some of Pamela's hard-earned lessons, and how each one taught her an essential skill that you can apply to your own situation. Be inspired and take action! - Learn how to assess your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to managing negative emotions. Build a practice that increases your self-care, confidence and support system.&nbsp;  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, please visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guest: Pamela Elaine Nichols&nbsp;  About Pamela: Pamela Elaine is the mother of four children who, like many mothers, put the wants and needs of others first and ignored her own. As a result, her marriage came to a screeching halt. Determined to bounce back strong from divorce, she created a 4-part “Resilient Beauty” practice for health and happiness, which she now shares with other mothers. In her new book, Muddy High Heels: 14 Lessons Learned from My Breakdown, Breakup &amp; Breakthrough, she writes about how to overcome barriers that hold mothers back from their physical, emotional, spiritual and financial beauty. Pamela is President of her business, Destined for Greatness Enterprises, Inc. She has appeared on several radio and news spots to promote health and well-being for women, including The Dr. Oz Show where she shared her story of building her business as a healthy way to bounce back from divorce.

S2:10: Being Resilient Through Divorce

Find out why "getting your day in court" may not bring justice in the end. This episode will help to clear up misconceptions about divorce court. Learn how divorce mediation can give you more control over the process and pave the way for healing. This episode will explain why divorce court rulings can be unpredictable and what you could expect, why divorce court isn't the place to seek vindication and place blame, and how divorce mediation makes you the final decision-maker, not a judge.  Key Points:&nbsp; - Judges are human. They're often overworked and can make arbitrary decisions. Find out why there isn't time to consider all the details that make your case unique and what that could mean for your divorce settlement. - You might be picturing a criminal court proceeding where you'll be able to "make your case" for why your spouse is at fault. But this isn't reality. Hear how this mindset can backfire, causing unnecessary stress and turmoil for you and your children. - This alternative to court allows you to base your decisions on what your family truly needs. Discover how you can resolve your issues quickly and create an agreement that feels fair to both of you.  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, please visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Pamela Elaine Nichols, Author, Speaker, Producer  Guests: Cris Pastore and Adina Laver&nbsp;  About Cris: Crispino Pastore, Esq, Main Line Family Law CenterCris Pastore is an expert attorney-mediator and has been a practicing attorney for over 18 years. He became a private divorce mediator in 2007, when he grew increasingly frustrated by destructive nature of the traditional court-contested divorce process. After having mediated hundreds of divorce cases, Cris co-founded Main Line Family Law Center, with the help of his wife, Sharon. Through working with clients and community education, Cris has made it his personal mission to revolutionize this area of practice so that families can emerge healthy and whole once again. Follow Cris on Twitter at @healthy_divorce.  About Adina: In partnership with Main Line Family Law Center, Adina Laver, Divorce Coach works with clients who are "on the fence," in the process of separating, getting a divorce, or are in any other way undergoing a significant change or transformation in their lives. Adina is also founder of Divorce Essentials, a specialized divorce coaching and support service for those committed to a healthy path for reclaiming their lives. Follow Adina on Twitter at @AdinaLaver.

S2:12: Divorce Without Court

S2:13: Being Your Best Self Through Divorce

Being attuned to your child is critical to helping them bounce back from divorce. Learn how to give your child the support and tools they need to thrive during divorce and beyond.  Key Points:&nbsp; - Warning signs your child is suffering as a result of divorce and how to get support for them - Pros and cons of staying vs. divorcing from your child's eyes - Ways parents can help make this family transition easier  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, please visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guest: Marty Matika, M.S.  About Marty: When he was five years old, Marty went through the traumatic experience of the divorce of his parents. This altered his life FOREVER. As a result of the negative effects of this experience, he went through therapy and many transformational seminars to heal himself and redesign his life. He went back to school to become a Counselor and Divorce Specialist. Marty is now happily married, with an amazing daughter, and living his true purpose in life. Marty specializes in helping people deal more powerfully with the traumatic experience and after effects of a divorce, specifically the children going through it. Marty is doing one on one work, group work, and workshops, like his "Teen Potentials" workshop, in the Philadelphia area.

S2:14: How Your Child Really Feels

Divorce affects the design of a family. How do you negotiate now to avoid complications and ease tensions down the road, especially when it comes to a new step or blended family? This episode will help you figure out how to do just that.  Key Points:&nbsp; - Take a peak into the future to see what life after divorce looks like for many people - Better understand the difference between "blended" and "step" family - Consider how the financial terms you create NOW play out LATER - especially when someone re-marries. - Tips to create a mindfully-constructed agreement and parenting plan.&nbsp;  Sponsored by Main Line Family Law Center For more information, please visit: Main Line Family Law Center at https://myhealthydivorce.com  Episode Host, Adina Laver, Founder, Courage to Be Curious, (formerly Divorce Essentials) Find Adina Laver at: https://couragetobecurious.com  Guest: Dr. Margorie Engel  About Margorie: Margorie Engel, MA, MBA, PhD, is an author, speaker, and media consultant specializing in families complicated by divorce and remarriage. Dr. Engel’s specific areas of expertise are in family finance, law, and social policy.&nbsp;  A past president of the Stepfamily Association of America, she is a founding member of the National Stepfamily Resource Center at Auburn University and its Stepfamily Expert Council. Dr. Engel also participates in projects of The Uniform Law Commission that provides states with non-partisan, well conceived, and well drafted legislation that brings clarity and stability to critical areas of state statutory law. She is currently observing the work of the Drafting Committee on Non-Parental Rights to Child Custody and Visitation.  A member of a stepfamily for 30 years, she has five daughters (combination of bios and steps), five sons-in-law, 16 grandchildren, and one great-grandson – giving a large stepfamily age-range from one month to 76 years.&nbsp;  Their daughters were all teenagers when Stephen and Margorie were married and - everyone has survived!

S2:15: Negotiating a Healthy Future

The Healthy Divorce Podcast is for spouses who want to stay out of court, be great parents, keep costs down, and stay amicable. Financial, legal, emotional and parenting topics are featured.

The Healthy Divorce

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