When you start the divorce process, it can be completely overwhelming. You have a lot to navigate through; it takes a team to ensure you correct everything. So, what terms do you need to understand as you go through the process? Annulment: An annulment is when the marriage is dissolved in a religious sector. This defines that your marriage is void and not like divorce; it is typically retroactive, meaning the marriage is considered invalid from the beginning. COBRA: This refers to health insurance; if you are on your partner's plan, you can choose COBRA as an option for 18 months after your divorce is final. COBRA stands for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act and again relates to health, dental, and vision insurance. Deposition: You may have heard of these in general law practice many times. When related to divorce, it’s a meeting where you, the person deposed, are brought in, to tell the truth about your situation that can be used in court. Dissolution is a term used on legal paperwork and when ending a relationship for good. DR case: Meaning Domestic Relations when filing a divorce. This also means that you have officially filed, and your case will be assigned a number. Emancipation: This term is a divorce, separation, or custody battle that ends the parental control of a child. Also, the parent does not need to provide a child with any support via care or finances. Marital Indebtness: Debt that both parties acquired during the marriage. Generally, the court or your attorney splits this down the middle, and this would be anything jointly incurred throughout your “legal” time together. Prenuptial Agreement: This is defined as legal documents signed and agreed upon before your nuptials. It should clearly state what yours is yours and what’s mine and mine. Postnuptial Agreement: This agreement is a legal contract entered into after a couple has married. They define how a couple's finances, assets, and marital property will be divided in the event of a divorce or legal separation. Rehabilitative Maintenance: This term refers to short-term financial support until your ex-partner gets back on their feet. There are many more terms; however, these were chosen for clarity and knowledge as you enter this process. #beintheknow #divorce #divorceterms Good luck during your process, and try to focus on the tasks at hand and not let emotions overwhelm you. Peace, Erin

While you and your family, particularly a child – whether he/she/they is 2 or 22 - adjust to your lives post-divorce, there's one significant adjustment you're going to have to handle sooner vs. later when someone new enters your life: How to tell them you're dating. For a child, especially a young one, learning that a parent is dating again can be super scary, induce anxiety, and do their project and worry about the future. However, most divorcees suggest not introducing someone new that may be long-term until about six months with your new partner. 1) Take it slow. Children may act out when they find out you are dating someone and sometimes immediately think - is this replacing my true "Mom, Dad, Mommy, Daddy" You need to be able to state; clearly, you feel comfortable enough with your new partner to introduce them to you. 2) Quick Introductions. Quick introductions mean 1-5 months in. Some people want their children involved in every aspect of their world, whether young or older. Ensure you understand how your children feel about this before introducing someone so quickly. I learned the hard way it was waaaaaay too soon - when I did an introduction in my early divorced years. 3) Begin with an opening statement of love. Tell them how much you love your children (period). Next, ask the question, "How do you feel about meeting a new person in your life? Or do I want to introduce you to someone special in my life? Are you at a place you want to meet them? Discuss with them, do not just tell them this is happening. 4) Make it clear that your new partner is NOT a replacement. Convey and reinforce that your kids will always have your ex as their true parent. For some children, it's hard not to see the person their parent is dating as a "new" parent or a substitute for mommy or daddy. Remind them that you and your former partner will continue to co-parent as a team, and that the person you're dating won't ever replace them. 5) Settle anxieties if they are present. Reinforce that this is someone you are introducing to them, they are not moving in, etc. Awareness and clarity for kids are critical to the future conversation. The vagueness of post-divorce life may be a lot for a child at any age to feel comfortable with, hold, hug, and reinforce how much you love them. Note: You will, at some point, date again, whether casually or seriously. Think of your kids. You may be pleasantly surprised by how they react. Have questions? Send us a note: Have a great day! xoxo Erin Journaling opportunity: 1) Have you talked to your children about fellow suitors? 2) How did it go? 3) What worked and what did not? 4) Do you feel comfortable moving forward in your relationship? 5) Stick to your word. What did you promise your children and partner?

Today's lesson - no, mandate - Do NOT change yourself for others. Thinking about, in the middle of, or finito with divorce, so many of us believe it will make a difference if we change for them. Kids, I'm talking about new relationships/love interests. "If I reach out this time, they will respond or want to see me." Ladies and gentlemen: It doesn’t happen. I'm here today to express the importance of being you and loving yourself. Yes, maybe no one can understand why you text on a random day to check in on them, for instance, a friend, and if that’s how you roll, DO NOT CHANGE a thing. But today's world has become a cesspool of people just outright directing others. Chalk it up to the freedom folks feel from the outrageous online world where one can choose when and how they respond at a moment's notice. It's a great insight into who they are or how selfish they can be (is he/she an asshole or not? Check!) How about this? Think that no one likes you. As PiNK says "So What" Your inner workings have been with you since you were born. Yes, the way you grew up may have fostered your beliefs and theories about life, but ultimately your personality is your personality, and DO NOT CHANGE or ADAPT for anyone new in your life. I recently connected with someone I thought I had a lot in common with and could chat with for hours, yet I knew deep down in my gut there was something a bit off. I was RIGHT. It led to yet another ghosting episode. Sadly, this person, I believe, was ultimately insecure about so many things, yet chose to take that low road of “no response,” and, ugh, again, I felt like crap. Good thing I have a pretty tough exterior and get over that BS fast. But at the end of the day, what TF is wrong with people who flat-out disappear? There are days they want to connect with you so badly that they stop responding when you do the follow-up work and say, yes, let’s make it happen. It frustrates me, and I am a super patient person who I like to think is kind, loving, and careful. I recently told a friend, "you are my friend, so I’m not going to apologize for being me and checking in on you when I’m worried and haven’t heard from you." Friends, lovers, possible new interests: Why so many crickets? Then when they figure out you no longer give a flip to answer, they keep texting. What does that mean? And how long will you care? Net net, people show their true colors these days, and we all know in our hearts when we're not being treated right. Remember, when the ghouls start to ghost, we're worth more. So much more. So be true to yourself, stay true to you, and don't settle for anything less than you deserve. Xo, Erin

With so many methods of communication these days, it is a wonder that we do not miss some of the essential information from the day, whether it is a call or text, or DM through another messaging app. According to text messaging statistics, adults under 45 y/o send and receive approximately more than 85 texts each day. That is a lot of activity and brain time responding, and this also causes some unnecessary anxiety, feeling pressure to answer. Then we come down to making new connections with people, and you finally get to the next stage, and it fizzles, or they do not know what to say. What I am talking about is where an old school phone would ring, with hopes the one you want to be on the other line, yet it's your Grandparents or Parents. Now comes the boom, we are back to when will she text me back or when will he text me back. Next, we had a great exchange of information and not even a whisper. Then you wonder, did I say something wrong? I was just excited to talk to this person, and now you can hear crickets in the room, which is the worst. I'm writing about this topic which can create excitement or damn right disappointment. Connections, i.e., genuine relationships, are hard to find post-divorce; when you do, you want to hang out and be with those people or persons. Then for some reason, unknown people stop talking to you via text or messenger. Shame on them for leaving you in a search, like those phone calls you received as a kid (i.e., they finally called). In today's world, your heart may jump at a text - just the same. However, if someone is not mature enough to text you back, run. Run far you deserve better, and hell, you get too many messages a day anyway - make the most of the conversations with people that care. Be strong, and refrain from seeking reassurance from the incapable.

Your comfort level on a post-divorce first date with a new guy/gal should be 100% chill, and something to look forward to - not freak over - and where you decide to go is a top priority. Why? Because you're entering uncharted territory with someone new, and when you take the upper hand on where to go/what to do, you're that much ahead of the game when it comes time to decide if there'll be a connection or you need an immediate escape plan. So, where should you go on your first date? It depends on how comfortable you are with that new someone. You're new to dating and headed out on your first date. Where you meet may determine how well it goes. And if it isn't a setup by a friend, online communique brings its own challenges: Do you know this person from a dating app, messenger, or texting? Do they have a verified account from an online source? Have you had a video chat with them and virtually met? If not, you should do all those things before you deep dive into a first date (FYI, many sites offer free background checks and always ask for a last name, so it's totally legit). And finally, to be safe before that first date, let someone you're close to knowing where you are and who you are with (they can also be part of the escape mentioned above route, if necessary, as mentioned above). Once you get to the first date, here are some vetted suggestions from trusted sources and friends we know: 1) Go for coffee at a favorite local, independent shop 2) Take a walk - decide on a meet-up spot and walk from there 3) Meet at your favorite restaurant or his/hers 4) Meet for one drink (don't overdo the alcohol) only to get a feel for them 5) If it's someone you know through a friend, try a group date 6) Do you have a hobby you may want to suggest you both share? Try that and see where it leads 7) Scope out events in advance that may interest you both These are not set in stone, merely suggestions, but always try to make it easy for both of you. My main advice: Be confident, and for heaven's sake, let yourself have some fun! It's not a marriage proposal, LOL (unless it's love at first site, and if it is, let us know immediately how you pulled it off!). Good luck out there, Erin Journaling Opportunity: 1) Where have you gone on your first dates? 2) How do you screen your future dates? 3) What are you looking for? 4) What's the best first date you ever had?

Do not fear because before during, and after the D-word, you may feel like your life is in a rut, and you're unsure how to shake it off. Being in a weird place is part of it all, the downfall after the relief, grief, whatever you're feeling, that your marriage is truly over, and it sucks! I recently joined a few Facebook Groups focusing on separation, divorce, and guidance. It's heart-wrenching at times to read and hear others' heartbreaking stories about how they're coping (or not), but on the flip side, sometimes their experiences are filled with joy and success. One man the other day said, “I just feel like dying; it hurts so bad.” Or the woman who just found out that her husband had been cheating on her for the past ten years while she thought she had the perfect marriage. Soul-crushing to hear, yet thousands and thousands of women and men feel the same way. What do you say to that, and how does that make you feel? Not great, I'm here to tell you. Then there is the debate over divorce: Could I? Should I? The situations are endless and personalized; however, I've pulled together five tips from my own experience, and other reliable sources, for pulling oneself out of the infinite rut divorce can cause: When you feel hopeless and cannot stop crying, PLEASE ask anyone to come over and let you feel the feelings and settle down. I can no longer count how often I called in friends when I felt the pain, slightly embarrassed but knowing it was for the best. Get out of your house. You may not feel like it, and I don't mean hitting the bars to socialize; go for a peaceful walk, preferably somewhere with nature surrounding you, not city/neighborhood noise. Find a place to sit and take in the beauty. Being with nature will decrease anxiety by leaps and bounds, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by how you feel once you get out. Start a new hobby that keeps your mind busy...but not so busy that you're not coping with reality. Some people get hyper about anything new to avoid the feelings, but guess what? That's a recipe for disappointment, so be realistic and go easy with hobbies, whether pickleball, knitting, crossword puzzles, or reading new books in your newfound time. Find something you can get into. Don't become manic about it. Be easy on yourself. You have been through one of the most traumatic events in your life, and no matter how you got there, be gentle with y-o-u. It's perfectly OK to want to practice self-care and not do anything for a day, and you should plan those days. E.g., this Saturday, I will do whatever I want, when I want, even if it's nothing. Fine to do. Journal your feelings, join groups and share your story. You will be surprised by learning about and learning from strangers. Hearing their stories will make you feel connected and that others have your back. There are an array of support groups, and when you find one that clicks for you, you'll realize, hey, that’s what happened to my marriage too. Maybe make a new friend in the local group and meet for coffee. It will make you feel less alone because you are NOT alone. Getting out of a divorce rut takes time, but remember that when you’re finally feeling better, you may hit another one. Very common and won't last forever because just one day, though it seems dark, is not forever, and you'll feel the sunshine again and become that new version of yourself you've wanted since your permanent separation from your ex-partner. Have faith in yourself; you are stronger than you think. 'Til next time, Erin Questions to ask yourself when you're feeling in a rut: What is one thing I can do for myself today? What interests me the most? Did I journal today? Did I join an online group?

Let us know and we will have a second part series - thanks for sharing!

As a fellow divorcee, I find myself at many times and in many ways getting frustrated at situations that may be within my control or on the flip side, out of my control. It’s called life and we must learn to figure out how to navigate the more constant frustrations that pop up here and there. To name a few, although I could list 100, let’s begin. The top divorce frustrations, immediately after the finalization: • You are just lost in your thoughts • You start to lose friends • You feel like you are the only one hurting so bad but remember, you have other people in your life besides your ex; please reach out • Continued disagreement about financials with your ex • Poor communication between you and your ex • Challenging and confusing schedules for your kids Year one and beyond: • Eating alone • You find yourself crying at any minute of the day • You are often left with people not thinking about you • You are not invited to the typical gathering; people may think that’s all you’ll talk about, but you know it’s not • You try to get out and do things but do not feel like it; your mind and body have been through so much, but give yourself a pass and some time • You miss seeing your kids every day • You are unsure how to navigate the dating world And to that point, here are some top dating frustrations: •  You are not connecting with anyone you meet •  You find that men and women are on all the same sites, and you are not matching •  You match, and you find out this person is a bit off his/her kilter •  They overshare information that is more suited for an in-person conversation •  You meet someone whose photos are fake •  You fall for a fake profile •  You go on a date, and they only want one thing •  You are not aligned with the other person’s beliefs •  You are not sure where to meet people Believe me, none of the above are atypical; every day can bring frustration when you’re divorced and at some point when you’re ready to try and find love again. But remember, you are not alone; I promise there is story after story with similar situations that can be resolved. I write this because I got so frustrated the other day that I couldn’t see straight. Was it my kids? NO. Was it something that didn’t go right with work? NO. Was it someone I talked to that may have led to something romantic? Things were too good to be true, and I found out. YES. When I have multiple prospects, but no one ever reaches out to me first? YES. But such is life, and it’s full of frustrations that happen every day. My advice is to take a minute or a day and wind down, put things in perspective, and keep your head up. You never know what’s around the corner. Hang tough! Erin

Hey, all you men out there looking for love need to know what women think of your online dating profile. Maybe you’re just trying to get back in the dating pool; maybe you want a hookup; or maybe you don’t know how to get started. Well, I’m here to give you some tips. How to attract decent, down-to-earth women looking for simple fun or their next new relationship. Either way, you need to be a gentleman, not the guy who gets a girl's number and then pushes it downhill in a hurry. Some of the things men place out there are offensive. Gathered from a pool of several women, let’s start with what most females do not want to see once you’ve made initial contact. •  You are in your bathroom half-naked, taking a photo in your mirror (amateur) • At the gym with your shirt off • Leaving nothing for her imagination; I mean really, you think that’s going to get you a woman? •  Your fish - dude, no one wants to see how big your fish are •  Political nutcases – e.g., Trump supporters, please step left & out •  Making fun of someone else’s profile •  Lying to get a date •  D**k pics of any kind are unacceptable…please are you that much of a boy? •  Old photos of you that you are 20 years younger, when you look completely different now •  Asking for your number right after you meet; settle down, if the woman is worth it be patient • Try to stick to one dating app, not ALL of them; It looks like you want to hook up with anyone who may swipe right (which is what many guys want but we don’t) . Now, here are some things you can do for a decent, real profile: • Be yourself • Be honest • Pay to be a subscriber, which means you’re serious • Keep your photos current • Fill out your profile and pay the fee to be verified or subscribed • If you need to learn how to take great photos of yourself, ask a friend • Find a connection and keep it cool until it’s time to ask her out • Then, ask her out; no one wants an online relationship long-term • Be a gentleman, not a woman likes an ahole • DO NOT ghost anyone; tell them flat out you’re not interested, be an adult, for god’s sake Women want a man who is calm, cool, and confident. Guys pull yourselves together! Here are some questions to consider: • Why would you show yourself naked? • What is your purpose? • Why would you not use words – you are an adult, aren’t you? • What do you want are you seeking, be honest? Until next time, Erin

I'd be 99% sure most of you have run into this situation: A friend has turned lover or possibly your next lover. I feel I am in a cycle with someone I know who's a great friend, but my heart keeps going pitty-pat every time I think about him. I'm very unsure if that's good or bad. We see each other more often than not, and nothing happens, which leads me to believe we are “just friends.” This person has said he values our friendship and doesn’t want to ruin that. Fair enough, right? And while I completely agree with him, we hooked up on and off many moons ago throughout our late teens. A few years later, he dropped this bomb on me when I was married and pregnant with my twins: "I wish I had grabbed you years ago." Really bad timing! Now I find myself divorced and single and not a man in sight. I am mostly all right with that, but it would be nice to have someone to hang out with on nights I don't have my kids or go out. I mean, we are all human and want a connection. Cue the Carrie Bradshaw in me: Wishing and wanting, though not making a move. Even one of my daughters was like mom, make your move -ha! But in all seriousness, it's tough when you don't know what the other person is thinking. Relationships take time, that’s for sure, but how much longer should I wait? Tell me! Erin Questions for you: Have you ever felt this way about someone? Did you make a move or talk about your feelings? Or were you waiting for the other to make that initial move?

This topic may apply to your marriage, your divorce, or a relationship you’re currently in, and we’re here to cover all angles so that, ultimately, you’re healthy (yep, that’s the one) and happy. A lot of people stick out of a toxic marriage or relationship for the sake of their kids - or another reason entirely - and are miserable. They have lost themselves in being a parent, supporting their partner, or whatever. We’re all prone to it because it’s a daily routine: You’re up and rushing to get the kids to school or yourself and your partner to work. Then it's time to pick the kids up and cook dinner, put them to bed, unwind with a glass of wine, and do it all over again. Then you think, “what did I do” for me today? Before you know it, you’re 50 or 60 years old, look in the mirror and say, “What the hell am I doing?” Next up, you’ve been divorced for a year or two or more. You’re working and perhaps raising children with or without a partner. Your schedule hasn’t given up, but the one thing you have changed is the person causing you distress the most partially (at least) out of your life. However, now it’s a bit more complicated. You’re a single parent on some days, dealing with everything both parents would typically do. It’s like being a single pet owner who needs to run home and let the dog out. You have a schedule you can deal with, however, and while it may be flexible, it can also be draining. Then you are trying to build a relationship with a newfound friend. OK, you first find them fun and caring, and he/she takes your mind away from your daily stressors. But in many instances, they become one of those stressors before you know it. S***. Worst case scenario, here’s what toxic relationships look like: There is a trust issue at stake that should be discussed. There is zero intimacy. There needs to be more communication; however, there is very little. There is fighting. You never go out together. You repeat, “I love you out” of habit, not from true feelings. There is mental or physical abuse. You feel as if you are on a ship that is sinking. You are depressed. People ask if you are all right more times than you can count. You are annoyed when your newfound friend contacts you. You both lie to each other. You cannot seem to keep it together emotionally or mentally. Now the good stuff: Here’s what a happy, healthy relationship looks like: You’re always happy to see each other. You find yourself laughing daily. You and your partner tell each other everything and cannot wait to share. There is intimacy. There is support when one is run down. You both practice self-care to be your best for each other and, if there are any, for the kids. You make decisions together, and there is a good balance. And while there may be disagreements and a fight or two, they’re normal, more significant issues vs. the way the toilet paper faces. These are just a few examples of what both types of relationships could look like. Which looks better to you? C’mon, you know which one, although unfortunately, some people thrive off the drama and are into it (stay far away from them and, for god’s sake, don’t become that), while others run from it (that one either). At the end of the day, while it may sound quite simple, the best advice we can give you is to look at the relationship you’re currently in and decide what will most help you be the happy, healthy woman or man you can be. Xo, Erin

Photos by: Forbes, AP and People Magazine. So if you feel down and like your world is in chaos, take a moment to think about each item that may be bothering you and then find some comic relief. Lately, during the time without kiddos, I changed my ways of watching things for some comedy. It has made an enormous difference in how I approach situations, turning them into possible laughs thanks to the many talented stand-up comedians I found on Netflix. Take these women and the latest streaming shows: Click through for previews: · Chelsea Handler: Revolution (2022) · Amy Schumer: Parental Advisory (2022) · Taylor Tomlinson: Look At You (2022) · Iliza Shlesinger: Hot Forever: (2022)) · Wanda Sykes: Stand Out (2022) · Fortune Feimster: Good Fortune (2022) · Trevor Noah: I Wish I Would · Jo Koy The above and many moves cover every area of life and the best way possible. These comedic geniuses are just that….there to make you belly laugh. When things seem complicated, and you know one day it will get better, and you're not sure how to navigate how – take a few to laugh; you may laugh so hard you cry; however, you need it for your mind, body, and soul. Note: some content may be offensive for some; we merely want to ensure your belly laughs for all or most of it. Happy laughing! Erin Questions: What makes you laugh the most? Can you look back at situations in relationships and laugh? Do you think of someone or something that places a smile on your face? Can you remember each day to take 10 minutes to sit and laugh?