Blog

Most divorce books speak to the heart , the grief, the identity shift, the emotional unraveling. And that matters. But if you’ve ever found yourself awake at 3a.m. doing math in your head, you already know there’s another layer these books often miss.  The grief and the money are tangled together. You cannot fully separate…

Divorce is one of the most consequential decisions a person can make, financially, emotionally, and practically. Before taking that step, asking the right questions can help you move forward with clarity rather than impulse.  1. What is my real reason for wanting a divorce? Understanding whether the motivation is long‑term incompatibility or short‑term conflict helps you make a grounded decision.  2. Have we exhausted all communication…

Financial infidelity is one of the most painful, and least talked about, breaches of trust in a marriage. It happens when one partner hides spending, debt, accounts, or financial decisions from the other. And while secrecy often starts small, the consequences can become enormous, especially when the relationship ends.  When couples divorce, financial infidelity usually comes to light in the worst possible moment:…

For many divorcing couples, the pet isn’t “property”, it’s family. And when emotions run high, pet related decisions often spill into the financial arena in ways clients never expect.   Unresolved pet custody is one of the fastest growing sources of conflict in divorce. With many U.S. households owning pets and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers reporting a decade‑long rise in pet disputes, it’s no surprise that custody battles over…

Gray divorce, ending a marriage after age 50, is one of the fastest‑growing divorce trends in America. And while every divorce carries emotional and financial complexity, splitting later in life comes with a unique set of challenges that can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. But with clarity, structure, and a steady plan, it’s possible to rebuild a strong, secure, purpose‑driven next chapter.  One…

Most people think about taxes once a year. But if you’re going through a divorce, or recently finalized one, taxes deserve your attention right now. Here’s what changes, and what you need to know. Your filing status changes. The IRS determines your filing status based on whether you were legally married on December 31st of…

The house is usually the first thing people fight about in a divorce — and the last thing they think through clearly. That’s a problem, because what you decide to do with the family home may be the single biggest financial decision you make in the entire process. Emotion drives most of these conversations. Logic…

Most people assume divorce is expensive because lawyers charge high hourly rates. But the real driver of cost isn’t the paperwork or the legal system itself. Divorce becomes expensive when conflict becomes the engine of the process. Every disagreement, every delay, every escalation adds hours—and in a traditional litigated divorce, hours are the currency. When…

I’ve sat across from a lot of women in the months after their divorce was finalized. Smart, capable women who managed households, ran businesses, and made good decisions their entire adult lives — suddenly feeling completely lost when it came to their own money. It’s more common than you’d think. And it’s not a knowledge…

More attorneys are saying they “offer collaborative divorce.” It sounds reassuring. It sounds peaceful. It sounds like a healthier alternative to litigation. But here’s the truth most families don’t realize, collaborative divorce is a specialized, team based process that requires formal training, ongoing education, and a commitment to a very specific professional standard. So, what…

Divorce doesn’t just end a relationship, it reshapes every part of your life, especially your financial world. Once the dust settles and your immediate needs like housing, income, and basic stability are handled, the next essential step is to separate and secure your financial accounts. This single move protects your identity, your credit, and your…

Most people assume the first financial move after divorce is to open a new bank account, update a beneficiary, or call a financial advisor. Those things matter. But they’re not first. The first thing you should do is take a breath — and then take inventory. Before you make a single financial decision, you need…

Divorce reshapes nearly every part of your financial life—income, expenses, assets, taxes, and long‑term goals. The months immediately following the split are the most critical, because the choices you make now set the tone for your long‑term financial security. One of the first steps is revisiting your financial priorities and understanding your new cash‑flow reality.…

Many people begin their separation journey unsure whether they need a divorce or a dissolution. The terms sound similar, and in everyday conversation they’re often used interchangeably. But legally—especially in states like Ohio—they describe two very different paths. Understanding the distinction helps you choose the option that protects your time, money, and emotional wellbeing. What…

I picked up a book recently. Deep Survival by Laurence Gonzales. I do a fair amount of wilderness backpacking and thought it might be an interesting read. It was, but not for the reasons I bought it. Yes, it had great ideas about what it takes to survive in the wilderness when everything goes wrong.…

The holidays are supposed to be a season of warmth, connection, and celebration—but when you’re going through a divorce, they can feel heavy, disorienting, and emotionally charged. Traditions shift, expectations collide with reality, and the contrast between what was and what is becomes sharper than ever. Yet with intention and compassion, it’s possible to navigate…

Divorce is never easy, and when it’s your child going through it, the emotions can feel overwhelming. Parents often want to step in and “fix” the situation, but the most powerful role they can play is one of steady, compassionate support. First, listen without judgment. Your child may be processing grief, anger, or confusion. Offering…

1. Joint Custody vs. Shared Parenting Misunderstanding: Many assume joint custody means equal time with children. Reality: Joint custody usually refers to shared decision-making authority (legal custody), not necessarily equal physical time. Courts may grant joint legal custody but award primary physical custody to one parent. 2. Common Law Marriage Misunderstanding: People often believe living…

Divorce is one of life’s most difficult transitions, and when children are involved, the emotional stakes are even higher. Parents often ask how they can protect their children from the stress of separation while still navigating legal and financial realities. The good news: with intentional choices, you can safeguard your child’s wellbeing and foster resilience.…

Divorce is never easy. It can feel overwhelming when emotions are raw or when you and your spouse don’t see eye to eye. In those moments, it’s natural to wonder if a respectful process is even possible. The truth is that collaboration can still be a realistic—and dignified—path forward. The collaborative divorce process is designed…

Divorce or separation doesn’t just reshape family dynamics—it can also impact financial stability and long-term planning. As a financial advisor, I’ve seen how unresolved conflict between coparents can ripple into every area of life, from household budgets to children’s emotional security. The good news: with the right strategies, families can reduce conflict and create a…

Update Your Estate Plan Revise your will, power of attorney, healthcare proxy, and beneficiary designations (life insurance, retirement accounts). Review and Adjust Insurance Policies Health, life, auto, and homeowners/renters insurance may need to be updated or replaced. If your spouse is paying child support or spousal support they need a Life policy on them for…

Divorce is more than the legal end of a marriage—it’s often the unraveling of a shared identity. For many, the roles of spouse, parent, or partner become so deeply woven into daily life that their sudden absence can feel like a loss of self. Who am I without this relationship? What does my future look…

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is one of the most emotionally charged and financially complex aspects of divorce. It’s not just about money, it’s about fairness, dignity, and helping both parties transition into their new lives. Whether you’re the one paying or receiving, understanding alimony is essential to making informed decisions. What are some…

Conflict is one of the most dreaded aspects of divorce. For many couples, the mere thought of confrontation evokes anxiety, defensiveness, and emotional fatigue. But avoiding conflict doesn’t make it disappear—it often festers beneath the surface, eroding trust and complicating resolution. At its core, the fear of conflict stems from vulnerability. Divorce exposes raw emotions:…

The question “Is my marriage over?” isn’t just a cry for clarity—it’s a whisper of pain, confusion, and longing. It often surfaces in quiet moments when communication feels strained, affection seems distant, or trust has been shaken. But asking it doesn’t mean your marriage is doomed. It means you care enough to wonder. Marriage, like…

Divorce: Navigating the Storm with Clarity and Compassion Divorce is more than a legal process—it’s a deeply personal upheaval that touches every corner of life. Whether you’re the one initiating it or trying to make sense of it, the journey can feel overwhelming. Here are the top three worries people often face when navigating divorce…

Divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. For parents who are considering separation but want to minimize emotional fallout, collaborative divorce offers a compassionate alternative to traditional litigation. Unlike adversarial court battles, collaborative divorce is a non-combative process where both spouses commit to resolving issues respectfully. Each party is supported by a team—typically…

Divorce is never easy. It’s a deeply personal, often painful process that touches every corner of a person’s life—emotional, financial, and familial. Traditionally, divorce has been synonymous with courtroom battles, adversarial attorneys, and high-stakes conflict. But there’s another way: collaborative divorce. For many couples, especially those seeking dignity, control, and compassion, collaborative divorce offers a…

Divorce mediation has emerged as a preferred alternative to traditional litigation, offering couples a more amicable, efficient and cost-effective way to navigate the challenging process of separating and ending a marriage. Unlike courtroom battles, mediation focuses on communication, compromise, and collaboration. Here are some key advantages of choosing divorce mediation. Firstly, divorce mediation fosters a…

In today’s fast-paced professional landscape, employers are increasingly recognizing the importance of supporting their employees through life’s challenges. One area where this support can make a significant difference is during divorce. Traditional litigated divorces often exacerbate stress and negatively impact job performance. Enter collaborative divorce—an innovative approach that not only benefits individuals but also contributes…

The once intelligent, together person that you were turns into an emotional, brain-fogged, unorganized basket case. You try hard to keep it together but you know this will not go down as ‘the best of times.’ You want to sit down and get it together and plan your future but feel paralyzed and surrounded by…

Divorce is a complex process, especially when it comes to dividing assets and debts, even if your divorce/dissolution is amicable or a Collaborative Divorce. One crucial concept that often arises during divorce proceedings in Ohio is “separate property.” Understanding what constitutes separate property, and how it affects the marital balance sheet, is essential. Additionally, it’s…

I often see divorce professionals telling clients things to make them feel better when the hard truth is needed. Things like nothing has to change financially for you or yes, you can keep the house. They tell you what you want you to hear which can lead to making some easily avoidable mistakes. Your household…

The QDRO is one of last hurdles in your dissolution/divorce. QDRO is an acronym for a legal document called a Qualified Domestic Relations Order and is required whenever a divorcing couple needs to divide a Qualified Retirement Account. Let’s clarify exactly what that is. A Qualified Plan is typically a retirement plan being held by…

In a word, Yes. If you already receive Social Security based on your spouse’s earnings record, you’ll continue to receive it as long as you live (or in some cases, until you remarry). If you don’t receive Social Security yet, you can apply for a reduced benefit when you turn 62 or wait until your…

When a marriage ends the paperwork that bound you two together ends as well. By that I mean it needs updated to reflect your new life. Some of the important documents that need your attention: Your Power or Attorney The Life Insurance policy. (Especially if your ex is paying you child and spousal support) Insurance…

Your divorce is final and Christmas is just months away. The anxiety that you will have Christmas day without the kids because your ex will have them is setting in. Is this the first time since the birth of your babies that you will be forced to spend at least part of the Holiday without…

I see it more often than I care to admit. Someone who just can’t move on. They hang onto bitterness, anger and resentment. Consciously or unconsciously, they choose to stay in a place that is painful, sad, and unproductive. The most unfortunate result of this brooding is what it does to our bodies. Research shows…

It probably comes as no surprise that individuals who ultimately decide to divorce had their first thought about that possibility more than two years before it actually happens! But even with early signs, the decision to dissolve a marriage is a very tough one. Why do we wait so long? Why do we sacrifice so…

I recently watched the 2015 documentary “Divorce Corp.”, available on Netflix. It’s a really frightening look at the corruption, collusion, and abuse that happens in the Family Court system. After you see it you’ll wonder, how does a person protect themselves? How do you know if your attorney is one of the “good ones”? Here…

As we get firmly settled into this new Millennium, one trend has firmly settled in with us: Baby Boomers divorcing at double the rate of their parents. As our life expectancies continue to increase, our attitudes about divorce/dissolution continue to evolve. And while it’s not still rapidly increasing, Boomer divorce is likely here to stay.…

When life brings you unforeseen challenges such as dissolution or divorce, making even simple decisions can seem overwhelming. Regardless of your role in the family finances before the separation it is crucial now, more than ever, that decisions be thoughtfully made. Having the right team of experts support you is vitally important. Below are some…

Spoke with a wife this morning looking to get some information about a divorce. She had done a fair amount of internet research and wanted to know more about Collaborative Divorce and mediated divorce. She landed on our website winwindivorce.org/ and reached out to me. I asked her to fill me in as to what…

Most couples going through divorce know that some level of Spousal Maintenance or Alimony is needed, but have no idea how much or how long. Most attorneys will go by your budget numbers, which in my experience are almost never accurate. Attorneys in traditional divorce are also paid to do their best for their clients…

Guys, can we talk for a moment. First off, we can all agree that divorce is the worst. Deciding to choose this thing called divorce comes with a lot of emotional baggage, the reality that your family will never be quite the same, and of course the money you had planned for retirement is possibly…

So, you find yourself facing a crisis in your marriage. You land on the side of divorce. Now that its decided, can you keep things ethical? Can you find a way to do what’s best for both of you? While only a small fraction of divorce cases today are actually litigated, that process is rooted…

As soon as you begin to contemplate divorce, the realization of splitting half of the family net worth kicks in and you find yourself wondering if it’s even worth it. If you’re just going to end up having to work longer before you can retire that is a valid question. There are ways to ensure…

For most people, the divorce process is emotionally draining and mentally exhausting. Many people describe it as a time of being frozen, numb or moving in slow motion. Despite that emotional and mental trauma, you will be expected to go through your finances with a fine-tooth comb to ensure that your settlement agreement is fair…

As soon as you decide to Google, Divorce Attorney, or Columbus Divorce, you are already thinking about your future and fears of your new financial reality. “I don’t make enough money to live on my own.” Or “How much of my income will I have to give up to support my spouse and the kids?”…

FINALLY! After an emotional roller coaster, you get that 8 ½ by 11 manila envelope with your divorce decree signed by the judge. You are officially a single person once again. You may celebrate, or you may mourn on that day, but stay focused, you’re not quite done yet. There are some critical items that…

Lost. Scared. Lonely. Shaken. Sad. Angry. Bitter. Relieved. Hopeful. These are just some of the stops along the emotional roller coaster that is divorce. It’s not anything that anyone should have to endure alone. Now that Divorce is so common, there are tons of resources available to help you survive the process with at least…