Month: August 2025

August 2025

Connecting the Dots

August 28, 2025 / Doing Divorce

“First, are you really lonely?” He challenged me in the chat box, “You seem to have many friends with various roles in your life. A few of your relationships seem deeply satisfying.” He was right. “He,” is a friend as far back as middle school now reconnected on social media along with a whole community of others. He pushed further, “Does being an introvert make you lonely? The way you talk about your hobbies in general indicate to me they give you great joy.” He was right – about all of it. In just that week alone, I had had a heart-to-heart with Susan, coffee

Are We Technically Married? The Truth About Common Law Marriage and Divorce in Iowa

August 25, 2025 / Divorce Made Simple, Divorce Tips, Legal Process

If you’ve been living with your partner, sharing a home, bills, or even a last name, you may wonder: are we legally married? In Iowa, the answer might be yes—even if you never had a wedding or a marriage license. That’s because Iowa recognizes common law marriage. And while the concept sounds simple, the reality is often complicated. What Is Common Law Marriage? A common law marriage is a legally valid marriage created without a ceremony or license. If the court finds one exists, you and your partner have the same rights as any other married couple, including the right

Protecting the Freedom to Marry in Nebraska: Our History, the Current Risk, and Steps You Can Take Now

August 18, 2025 / Divorce Made Simple, Legal Process

At Koenig | Dunne, we have always believed in the dignity of marriage for all couples. In 2014, we partnered with the ACLU of Nebraska to file the landmark federal lawsuit Waters v. Ricketts on behalf of seven courageous same-sex couples to secure the legal right to marry in Nebraska. On March 2, 2015, the U.S. District Court for Nebraska struck down Nebraska’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. This victory was not just a legal milestone, it was one of the most meaningful moments in our firm’s history. The Current Risk to Marriage Equality in Nebraska The freedom to marry

Letting Go

August 14, 2025 / Doing Divorce

My house was still on the eve of Anna’s first day of senior year. My stiff upper lip was fatigued and faltering. The mantra in my mind that I would see her tomorrow was of little comfort. The calendar was not my friend as this night before the start of high school landed on a “dad day.” This last “first day” was a milestone marker on her life path and I desperately wanted to share with her in the avalanche of emotion that was surely falling over both of us. I’ve been letting go of her since the day she

Mediation Mondays: When Kids Are Watching—Modeling Conflict Resolution

August 11, 2025 / Children, Divorce Made Simple, Divorce Tips, Mediation Mondays

Children notice more than we think. Even if they aren’t in the room, they can sense tension, overhear snippets of conversations, and pick up on the way their parents interact during conflict. For parents going through separation or divorce, every disagreement becomes a chance—consciously or not—to teach children how to handle challenges. Mediation offers a unique opportunity to model calm, respectful problem-solving, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Instead of seeing their parents argue in a courtroom or exchange heated words in the hallway, children can witness a process built on listening, cooperation, and compromise. This sends a powerful

Plan Ahead Parents (a/k/a What You Must Know As A Divorced Parent)

August 7, 2025 / Doing Divorce

“Please, there is no other time.” He pled with his ex-wife. In a twist that only divorced parents can appreciate, he was asking her to take their daughters dress shopping for his second wedding. They were leaving for the wedding on Friday – in three days. She sighed, knowing that her daughters needed dresses, but she had obligations on her calendar. His first attempt, two days prior was a complete and total disaster. The girls had arrived home Monday with new dresses. On Tuesday, she asked them to model, only to find the dresses were ill-fitting and too clingy for

Mediation Mondays: Starting the Conversation With Your Ex

August 4, 2025 / Divorce Made Simple, Divorce Tips, Mediation Mondays

Even when you believe mediation is the best path forward, bringing it up to your ex can feel daunting, especially if communication is strained or trust is low. But the truth is, how you start that conversation can make all the difference. The goal isn’t to convince them they’re wrong, it’s to open the door to a process that benefits both of you. Here are a few ways to approach it: 1. Keep it neutral.Avoid emotionally charged language or revisiting old arguments. Approach the topic calmly and respectfully, focusing on the present and the future. You might say, “I want