Month: February 2026

February 2026

Substitute Spouses

February 19, 2026 / Doing Divorce

It was a startling statement. “You need to go to the hospital right now for a CT scan to rule out stroke.” I blinked without focusing and shook my head in disbelief. I had arrived at my doctor’s office with the confidence that she would give me an antibiotic to alleviate my self-diagnosed sinus infection (despite no actual symptoms). How else could I explain the pain in my head and the blind spots I was having in both eyes? A Google search had indicated it could be a sinus infection… I arrived at the hospital gripping the referral sheet –

Mediation Mondays: What Issues Can Be Resolved in Mediation

February 16, 2026 / Divorce Made Simple, Legal Process, Mediation Mondays

When people hear the word mediation, they often assume it’s limited to one or two topics—usually custody or “who gets what.” In reality, mediation is designed to address nearly every issue that must be resolved in a divorce or separation. It provides a structured, guided environment where both parties can work through decisions thoughtfully rather than reactively. The goal isn’t to rush through a checklist—it’s to create durable agreements that reflect your family’s unique needs. One of the most common areas addressed in mediation is parenting. This includes legal and physical custody, parenting time schedules, holiday rotations, transportation logistics, communication

Sacrificing Smiles

February 12, 2026 / Doing Divorce

She told a heartbreaking tale: Of a marriage long desired, of children finally born, and of it all unraveling after. Her marriage now finds itself in a house with two middle school age children and a spouse she barely considers a confidante. Intimacy of any kind deserted them more than a decade ago. And these words she spoke after finally meeting with the divorce lawyer to look at her options and dividing time with her children became real: “My happiness can wait. I will have time to be happy. I need to make the best of it as it is

Tips for Creating a Divorce Agreement You Can Live With

February 11, 2026 / Divorce Made Simple, Divorce Tips

Whatever disagreements may have attributed to your impending divorce, your goal should be to forge a divorce agreement that both parties can live with over time. The goal is not to be punitive; rather, it is to find a way to build new and separate lives where you both will thrive without bitterness or retribution. Keeping that in mind, here are some tips on creating a good divorce agreement: Understand your finances. If your spouse has always handled the financial stuff, it’s time to get educated about your financial picture. If you need help understanding them, hire a financial advisor

Added Bonus

February 5, 2026 / Doing Divorce

“This is unacceptable. Can I talk to your supervisor?” The woman was irritated and barking demands. I waited patiently in line to check my daughter in to Children’s Hospital for a shoulder injury. I was called up to the next available receptionist and beside the irate woman. “I do not understand how this happened,” she complained further. “She is NOT her mother. I am.” Ah. I began to understand. The receptionist explained that they had tried to call both parents and could not reach them. Stepmom had brought the child in for medical care and they were obligated to provide