Blog

I am frequently asked by clients when compromise is warranted, especially if the process is contentious. This is a critically important question, as there is often a fine line between staying strong and setting appropriate boundaries and knowing when and how to be...

When my kids were younger, I was always conflicted as the school year started. I was ready for the return to routine but also reluctant to embrace everything that comes with the start of a new year: social stresses, homework, and a whole new batch of schedules to...

If you’re anywhere in the divorce process – even in an amicable divorce –  you’ve probably experienced periods where you’ve felt stressed and overwhelmed. What should you do first? Is this the right decision? Whose advice should you trust? It’s a brutal irony that we...

Divorce in Colorado is often expensive and painful experience for parties that gets worse when people can’t reach a settlement and end up in court. The Court systems are increasingly overburdened, understaffed and inexperienced when handling arguably the most...

Believe it or not, we got a guinea pig first. Pretzel was adorable but wasn’t the real companion I wanted for me and the kids. Then Ozzie made his way into our lives and changed everything. We couldn’t have a dog when I was married because my ex was too allergic to...

More than 25 years ago, my former mother-in-law died at 52 of breast cancer. She was an amazing woman: smart, accomplished, kind, generous, and a dedicated daughter, sister and mother. Her quick decline after a breast cancer diagnosis shocked all of us, including her....

Maybe it’s a back and forth about an upcoming event with the kids, or finances, or one of you requested a schedule change. Sometimes, the topic doesn’t matter at all – if you’re in a negative cycle, any communication can devolve into blaming and disparaging, causing...

A few months ago, I worked with a divorcing couple to help them set an amicable and intentional foundation from which to coparent and communicate with friends, family and each other as they transitioned their relationship. A few months after they completed their...

In any divorce involving children, talking to them about the situation is one of the hardest things you’ll do. Some thoughtful planning will help reduce their anxiety and yours and will help you stay focused on the kids during this tough conversation. Start by...

A critical aspect of defining a new relationship with your spouse / ex is figuring out how best to share important information in a timely and appropriate way. This can be challenging as it often requires unlearning habits that have been in place a long time. Not only...

You probably know that a “Hot Button” is an emotional or controversial issue or concern that triggers an immediate, intense reaction. Sound familiar? Most of us can think of at least one topic that can quickly turn a discussion into an epic meltdown, especially during...

Last month I wrote about how grateful I am that my moms – my mom and stepmom – made such an effort to create a respectful blended family, and the many ways in which their efforts have paid off over the years. As I noted in that post, my dad also played a critical role...

I’m in a Facebook group for divorced women 40+, and one of the most common threads of discussion involves the emotional rollercoaster so many of us experience as we work to adjust to this new reality. Of course, this is different for each person. I have a client who...

According to TherapistAid.com, personal boundaries are “the limits and rules we set for ourselves within relationships.” Setting healthy boundaries can be difficult even in the best of circumstances, so it’s understandable that it takes hard work and intention to...